The legislative deadline to introduce new legislation for the California Legislature 2017 regular session was February 17.  A total of 2,652 bills were introduced. CLFP staff is combing through these bills and have identified at least 200 measures that have potential impact on the food processing industry. Of note are bill proposals regarding food labeling requirements, employer mandates and Cap and Trade Program modifications.

Several food labeling bills have been introduced, including warning label requirements for sugar sweetened beverages and synthetic dye additives. Another proposal would require specific date labels be used on food in an attempt to avoid food waste. CLFP is working in a large coalition of food and beverage organizations in opposition to these onerous measures.

There are a number of labor bills that would adversely impact food processors and the business community in general. These bills include costly employee leave measures as well as an unworkable measure requiring employers to offer additional work hours to employees before hiring a new employee or contractor. CLFP is a member of the California Employers Coalition, which will be working in opposition to these and several other measures.

The deadline is mid-May for bills to be heard in legislative policy committees. 

 

By Trudi Hughes, CLFP Government Affairs Director