Governor Newsom Signs 2 Important Anti-harassment Bills

“California Must Continue To Lead And Protect Workers When Companies Fail Or Refuse To Do So.”

If you haven’t yet heard, Governor Gavin Newsom signed 15 bills this past week in effort to fulfill his campaign promises of increasing protection for California’s workforce. Among the bills signed, we will discuss the importance and background of two anti-harassment bills that have been heavily advocated for by prominent Hollywood and #MeToo figures, including Alyssa Milano, Gretchen Carlson, Rosanna Arquette and Tarana Burke.

AB 9, otherwise known as the Stop Harassment and Reporting Extension Act (SHARE), extends the deadline to file harassment and discrimination claims under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) from one year to three years. AB 51 bans mandatory arbitration in an employment relationship. Governor Newsom states:

“Work is about more than earning an income. For many, a job can provide a sense of purpose and belonging – the satisfaction of knowing your labor provides value to the world. Everyone should have the ability to feel that pride in what they do, but for too many workers, they aren’t provided the dignity, respect or safety they deserve. These laws will help change that.”