Why labels on genetically engineered foods won’t cost consumers a dime
by Zack Kaldveer and Ronnie Cummins, California Progress Report
One simple label to identify GMO foods (often using the genes of foreign bacteria and viruses) would lead more consumers to seek out non-GMO alternatives. That is why Monsanto is fighting labeling. Read More ›
Legislators threaten to kill state medical board
by Lisa Girion and Scott Glover, Los Angeles Times
Lawmakers warn that they will let the agency expire next year if it doesn’t become more aggressive in taking action against dangerous doctors. Read More ›
The 5 biggest online privacy threats of 2013
by Melissa Riofrio, PC World
Your online life may not seem worth tracking, but the data you generate is a rich trove of information that says more about you than you realize. Read More ›
Saturday mail delivery elimination plan delayed by postal service
by Pauline Jelinek, Huffington Post
The beleaguered U.S. Postal Service backed down from its cost-saving plan to eliminate Saturday mail delivery, acknowledging that Congress barred a move that supporters said was essential to addressing the agency’s dire financial condition. Read More ›
AB 553 would protect elderly against reverse mortgages (2-year bill)
Co-sponsored by CFC, the bill would help ensure that seniors understand the reverse mortgage before signing a contract; it has become a 2-year bill. Read More ›
Ticket turf war heats up in Sacramento
by Melody Gutierrez, Sacramento Bee
Two ticket-selling giants have brought an industry turf war to Sacramento, with both sides claiming to represent fans’ rights as they compete over billions in proceeds from concerts and sporting events. Read More ›
What privacy rights do I have in the workplace?
Employers are frequently using monitoring software to make their employees more productive at work…although the Constitution speaks of a “reasonable” expectation of privacy, this is not applicable at private employers. Read More ›
TracFone’s ‘get out of jail free’ legislation removed by author
TracFone is sponsoring a bill that would give public utility companies, individuals, and private corporations the ability to not be responsible for their actions, if they claim that CPUC staff advised them.
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AB 462 would save lives of elderly with sprinkler systems (2-year bill)
Fire sprinklers should be viewed as a necessary investment in protecting the safety of vulnerable residents. CFC supported the bill, overdue legislation that would save lives. Read More ›
New online-data bill sets up privacy fight
by Vauhini Vara and Geoffrey A. Fowler, Wall Street Journal
Internet firms push back on California proposal requiring they disclose what has been done with users’ information. Read More ›
Automobile guide revisions provoke uproar
by Christopher Jensen, New York Times
Proposed changes to the federal used-car buyers guide have stirred disagreements over whether the wording reduces protection for consumers. Read More ›
California insurance commissioner hits Anthem’s rate hike on small businesses
by Dale Kasler, Sacramento Bee
Commissioner Dave Jones ripped Anthem for raising rates 5.2 percent on small businesses. He said Anthem’s rates on those customers have jumped 10.5 percent in the past year, which he called “excessive and unreasonable.” Read More ›
Right to Know Act would let consumers find out who has their data, get a copy of it
AB 1291 (Lowenthal) would require a company to give users access to personal data the company has on them, and a list of companies the users’ personal data was shared with. Read More ›