Sacramento, CA: The GCVCC has taken a position of opposition to AB 628. The position is taken based on the GCVCC Platform position(s) found under “Economic Development and Business Regulations”.
GCVCC Legislative Team: The Chamber strongly supports workplace reforms to eliminate harassment in the workplace. We were proud to sponsor a series of free seminars last year to help front-line managers and employees combat inappropriate behavior in the workplace, and will continue to work with our local business community on the subject. That said, as the legislative analysis by CalChamber shows, this bill could put small businesses in significant peril by how it addresses the issue.
CalChamber Analysis: AB 6258 significantly expands the definition of sexual harassment under the Labor Code, which is different than the definition in the Government Code, leading to inconsistent implementation of anti-harassment policies, confusion, and litigation. Also, provides an unprecedented, uncapped leave of absence for victims of sexual harassment and their “family members” which is broadly defined, that will add another layer of burdens on employers and their ability to manage their workforce.
AB 628 failed to pass the Assembly last year, but was granted reconsideration.