Earlier this month, the California Supreme Court decided a case that determines whether federal law preempts a California law enacted in 2019 that regulates when arbitration fees must be paid. The California Chamber of Commerce joined other groups in filing a friend-of-the-court brief in the case of Hohenshelt v. Superior Court. The court ruling addresses […] The post State High Court Rules on Arbitration Fee Payments appeared first on CalChamber Alert.| CalChamber Alert
Recently, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) sent a memorandum to all federal agencies providing guidance for federal-funding recipients on applying federal antidiscrimination laws to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs. Though this memo is directed primarily toward federal-funding recipients, it may be helpful for all private employers, who are covered by federal law, as […] The post US Justice Department Issues Guidance on Diversity Programs appeared first on CalChamber Alert.| CalChamber Alert
What is happening with the fall protection standard that Cal/OSHA has been working on since 2019? The Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (OSHSB) has adopted revised Construction Safety Orders Section 1635 to address fall protection related to structural steel erection, specifically fall protection around floor openings and leading edges. The Western Steel Council and […] The post Revised Rule on ‘Floor Openings’ Fall Protection Takes Effect Oct. 1 appeared first on CalChambe...| CalChamber Alert
Starting August 29, imported goods sent through means other than the international postal network that are valued at or under $800 and that would otherwise qualify for the de minimis exemption will be subject to duties. President Trump signed an executive order on July 31 that suspended duty-free de minimis treatment for low-value shipments. The […] The post Executive Order Will Levy Duties on Low-Value Imports from World At-Large appeared first on CalChamber Alert.| CalChamber Alert
California legislators return to the State Capitol on Monday to face a busy agenda with just four weeks left before their interim recess. The hearing schedule for the Senate Appropriations Committee lists dozens of pending bills that the California Chamber of Commerce is tracking on behalf of our members and the business community. The Assembly […] The post Legislature Returns for Busy Final Month appeared first on CalChamber Alert.| CalChamber Alert
In Episode 231 of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber General Counsel, Labor and Employment Bianca Saad and CalChamber Senior Policy Advocate Ashley Hoffman discuss recent California regulations and legislation related to automated decision-making systems (ADS) and technology — colloquially known as artificial intelligence (AI). First, to address the use of ADS in employment practices, the California […] The post Pending Automated Decision-Making Systems Legislation, Regulations appeared fi...| CalChamber Alert
We had a physical fight break out between two employees. Does this type of situation trigger workplace violence rules and requirements? The short answer is: Yes. Workplace violence definitions include acts or threats of physical violence, including acts between employees. Employers are required to provide a safe workplace and to take steps to minimize the […] The post Fight without Witnesses Triggers Workplace Violence Prevention Rule appeared first on CalChamber Alert.| CalChamber Alert
The following list summarizes top priority bills for the California Chamber of Commerce and their status as of July 18, when the Legislature began its summer recess. The post CalChamber Status Update Report on Major Legislation for Business appeared first on CalChamber Alert.| CalChamber Alert
The latest draft plan for managing the Bay-Delta system continues to include a California Chamber of Commerce-supported option that balances the diverse needs of urban, agricultural and environmental water uses while preventing reduced water supplies for the state. The draft update to the Bay-Delta Water Quality Plan was released on July 24 by the State […] The post Updated Plan for Bay-Delta System Balances Needs of State Water Users appeared first on CalChamber Alert.| CalChamber Alert
Celebrations in support of Ukraine kicked off this month with a breakfast gathering in the Sacramento area. The Ukrainian American House, located in Rancho Cordova, is a hub for the Ukrainian American population. In early August, the California Chamber of Commerce participated in the Ukrainian American House Business and Community Breakfast. It was a precursor […] The post CalChamber, California Show Support for Rebuilding Ukraine appeared first on CalChamber Alert.| CalChamber Alert
In Episode 230 of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber General Counsel, Labor and Employment Bianca Saad, CalChamber Associate General Counsel, Labor and Employment Matthew Roberts and CalChamber Senior Employment Law Counsel Erika Barbara discuss mid-year employment law updates.| CalChamber Alert
Initial findings from five months of weekly virtual meetings with maritime and intermodal stakeholders were presented on June 1 at a virtual summit of the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC).| CalChamber Alert
