(August 6, 2012) The California Chamber of Commerce has released two new installments of CalChamber News focusing on “job killer” bills scheduled to be heard in committee today.
The first segment is focused on “job killer” AB 1450 (Allen), a bill that 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 Legislature of California is preventing an employer from determining whether or not a new employee is going to be dangerous or a hazard,” says CalChamber President and CEO Allan Zaremberg of AB 1450. In the video, Zaremberg says the bill puts “everyone at risk” because employers could not properly screen potential employees.
The second CalChamber News segment released today discusses “job killer” bills AB 1999 (Brownley) and AB 2039 (Swanson). The bills would add significant burdens to California employers by expanding the types of leaves and circumstances under which protected leave can be taken on top of the myriad of existing leave programs.
“When you look at the cumulative impact that all of these leaves have on employers, it is significant,” said Jennifer Barrera, CalChamber Policy Advocate and employment law expert.
“It adds up to an overwhelming burden on business owners.”
In the video, Zaremberg also discusses the competitive disadvantage the additional proposed leave programs would have on California companies. “These kinds of situations don’t exist anywhere else in the country. When you have increased exposure to liability you think twice before you invest in California,” Zaremberg said.