January 31, 2025 | CRA Newsletter: Advocacy Days and Legislative Reception, Legislative, Regulatory and Other Updates | |
Message from the President | | |
|
Members,
As we navigate the challenges of 2025, CRA continues to demonstrate resilience and statewide leadership on key issues affecting the retail sector.
In response to the devastating wildfires in Southern California, it was impressive to see how retailers stepped up to provide crucial support to affected communities. Many CRA members contributed significantly to relief efforts ensuring access to essential products and services, while others opened stores as distribution points for relief supplies. Many retailers have pledged financial support to first responders and nonprofits addressing critical needs. CRA has been recognizing the efforts of our members on our social media outlets, which is also be amplified by GoBiz – the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. If you have donated and would like CRA to recognize your efforts, please let us know!
I heard from many members that CIPA (the California Invasion of Privacy Act) cases were quickly spiraling out of control, so CRA is addressing that and will be focusing our attention on trying to get relief for our members on these frivolous lawsuits. CRA recently joined the Alliance for Legal Fairness Coalition to seek legislative relief. This initiative aims to address concerns about the act's impact on businesses while maintaining consumer privacy protections. You can read more about what this new coalition is doing and who is involved in the article below.
As you may recall, CRA worked in collaboration with the Newsom Administration on SB 553 (workplace violence) to address concerns for CRA members. Part of the statue directed Cal/OSHA to draft regulations, and we are currently moving through the regulatory process. The first draft of regulations caught us a bit off guard as it included many of the issues we have negotiated OUT of the bill with the Governor’s office. After I explained our concerns to the Governor’s staff, Cal/OSHA had a stakeholder meeting that CRA participated in. You can read more about what happened and where we go from here below.
CRA continues our involvement on the SB 54 Advisory Committee, focusing on the implementation of the packaging regulations. Next week I am meeting with the Governor's senior staff to discuss concerns about the regulatory process and explore collaborative approaches to ensure SB 54 and future Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs (i.e., SB 707) are effective and cost-efficient. More on that to come!
Finally, as we look ahead to the upcoming legislative session CRA expects to focus on several key areas affecting retailers and many of those issues are covered in this newsletter. We depend on the involvement of members for your expertise and input as we navigate and advocate for the best possible outcomes. I hope you will join us on our various issue specific and policy calls or respond to request for feedback on legislative/regulatory language. We need your input!!
As always, CRA remains committed to supporting our members and advancing the interests of the retail industry in California. We look forward to collaborating with you in the coming year. Please do not hesitate to reach out to anyone on the CRA team if you have any questions, concerns, ideas or suggestions. We value the input and opinions of all the members of CRA!
Rachel
| |
In This Newsletter Issue:
- Advocacy Days and Legislative Reception - February 11 - 12, 2025
- Legislative Updates
- Regulatory, Local and Federal Updates
- CA Community Pharmacy Coalition Updates
- Other Outreach and Activities (Save the Date for CRA Fall Summit!)
- Member News
| | |
|
2025 Advocacy Days and Legislative Reception
Registration Price Increases Next Week
| | |
|
Join the members of the California Retailers Association for our 2025 Legislative Advocacy Days in Sacramento, CA as we meet with policymakers to discuss issues including:
- Environmental Sustainability/EPR
- Artificial Intelligence
- Privacy
- Labor Issues
- Supply Chain/Goods Movement
- Workforce Development
- Regulatory Landscape/Reform
Bring your subject matter experts and join brands from across the country and help CRA tell California's retail story.
Advocacy Days is open to CRA members only.
Advocacy Days Member Ticket: $200
Increases to $250 (after Jan. 31, 2025)
The ticket price for Advocacy days includes CRA's legislative reception.
CRA will also host our annual legislative reception where we will announce our 2025 Legislative Retail Champions of the Year. Mingle with CRA members, state policymakers, representatives of the Governor's Administration and those working in and around the state capitol.
February 11, 2025
SMIC's Sip & Quip Wine Bar in Downtown Sacramento,
1200 K St Suite 8, Sacramento, CA 95814
| |
|
We are in the midst of bill introductions as the February 21 deadline approaches. Though bill introductions have been a slow trickle, there are some notable bills to highlight. SB 22 (Laird) Gift Cards is a reintroduction of the Senator's bill from last year, which would raise the gift card cash out limit from less than $10 to less than $25. This bill also includes an annual adjustment to the nearest dollar based on Consumer Price Index and a signage requirement at the point of sales.
CRA is sponsoring a bill this year related to gift card tampering/fraud. We are working with Asm. Irwin's office and we expect the bill to be introduced in a couple of weeks. Among other things, this bill will allow for stolen unloaded gift cards to have a potential value when being prosecuted. Please contact Ryan if you’d like more information on this bill.
As we await more bills to be introduced, we are expecting a few reintroductions of bills from last year: self-checkout, artificial intelligence, cosmetic safety, extended producer responsibility programs and more. CRA will continue to closely monitor bill introductions and provide updates.
Additionally, of note on the legislative side, all committees in both houses now have full membership and chairs. Committee leadership is listed below.