Monthly Archives: August 2025| CalChamber Alert
In comments submitted recently to Cal/OSHA, a coalition led by the California Chamber of Commerce continues its ongoing effort to make sure the workplace violence prevention standard will be workable for small businesses and large employers alike. The comments reiterate that the standard shouldn’t blur the line between hazards created at the workplace and those […] The post CalChamber Continues Push to Make Rule Workable appeared first on CalChamber Alert.| CalChamber Alert
Last week, Alexis Rodriguez joined the California Chamber of Commerce as a policy advocate specializing in health care and taxation issues. She joined the CalChamber policy team after serving as manager of state government affairs at Sutter Health, responsible for developing legislation for the Sacramento-based nonprofit integrated health system, directing its lobbyists’ efforts and collaborating […] The post CalChamber Names New Policy Advocate for Health Care, Taxation appeared first on...| CalChamber Alert
We are a nonprofit organization, and have an on-site library staffed by volunteers. We want to invite youth/minors to volunteer for these roles as well. What do we need to consider to use volunteers for these roles? What documentation should we provide or have them sign? Volunteers In general, in a for-profit organization, the people […] The post Who Is a Volunteer? Best Practices for Adult and Minor Volunteers appeared first on CalChamber Alert.| CalChamber Alert
The California Chamber of Commerce voiced disappointment last week after the California Privacy Protection Agency approved sweeping regulations covering the use of automated decision-making technology (ADMT). In a statement released July 24, the day the agency approved the regulations, CalChamber said: “The regulations approved by board members of the California Privacy Protection Agency are primed […] The post CalChamber Disappointed by Privacy Agency’s Automated Decision-Making Techno...| CalChamber Alert
In Episode 229 of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber General Counsel, Labor and Employment Bianca Saad and CalChamber Employment Law Subject Matter Expert Vanessa Greene discuss common misconceptions about California’s general industry workplace violence prevention standards and how employers can proactively remain in compliance.| CalChamber Alert
While the details have changed several times, tariffs are key to this administration. As this story was being prepared for publication, August 1 is the expiration date for some countries’ tariff rates and the start of revised tariff rates for other nations.| CalChamber Alert
A new report by Capitol Matrix Consulting, commissioned by the California Chamber of Commerce, concludes that Assembly Bill 566 (AB 566) poses a significant threat to California’s consumers, small businesses, and the fundamental structure of the digital economy.| CalChamber Alert
Monthly Archives: May 2025| CalChamber Alert
Monthly Archives: April 2025| CalChamber Alert
In Episode 214 of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts and immigration law experts Greg Berk and Andrew Desposito discuss employer obligations during federal immigration raids and audits.| CalChamber Alert
Monthly Archives: July 2025| CalChamber Alert
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law a series of bills to enact the state budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, a $321 billion spending plan that erased a projected $12 billion deficit largely through delayed cuts and dollars borrowed from a variety of state special funds.| CalChamber Alert
A package of budget-related bills that include changes to how environmental laws are applied to some types of housing in urban areas was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom last week.| CalChamber Alert
One of our employees is continually short on their cash drawer. Can we deduct the shortage from the employee’s tips if the employee agrees to the deduction?| CalChamber Alert
A California Chamber of Commerce- supported bill to help grow and retain jobs in one of California’s signature industries has been signed into law.| CalChamber Alert
August 1 is the new expiration date for some countries’ tariff rates and the start of revised tariff rates for other nations.| CalChamber Alert
Last week, the California Chamber of Commerce launched its “Rate Realities” campaign to raise awareness about the true drivers behind California’s electricity costs while highlighting the risks in proposals under consideration by the California Legislature.| CalChamber Alert
A working luncheon in Sacramento enabled longtime trade allies from the California Chamber of Commerce and leading associations of Japanese businesses to exchange thoughts on current issues.| CalChamber Alert
The California Chamber of Commerce joined more than 160 other organizations on July 7 in once again urging the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to refrain from imposing proposed actions against China that will hurt U.S. businesses and consumers instead of deterring China’s broader maritime ambitions.| CalChamber Alert
