Here's your daily briefing...
Retirement plans for all workers in California? Governor Jerry Brown signed legislation yesterday that would automatically enroll private-sector working Californians in a state-run retirement plan. Capital Public Radio reports workers currently without retirement plans would have the option to opt in. If they do, employers would be responsible to automatically withhold part of the employee’s paycheck, which the state would then invest in the system. The bill is expected to affect as many as 7 million private-sector workers.
Other legislation signed by the governor … included a measure requiring the California Utilities Commission to hire an in-house safety advocate, a bill allowing counties to hold all mail-in ballot elections, and a bill requiring all single-stall toilets be designated gender neutral. Check out Capital Public Radio’s “New California Laws 2016” page to stay up to date on new state legislation.
New rules for pesticides near schools: Some pesticide applications could be banned near schools as regulators plan to announce new rules today. Capital Public Radio reports neither farmers nor environmentalists are thrilled with the proposition that proposes bans on pesticide applications within a quarter-mile from schools and that schools be notified 48 hours ahead of applications.
Public safety realignment five years in the making: On our airwaves this morning, The California Report featured a look into California’s prison realignment that was first implemented five years ago. In a nutshell, more prisoners are being moved to county jails, which are not necessarily set up for housing long-term inmates, especially those with mental illness. According to the story, at least 40 counties in the state are planning or have completed jail construction projects at a cost of about $2.5 billion.
In case you missed it, also from the California Report: About 150 nursing home residents in Humboldt County are being forced to move after the California Department of Public Health approved a plan to close down three area retirement homes. Listen to the story here.