Three Employment-Related ‘Job Killer’ Bills Held in Committee
(August 9, 2012) Three California Chamber of Commerce-opposed “job killer” bills that increase employer exposure to discrimination litigation and burdensome leave requirements were held on the Senate Appropriations Committee suspense file this week pending review of the bills’ fiscal impact.
- AB 1450 (Allen; D-Santa Rosa) subjects employers to unjustified charges of discrimination for legitimately inquiring into an applicant’s most recent employment history.
- AB 1999 (Brownley; D-Santa Monica) makes it virtually impossible for employers to manage their employees and exposes them to a higher risk of litigation by expanding the Fair Employment and Housing Act to include a protected classification for any person who is, perceived, or associated with a family caregiver.
- AB 2039 (Swanson; D-Alameda) creates a burdensome, California-only mandated benefit that significantly expands the category of individuals with serious health conditions for whom an employee can take a leave of absence beyond what is currently included under the federal Family Medical Leave Act.
Earlier this week CalChamber released two segments of CalChamber News highlighting these bills.
The first segment focused on AB 1450 because it would essentially prohibit employers from legitimately inquiring into an applicant’s most recent employment history, due to fear that such an inquiry will ultimately lead to penalties and costs on the basis that the applicant was discriminated against because of his or her status as unemployed.
The second segment discussed AB 1999 and AB 2039. The bills would add significant burdens to California employers by expanding the Fair Employment and Housing Act to create a new protected classification for family caregivers as well as increase the number of employees who can take protected leave under the California Family Rights Act.
Action Needed
AB 1450, AB 1999 and AB 2039 will be considered by the Senate Appropriations Committee when it meets next and may be voted off the suspense file and sent to the full Senate for a vote.