In Episode 228 of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts, Sheppard Mullins Partner Greg Berk and Sheppard Mullins Special Counsel Andrew Desposito discuss the recent changes in how the federal government is enforcing immigration policies and procedures, and how employers can prepare their workplace and employees if Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials show up.| CalChamber Alert
Monthly Archives: March 2025| CalChamber Alert
Monthly Archives: June 2025| CalChamber Alert
Legislation that could saddle California business owners with significant new costs passed an Assembly policy committee this week.| CalChamber Alert
To help employers, the California Chamber of Commerce has put together a web page with links to federal, state and CalChamber resources about immigration law.| CalChamber Alert
Can our new hires sign one-time blanket meal break waivers, or does the employee need to sign a written waiver each time he or she waives a meal break?| CalChamber Alert
A celebration in Inglewood last month marked the expansion of a Google program started a decade ago to help high school students learn the skills they need and find inspiration to pursue careers in technology. Code Next Inglewood is the fourth location nationwide and the second in California for the free program.| CalChamber Alert
Last week, the California Chamber of Commerce joined more than 225 trade associations and other supply chain stakeholders in urging the federal administration to work with them to address concerns about anticipated port congestion and supply chain disruption.| CalChamber Alert
In Episode 227 of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts and Employment Law Subject Matter Expert Vanessa Greene discuss several important considerations employers face when navigating workers’ compensation claims in California.| CalChamber Alert
Experts shaping California’s environmental future came to Sacramento earlier this month to present a briefing on their groundbreaking studies examining efforts to reduce carbon emissions.| CalChamber Alert
Insurance and risk management basics and the factors contributing to the insurance crisis were the focus of a briefing for legislators and staff members co-hosted by the California Foundation for Commerce and Education (CFCE) and Senator Susan Rubio, chair of the California Senate Insurance Committee.| CalChamber Alert
CalChamber Expands Executive Team with Seasoned Comms Strategist| CalChamber Alert
Business Outlook Brings State Businesses Together| CalChamber Alert
The California Chamber of Commerce is the largest, broad-based business advocate to government in California, working at the state and federal levels to influence government actions affecting all California business. As a not-for-profit, we leverage our front-line knowledge of laws and regulations to provide affordable and easy-to-use compliance products and services.| CalChamber Alert
Business leaders from around the state gathered in Sacramento on June 4 for the California Business Outlook and Dinner.| CalChamber Alert
In acting to set aside costly policy proposals and mitigate the burdensome costs in others, members of the California Legislature agreed last week to take into consideration the important issue of affordability as urged by the California Chamber of Commerce.| CalChamber Alert
We received a Notice of Inspection from the federal government requesting documents related to our Form I-9s and other business documents. How do we respond to this notice?| CalChamber Alert
Candidates for California Governor appeared at the June 4 California Business Outlook dinner.| CalChamber Alert
Following are remarks as delivered by Maryam S. Brown, 2025 chair of the California Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, at the first California Business Outlook Dinner on June 4.| CalChamber Alert
In Episode 225 of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Labor and Employment General Counsel Bianca Saad and CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts discuss what employers are required to do annually to comply with general industry workplace violence prevention standards.| CalChamber Alert
In Episode 226 of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts and CalChamber Senior Policy Advocate Ashley Hoffman discuss pending employment-related legislation, including bills on CalChamber’s Affordability Agenda, in the California Legislature.| CalChamber Alert
The California Chamber of Commerce has named 12 local chambers of commerce as recipients of the 2025 President’s Circle Award.| CalChamber Alert
The California Chamber of Commerce has chosen the Redlands Chamber of Commerce as the inaugural winner of its Chamber of the Year Award.| CalChamber Alert
Four small businesses — two hurt by January’s Eaton Fire — were presented with $5,000 grants at the California Business Outlook dinner on June 4.| CalChamber Alert
In Episode 224 of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber experts discuss employers’ questions about furloughs, layoffs and reducing employees’ work hours to manage workforces during times of economic uncertainty while still being able to conduct business.| CalChamber Alert
A new forecast from Visit California anticipates overall visitation in the state to decline by 0.7% in 2025.| CalChamber Alert
