CLFP Works on Key Issues as Legislative Deadlines Approach

CLFP is working on a number of key issues as the deadline for fiscal bills to be passed out of policy committees is April 29 and the deadline for non-fiscal bills is May 6.

A number of labor bills are top priorities for CLFP as they would have a major impact on food processors and all businesses throughout California. CLFP is opposing bills relating to COVID-19 workplace notifications, employee leave, non-discrimination mandates for marijuana use and the collection and public release of company pay data. All of these measures add substantial burdens on employers and will lead to more litigation exposure.

CLFP is also engaging in a key climate change measure that includes mandatory tracking, auditing and a cap on climate emissions that will impact the competitiveness of California food processors and increase costs.

There are also a number of water issues that CLFP is working on, including a bill to add an environmental justice representative on the State Water Resources Control Board and the regional water boards and require that environmental justice issues be considered in the issuance of water quality permits. Another measure that CLFP is opposing would circumvent the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act by requiring the issuance of an extraction permit in critically over drafted basins.

Additionally, CLFP is strongly opposed to a measure that would create an unprecedented ban on warehouses and logistics use projects based on environmental concerns irrespective of whether there are any real environmental impacts of a project. The measure usurps local authority over land use decisions and exacerbates supply chain problems.

The deadline for the Senate and the Assembly to pass bills out of their house is May 27.

Written by CLFP Government Affairs Director Trudi Hughes.