​(August 24, 2012) A bill that would have prevented employers from legitimately inquiring into an applicant’s employment history, out of fear of being charged with discrimination, has been amended in response to opponents’ concerns and therefore is no longer on the California Chamber of Commerce-opposed “job killer” list.

As amended, AB 1450 (Allen; D-Santa Rosa) removes the threat of frivolous litigation for inquiring into an applicant’s most recent employment background.

The bill previously unfairly targeted state contractors by imposing a three-year debarment from state contracts if the business was found to have violated the provisions of AB 1450. The provision in essence provided a hiring preference for the unemployed with state contractors

‘Job Killer Mandates Still Alive

With one week to go before the Legislature adjourns for the year, eight “job killer” bills that impose unnecessary burdens on California employers are awaiting action by the full Senate or Assembly.

The CalChamber opposes these proposals and is encouraging members to speak out in opposition.

Barriers to Economic Recovery

AB 2408 (Skinner; D-Berkeley) Creates Inequity in the Tax Structure — Harms struggling small businesses and start-ups by repealing the Net Operating Loss (NOL) carryback deduction, a lifeline that helps employers stay afloat, retain employees, and continue investing in their businesses in an economic downturn. Senate Floor.

Costly Workplace Mandates

AB 1313 (Allen; D-Santa Rosa) Increased Cost on Agricultural Employers — Drives up the cost of commodities to consumers by removing the existing overtime exemption allowed for agricultural employers. Senate Floor.

AB 2346 (Butler; D-Los Angeles) Increased Cost of Food — Could increase the price of food and force growers to move their crop production to other states and countries, thereby hurting California exports, by creating unprecedented and excessive consequences for perceived and actual violations of heat illness prevention regulations. Senate Floor.

Fuel Price Increases

AB 1532 (John A. Pérez; D-Los Angeles) Illegal Tax Increase — Increases energy costs, including fuel prices, on consumers and businesses by allocating funds from an illegal tax to various programs that are not necessary to cost-effectively implement the market-based trading mechanism under AB 32. Senate Floor.

SB 535 (De León; D-Los Angeles) Illegal Tax Increase — Increases energy costs, including fuel prices, on consumers and businesses by allocating funds from an illegal tax to various programs that are not necessary to cost-effectively implement the market-based trading mechanism under AB 32. Assembly Floor.

SB 1572 (Pavley; D-Agoura Hills) Illegal Tax Increase — Increases energy costs, including fuel prices, on consumers and businesses by allocating funds from an illegal tax to various programs that are not necessary to cost-effectively implement the market-based trading mechanism under AB 32. Assembly Floor.

Expensive, Unnecessary Regulatory Burdens

SB 568 (A. Lowenthal; D-Long Beach) Polystyrene Food Container Ban — Threatens thousands of manufacturing jobs within the state by inappropriately banning all food vendors from using polystyrene foam food service containers, ignoring the numerous environmental benefits associated with polystyrene products. Assembly Floor.
Inflated Liability Costs

SB 1528 (Steinberg; D-Sacramento) Inflates Litigation and Insurance Costs — Artificially inflates medical damage awards in personal injury cases by allowing an injured party to recover expenses never actually incurred, which will ultimately increase legal costs as well as insurance rates. Assembly Floor.