A study released this month underscores the importance of foreign direct investment to the California economy.| CalChamber Alert
Procurement opportunities and resources in California were the focus of the second quarter meeting of the CalChamber Small Business Policy Council on April 25.| CalChamber Alert
As many as 100 governments around the world have indicated an interest in negotiating tariffs with the Trump administration following the rapid series of trade policy announcements by President Donald Trump.| CalChamber Alert
This week, the California Chamber of Commerce announced its Affordability Agenda, a bold approach to highlight legislation that helps businesses and consumers by cutting costs, as well as those policies that drive costs up as Californians worry about day-to-day living expenses.| CalChamber Alert
More information to evaluate the full impact of federal tariffs and reciprocal tariffs on the California economy will become available if a California Chamber of Commerce-supported bill becomes law.| CalChamber Alert
I recently hired a transgender employee. Some employees have told me that using pronouns which don’t align with someone’s biological sex goes against their religious beliefs, while others expressed discomfort with this employee using the restroom that matches their gender identity. I want to respect everyone’s beliefs. How should I handle this?| CalChamber Alert
In Episode 220 of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts, Senior Employment Law Counsel Erika Barbara and Employment Law Subject Matter Expert Vanessa Greene cover the often-overlooked soft skills supervisors need to lead their teams successfully.| CalChamber Alert
The California Chamber of Commerce joined more than 300 other organizations last week in urging the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to refrain from imposing proposed actions against China that will hurt U.S. businesses and consumers instead of deterring China’s broader maritime ambitions.| CalChamber Alert
President Donald Trump’s trade policy announcements continued to create uncertainty this week, as well as affecting consumer prices, the stock market and consumer confidence.| CalChamber Alert
The deadline is approaching rapidly to submit applications for the California Chamber of Commerce Small Business Awards, honoring four outstanding businesses with $5,000 grants. Applications close on April 11.| CalChamber Alert
A new research brief from the University of Southern California highlights California’s national leadership in women-owned businesses, finding that the state is home to 1.5 million women-led companies — more than any other state — among other key insights.| CalChamber Alert
Local chamber of commerce executive Rana Ghadban will be joining the California Chamber of Commerce next month as vice president of small business advocacy.| CalChamber Alert
We terminated an employee, and she has filed a claim for unemployment benefits. We want to fight her claim because she was fired for falsifying accounting records, a violation of company policy. Can you please explain the type of “misconduct” that will result in a denial of unemployment benefits?| CalChamber Alert
Given the importance of exports to the California economy, there is understandable concern among California’s internationally focused companies specific to the Trump administration’s on-and-off tariffs and the potential economic blowback that retaliatory tariffs could have from some of our state’s existing trading partners if tariffs do, in the end, go through as originally planned.| CalChamber Alert
In Episode 219 of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts, Senior Employment Law Counsel Erika Barbara and Employment Law Subject Matter Expert Vanessa Greene tackle what is often referred to as “hard” compliance skills necessary for supervisors to help maintain a liability-free workplace in California.| CalChamber Alert
Responding to concerns about the cost and workability of draft plastic recycling regulations, Governor Gavin Newsom directed CalRecycle to redo the rules and the agency complied earlier this month.| CalChamber Alert
California Governor Gavin Newsom and Sonora, Mexico Governor Alfonso Durazo Montaño witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on March 17 at a ceremony held at the Stanford Mansion in Sacramento...Before the MOU signing, the California Chamber of Commerce hosted a small luncheon for Governor Durazo, Mexico Consul General Christian Tonatiuh González Jiménez based in Sacramento, and Dr. Francisco Acuña Méndez.| CalChamber Alert
Last week my company (which operates 24 hours a day) had several employees call out sick at the last minute. As a result, we had to require one of our employees to work two consecutive shifts, back-to-back. The employee worked from 4 p.m., Thursday afternoon until 8 a.m., Friday morning. I need to understand what our overtime requirements are in this situation.| CalChamber Alert
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that the fiscal year 2026 H-1B cap initial registration period will open at noon Eastern on Friday, March 7, 2025, and run until noon Eastern on Monday, March 24, 2025.| CalChamber Alert
