2009 Legislative Blog

I am beginning to feel the affects of being the Chamber’s one-man show down in Carson.

I wanted to be in three different hearings at the same time this afternoon, so I signed in at one, testified in the other, and missed the third. If it weren’t for my intern Tony back at the office, I would be more confused than normal!

Senate Government Affairs heard SB 189 today, which would allow an employee to file a complaint in court without first going to the State Labor Commissioner. The labor unions seem to be upset with current Labor Commissioner Mike Tanchek, a great public servant. Maybe because he doesn’t give them everything they want. This is the same group that wants sole authority to pick the Labor Commissioner. I signed in as opposing this bill, but I was not able to attend the hearing.

I went before the Assembly Commerce and Labor Committee again today in opposition to AB 224, which would prohibit insurance companies from denying payments of amounts that are “not in dispute.” Representatives from the insurance industry testified that this language is ambiguous and consumers already have the right to sue insurers for denying payments and coverage. This bill also adds that an insurer is liable for any damages, “including, without limitation, costs and reasonable attorney’s fees.” I think we all know what can of worms that last phrase opens.

Tomorrow brings two bills that I will heartily support in Assembly Taxation: the creation of a statewide “business portal” website, and the repeal of the discriminatory modified business and branch taxes on banks.