On June 10, 2024, the Southwest California Legislative Council (SWCLC) gathered for a significant and insightful meeting. This session, held at the Southwest Riverside County Association of Realtors (SRCAR), was packed with reviews of legislative bills, discussions on the Governor's Budget Plan, and strategic decisions that could shape the region's future. Here's a detailed recap of the key topics and decisions from the meeting.

Governor's Budget Plan

Chris Collier, the Legislative Consultant, kicked off the meeting with an update on the Governor's Budget Plan. With an extreme budget shortfall this year, numerous cuts are on the horizon. This news set the tone for the session, emphasizing the importance of strategic decision-making in the face of fiscal challenges. A full summary of the Joint Legislative Budget Plan can be seen here.

Bill Reviews

During the June meeting, the council examined 12 bills, taking positions and discussing their status. Here are some highlights:

AB 1990: (Carrillo, Wendy, D) Criminal procedure: arrests: shoplifting.
This bill addresses misdemeanor shoplifting offenses for items totaling $950 or less. It allows law enforcement officers to make warrantless arrests based on probable cause, even if they weren't present during the crime. The SWCLC voted to support this bill, viewing it as a tool to deter and address retail theft effectively.

AB 2550: (Gabriel, D) Business establishments: building standards: retail food safety.
Aimed at reforming outdated building codes and regulations, this bill seeks to provide relief to small businesses by updating regulations that haven't kept pace with technological changes. The SWCLC voted to support this bill, recognizing the need to reduce barriers for small businesses.

AB 2863: (Schiavo, D) Automatic renewal and continuous service offers.
This bill requires businesses to obtain a consumer's affirmative consent to automatic renewals or continuous service separately from other contract portions. The SWCLC voted to oppose this bill, citing the added complexity and burden it would place on businesses and consumers.

SB 1446: (Smallwood-Cuevas, D) Grocery establishment and retail drug establishment employees: self-service checkout and consequential workplace technology.
This bill would restrict grocery and retail drug establishments from providing more than two self-service checkout stations monitored by one employee and would impose other stringent conditions. The SWCLC opposed this bill due to its potential to stifle business growth, innovation, and competitiveness.

The SWCLC has been busy this year, reviewing a total of 59 bills. To view the update on the positions taken, click here.

Support for SB 1524

Post-meeting, the California Restaurant Association requested support for SB 1524. This bill aims to add clarity to customer transparency requirements, thereby reducing litigation burdens. The SWCLC agreed to write a letter of support, aligning with the restaurant association's goals. For more information about the background of California's restaurant transparency laws, click here.  

Looking Ahead

This June meeting highlighted the critical role of the SWCLC in navigating complex legislative landscapes and advocating for the community's best interests. We encourage all business professionals and community members to stay engaged and informed as we continue to work towards a prosperous future for Southwest Riverside County.

The next SWCLC meeting is scheduled for August 12, 2024, at 11:30 AM at the Southwest Riverside County Association of Realtors (SRCAR). Please mark your calendars and stay tuned for more updates on the legislative landscape and how it impacts our community. To join the email list, click here.

For more information about the Southwest California Legislative Council, please visit www.southwestca.org.

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Founded in 2004, the Southwest California Legislative Council is an advocacy coalition of the Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Murrieta/Wildomar, Hemet/San Jacinto, and Temecula Valley Chambers of Commerce representing more than 3,500 employers dedicated to promoting job growth, economic expansion, and preserving the overall global competitiveness of California.