ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - On Wednesday, Aug. 27, United Chamber Advocacy Network (UCAN) members participated in a legislative visit day at the State Capitol in Sacramento. These annual visits are a great way for United Chamber Advocacy Network Chambers to stay connected to state elected officials, and to discuss pertinent issues related to policy or regulations which are having an impact on the business community in our region.

Convening at 11:30 a.m., the attendees met first for lunch with California Chamber of Commerce President and Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Barerra in the newly remodeled CalChamber offices in downtown Sacramento.

The coalition discussed CalChamber’s efforts to build stronger bridges to local Chambers of Commerce to be a more inclusive partner in promoting policy ideas, and several key policy priorities including artificial intelligence, affordability, local infrastructure and housing, and workplace and consumer safety. It was great to spend time with CalChamber leadership and share ideas in a roundtable format.

After lunch, the coalition decamped to the “Swing Space”, the aptly named office building temporarily housing the Legislature and staff while the Capitol Annex is torn down and rebuilt to modern standards over the next two years.

In a departure from last year’s visits where United Chamber Advocacy Network members hopped from office to office, but this year, use of a conference room was secured and invited Legislators to come visit!

We personally met with Senators Ashby, Niello and Assemblymembers Nguyen, Hadwick, Patterson and Hoover. Assemblymembers Krell and Senator Alvarado-Gil sent staff in their absence.

Topics of discussion included advocating for passage of SB 84 (Niello), which would provide businesses 120 days to “cure” Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) violations before a lawsuit or financial demands can be made of that business. Americans with Disabilities Act lawsuit abuse is notorious in California, with common outcomes resulting in shakedown payments under the threat of litigation over minor violations such as the height of grab bars in bathrooms and the push force of doors.

Additionally, United Chamber Advocacy Network attendees raised concerns about Assembly Bill 1331 (Elhawary) related to workplace surveillance and Assembly Bill 446 (Ward) related to surveillance pricing. Assembly Bill 1331 restrict the rights of employers to monitor their workplaces for employer and customer safety and to reduce incidents of theft, while Assembly Bill 446 prohibits a retailer from introducing variable pricing for consumers, notably customer loyalty benefits, first time customer discounts, among other pricing tactics.

United Chamber Advocacy Network appreciates that the state legislators prioritize making time to hear directly from local Chamber executives and volunteers during these legislative visits.

It speaks volumes to the recognition the coalition receives as a local policy actor, and the importance our regional elected place on understanding and supporting the needs of our business community.

The United Chamber Advocacy Network is a coalition of 10 local Chambers including, El Dorado County, El Dorado Hills, Elk Grove, Folsom, Lincoln, Rancho Cordova, Rocklin, Roseville Area, Shingle Springs/Cameron Park and Yuba-Sutter Chambers of Commerce.