Potential Legislation under Gov. Brown

Several Assembly Bills were not successful under Governor Schwarzenegger, however, they will probably become priorities once the budget situation is under control. It is important for employers to understand these bills and let the members of your legislature know your thoughts on these bills. Per SHRM Magazine March 2011 the following bills are likely to come up again during Gov. Brown's term.

AB3063 - would have codified additional restrictions on pre-employment inquiries regarding criminal convictions.

AB 2340- would have required employers to provide paid bereavement leave of up to three days.

The legislature in several past sessions has sought to expand the California Family Rights Act(CFRA) to smaller employers - those with 25 employees instead of 50.

AB 1881 - would have doubled liquidated damages that can be assessed against employers for violating teh state's minimum wage laws.

AB 2187 - would have imposed criminal sactions for an employer's failure to pay all wages owed to a departing employee within 90 days of the employee's last day of work.

IRS 2011 Standard Mileage Rates

The rate starting January 1, 2011 is 51 cents per mile.

Please review your reimbursement policies. If it varies according to the IRS rate you need to double check your reimbursement calculations to include this 51 cents. Also, now is a good time to review your policies on regulations for when employee's drive on company business. Be sure you include statements that driving and speaking or texting on a cell phone is prohibited while driving and what the results can be if they violate this policy.

It is also a good idea to track the insurance policies that employees have to make sure they remain active. Participating in the State of California's DMV Pull Program is another way to keep track of the employee's driving record. These steps can help should an employee be involved in a horrific accident while driving on company business to show you were taking steps to make sure your employees are responsible drivers.

Our firm can assist you in the preparation and implementation of these policies.