NewsBreak Original

California has enacted a new recycling law that allows residents to earn cash by recycling wine and liquor bottlescoolers. This new measure, stemming from Senate Bills 1013 and 353, marks a significant expansion of the state's recycling initiatives.

In a move to combat the growing drug overdose crisis, Governor Gavin Newsom has announced his intention to sponsor legislation that aims to crack down on the deadly street drug known as "tranq." This drug, which contains the animal tranquilizer xylazine, has been causing havoc across the state, leading to increased overdose deaths and devastating effects on its users.

On October 8, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed the California Assembly Bill 1145, which aimed to add and repeal Section 3212.16 of the Labor Code relating to workers' compensation. This bill would have had significant implications for California workers if enacted.

In a disappointing turn of events, the proposed bill SB 44, also known as Alexandra's Law, has failed to pass in California. Introduced by Senators Umberg and Ochoa Bogh, this bill addressed the growing concern about substance abuse by imposing stricter penalties and providing crucial information to offenders. However, despite its noble intentions, SB 44 was returned to the Secretary of the Senate on November 29, 2023, under Joint Rule 62(a).

California has set a new national benchmark with its pioneering legislation on environmental transparency. The state's legislators have passed a bill that mandates comprehensive pollution disclosures from large companies, extending to their supply chain emissions. This landmark move positions California at the forefront of environmental accountability and corporate responsibility.

In October, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed and vetoed the last of hundreds of bills that state legislators sent to his desk. Because so many of these bills were justice-related, WitnessLA has broken the list up into multiple stories highlighting individual categories. Earlier stories in this series looked at bills addressing conditions of incarceration in California and policing issues . In this week’s story, we wanted to update readers on the fate of the 2023 bills that impact justice system-involved kids and make changes to school discipline laws.

Paid Sick Leave May See Increase as California Looks to Enact New Law for Sick Days. The California government is mulling over a potential law to enhance the minimum paid sick leave for laborers in the region. Currently, most staff members have a right to at least 24 hours or three days of paid sick leave annually. However, if the proposed law passes, this minimum is set to balloon to a week's paid sick leave each year. The legislation would also change how sick days accumulate, giving workers more leeway and a sense of protection when taking time off to care for their kin or themselves.

Congresswoman Julia Brownley of California recently proposed the Amend the Code for Marriage Equality Act. This groundbreaking legislation aims to create more equality by removing gendered terms such as "husband" and "wife" from federal laws and replacing them with the word "spouse," which is more inclusive.

In an ambitious move to minimize food wastage, California state representative Jacqui Irwin has spearheaded a legislative push to standardize 'sell by' and 'use by' labels on perishable goods. A move broadly supported by environmental advocacy groups such as the Natural Resources Defense Council and Californians Against Waste, yet met with opposition from a number of agricultural industry groups.

In a groundbreaking legislative move, California is taking steps to ensure a secure future for its mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters. A recently proposed bill, Assembly Bill 1136, aims to establish a pension fund specifically for these athletes, marking a significant milestone in recognizing and addressing the long-term needs of those involved in one of the world's fastest-growing sports.

The issue of mental health is becoming increasingly recognized in the United States, and funding for support services is being allocated to help those in need. San Diego County supervisors have recently approved a new three-year, $848 million Mental Health Services Act plan to increase spending for programs that aid children, youth, families, adults, and older adults suffering from severe mental illness or crises.

In an unprecedented move that is shifting the paradigm of healthcare, California lawmakers are striving to redefine "infertility" in a manner that would provide men access to fertility treatments. With an aim to bring about equality in fertility treatments, this radical legislation, identified as S.B. 729, could be a breakthrough in the realm of LGBTQ+ rights and healthcare.

California has faced many challenges lately, with insurance companies leaving the state. And now, another issue threatens to affect the fast-food franchise model. The California Assembly has approved Assembly Bill 1228, Fast food restaurant franchisors and franchisees: joint liability, also known as the Fast Food Franchisor Responsibility Act (FFFRA). The state Senate is now reviewing it. If passed, this law could have significant implications for the fast-food franchise model in California.

Seventy-one percent of Americans support same-sex couples having the right to marry. This is true regardless of their political affiliation. This level of acceptance is unprecedented. Now, lawmakers have introduced Assembly Constitutional Amendment 5. This would change the language in the California constitution to protect same-sex couples, making same-sex marriage a basic right in California.

California's cannabis industry is facing significant development with the passing of Assembly Bill 374. The new bill permits cannabis retailers and micro businesses to sell non-cannabis-infused food and drinks. Additionally, they can host live performances. This is exciting news for entrepreneurs looking to capitalize on the growing cannabis market in California.

California is providing $95 million in aid to those affected by floods, focusing on those without documentation. The Department of Social Services announced the funds will be distributed in June. Gov. Gavin Newsom previously promised state funds, but few specifics were provided.

The California Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) has become a significant concern for many businesses registered in Orange County. As PAGA lawsuits continue to affect companies in Orange County, it's crucial to understand their impact on employers and employees. In addition, settlements for PAGA violations can range from $500,000 to over $3.5 Million, which can be a significant financial burden for businesses.

In a world where children are the most vulnerable and innocent, it is appalling that human trafficking of minors is still prevalent. The passing of Senate Bill 14 in California is a sign of hope. It is a step towards justice for those who have been wronged.

California's 'Suspense Day' quietly snuffs Assembly Bill 595 Animal shelters: 72-hour public notice: euthanasia: study (AB 595). The bill was written to prevent healthy and adoptable dogs from being put down, often because of animal shelter overcrowding.

The California Assembly has passed innovative legislation that could change how processed food is manufactured and consumed. AB 418 bans five additives from processed food, & was recently passed with an overwhelming 54-11 vote.