The California Chamber of Commerce and a broad coalition of business groups are urging state leaders to deliver on the commitments made in California’s 2022–2023 Budget to provide $750 million to California’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) Fund.| CalChamber Alert
Jon Kendrick joined the California Chamber of Commerce in January 2025 as a policy advocate focused on energy, climate, and transportation policy issues.| CalChamber Alert
What is the status of changes to the Cal/OSHA regulation for construction in confined spaces?| CalChamber Alert
Registration is now open for the first CalChamber California Business Outlook and Dinner, a new event that merges the former Capitol Summit and Sacramento Host Breakfast.| CalChamber Alert
In Episode 215 of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts and Senior Employment Law Counsel Erika Barbara discuss California’s paid sick leave law, sharing best practices to ensure compliance and avoid legal pitfalls.| CalChamber Alert
On February 20, the California Chamber of Commerce will present a webinar that will provide attendees with the tools and knowledge to develop and update employee handbooks that are both practical and compliant, while also offering best practices for consistent policy enforcement.| CalChamber Alert
Cal/OSHA held the first open discussion of its workplace violence safety regulation for general industry at an all-day advisory committee meeting on January 24.| CalChamber Alert
Naseem Moeel joined the California Chamber of Commerce in January 2025 as vice president of corporate relations, dedicated to working with CalChamber members to continue their engagement and opportunities for growth.| CalChamber Alert
We have more than one employee who have requested extensions of their family leave (for various reasons). Do we have to grant these extensions, or can we terminate their employment?| CalChamber Alert
After a flurry of activity over last weekend and into Monday, President Donald Trump put on hold for 30 days the 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico (except a 10% tariff for Canadian oil). His 10% tariffs on China went into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday.| CalChamber Alert
The California Chamber of Commerce and a diverse coalition of organizations highlighted the far-reaching economic impacts of proposed changes to water management within the San Francisco Bay/Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Bay-Delta) system in a comment letter submitted to the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) on January 10.| CalChamber Alert
The California Chamber of Commerce and the California Restaurant Association (CRA) are urging a federal court to stop the implementation of a new California law that chills employer speech on a broad range of matters, known as SB 399 (Wahab; D-Hayward).| CalChamber Alert
2025 brings numerous employment law updates, so here’s a quick reminder of the new changes that employers should be prepared for, including:| CalChamber Alert
In 2025, we would like to pay all our employees by direct deposit. We have a couple of employees who do not have direct deposit, and it can be challenging to get their paychecks to them on time. Can we require every employee to enroll in direct deposit?| CalChamber Alert
This week, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) reached a tentative agreement on all items for a new six-year Master Contract.| CalChamber Alert
The California Chamber of Commerce has joined a coalition of 267 federal, state and local trade associations in urging East/Gulf Coast labor and management leaders to resume port labor negotiations.| CalChamber Alert
In the final days of the legislative session, a number of bills supported by the California Chamber of Commerce passed the Legislature and now await action by the Governor.| CalChamber Alert
CalChamber’s PAGA Wage and Hour Compliance Toolkit is now available for immediate download, offering businesses critical support to comply with the latest Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) reform measures.| CalChamber Alert
After returning from their summer recess on Monday, in the next few weeks, legislators will be making critical decisions that will shape the future of our state’s business climate.| CalChamber Alert
An artificial intelligence (AI) bill opposed by the California Chamber of Commerce and other groups, was sent to the Assembly Appropriations Committee Suspense File this week. SB 1047 (Wiener; D-San Francisco) enacts the Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models Act.| CalChamber Alert
Our indoor office is air conditioned. Does our business need to include the indoor heat illness requirements in our Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP)?| CalChamber Alert
Sonora’s strategic advantages in the manufacturing of renewable energy and potential to become the “Silicon Valley of Mexico” was the focus of the 15th Annual Mexico Advocacy Day International Forum presentation on August 7.| CalChamber Alert
In Episode 202 of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel Matthew Roberts and PPIC researchers Sarah Bohn and Hans Johnson discuss how remote work is reshaping the California labor market.| CalChamber Alert
