Thursday, August 9, 2018

August is the final month of this two-year legislative session and several bad bills remain:
 
AB 1654 (Rubio D-Baldwin Park) would exempt unionized workers in the construction industry from the ability to pursue a civil action for an alleged violation of Labor Law protections if the worker is covered by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Sponsored by the Carpenters union - 1654 will undoubtedly be used as an inducement to contractors to sign up. (Oppose)
 
AB 3018 (Low D-Campbell) would Impose a $5,000 civil penalty per month of work performed in violation on a contractor or subcontractor if the Labor Commissioner determines after an investigation that that entity failed to use a skilled and trained workforce in accordance with this bill. A contractor or subcontractor that commits a second or subsequent violation within a three-year period would be subject to a $10,000 fine per month and debarment for up to three years. (Oppose)
 
AB 3030 (Caballero D-Salinas) Exempts from CEQA a project that is financed by a qualified opportunity fund and that meets certain requirements. It requires the payment of prevailing wages and use of a Skilled and Trained Workforce (unless there is a PLA) and penalizes contractors similar to AB 3018. (Oppose)
 
A message from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce: Trade works. Tariffs don't. Tariffs raise costs and reduce exports. All of which means fewer jobs. See how hard your state will be hit here.