Assembly
Appropriations: Asm. Wicks
Business and Professions: Asm. Berman
Economic Development, Growth, and Household Impact: Asm. Solache
Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials: Asm. Connolly
Judiciary: Asm. Kalra
Labor and Employment: Asm. Ortega
Natural Resources: Asm. Bryan
Privacy and Consumer Protection: Asm. Bauer-Kahan
Public Safety: Asm. Schultz
Senate:
Appropriations: Sen. Caballero
Business, Professions and Economic Development: Sen. Asbhy
Environmental Quality: Sen. Blakespear
Judiciary: Sen. Umberg
Labor, Public Employment and Retirement : Sen. Smallwood-Cuevas
Public Safety: Sen. Arreguin
| |
Regulatory & Other Related Updates | | |
California Community Pharmacy Coalition Updates | | |
|
CCPC January 2025 Meeting Recap
The CRA team held the first CCPC meeting of 2025, which included discussion and review on pharmacy technician ratio issue, Board of Pharmacy (BoP) Sunset Review and other legislative and regulatory updates. Click HERE for the meeting recap and action items.
BoP Notice of Modified Text - Quality Assurance Programs
The California Board of Pharmacy (BoP) has proposed additional modifications to Title 16 CCR § 1711, related to the Quality Assurance Programs. View the second draft released by the BoP HERE.
Comments are due to the Board by February 11. Please send any comments you would like the CRA team to submit, under CCPC, to sarah@calretailers.com by end of day Friday, February 7.
Read CRA's comments letter submitted to the BoP on the first draft HERE.
Next Board of Pharmacy Full Board Meeting - February 5 and 6
The agenda has been posted for the Board of Pharmacy's next full board meeting, which is scheduled for Wednesday, February 5 and Thursday, February 6. View the agenda HERE. Included in the Board meeting will be discussion and potential action on Compounded Drug Preparations, Hazardous Drugs, and Radiopharmaceuticals, including review of comments received during the 15-Day comment period.
The CRA team will be in attendance and report back. Please send any comments you would like CCPC to give during the meeting to sarah@calretailers.com.
The CRA team attended the January BoP board meeting, which included discussion of proposed regulations around compounded drug preparations, hazardous drugs and radiopharmaceuticals and proposed amendments to Quality Assurance Programs. CRA's Sarah Pollo Moo gave public comments on the QA Program regulations as followup to our comment letter submitted to the BoP (view our letter here). View our recap of the board meeting HERE.
Notification of Rescinded Proposed Changes to The Drug Takeback Solutions Foundation’s Stewardship Plan for Covered Drugs
On December 5, 2024, The Drug Takeback Solutions Foundation submitted proposed changes to its stewardship plan for covered drugs related to reasonable geographic spread of authorized collection sites. The Foundation rescinded the proposed changes on January 21, 2025. CalRecycle is no longer considering these proposed changes for approval. Get more information HERE.
Pharmacy / Hospital / Wholesale Self-Assessment Forms - Comments Due Feb. 24
The Board of Pharmacy released a Notice of Proposed Action to amend sections 1715 and 1784 to Title 16 of the California Code of Regulations related to Pharmacy/Hospital/Wholesale Self-Assessment Forms. Comments on the proposed text are due February 24, 2025. To view all documents associated with this proposed regulatory action click HERE.
Notice of Proposed Action: Digital Signatures - Comments Due Feb. 3
The Board of Pharmacy has proposed to add Title 16 CCR § 1700, related to the Digital Signatures. Written comments are due February 3, 2025. View the draft regulatory text, Notice of Proposed Action, Initial Statement of Reasons and additional information HERE.
CAHAN - Emergency Prescription Assistance Program Now Available
The federal Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) has activated the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program (EPAP) for specific zip codes in California to help uninsured residents replace prescription medicines and/or certain medical equipment lost or damaged in the 2025 Los Angeles Fires.
This activation by the federal government followed the CRA team's request to Governor Newsom's office to formally activate EPAP, which was turned around quickly with OES/CHHS submitting a formal request to FEMA. Read more.
| |
Other Outreach and Activities | | |
|
SAVE THE DATE:
CRA RETAIL POLICY, LEGAL AND REGULATORY SUMMIT
The Meritage Resort and Spa
875 Bordeaux Way Napa, CA 94558
October 26-28
Join the California Retailers Association in the Fall for our first-ever Retail, Legal and Regulatory Summit, a premier three-day event set in the scenic Napa Valley, convening national retailers, policy makers, regulators and legal experts in addressing the most pressing legislative, legal and regulatory issues impacting the retail industry in California and beyond. The conference will offer an unparalleled opportunity for retail professionals to gain insights into California's complex regulatory landscape, its impact on other states and trends for the rest of the nation. Registration, sponsorships and additional information coming soon!
| |
|
Special Waste Collection Center (SWCC) Tour
CRA Team's Sarah Pollo Moo and Ryan Allain toured a special waste collection center in Elk Grove to learn more about household hazardous waste, recycling and waste management by a local jurisdiction, all of which are at the forefront of current legislation and regulatory issues impacting the retail industry. Attached, please find the PDF file of the tour agenda, fun facts, and the presentation slide deck. Click here to get more information about the tour.
| |
|
California Legislative Black Caucus MLK, Jr. Breakfast Celebration
The CRA Team attended the California Legislative Black Caucus breakfast, which celebrated the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The event recognized and honored the unsung heroes of California's African American communities and the great work of Dr. King through spoken word, song and a legendary keynote address. All 12 members of the CLBC attended the event, including six Black lawmakers from the Los Angeles region who expressed their deep concerns about constituents displaced or impacted by the fires. Read more about the event here.
| |
|
Former Senator Bill Dodd's 25th Retirement Celebration
The CRA Team attended Former Senator Bill Dodd's retirement event, which celebrated his years of service in the Senate, Assembly and on the Napa County Board of Supervisors. Proceeds from the event benefitted Napa Valley Community Foundation, which totaled over $10 million dollars distributed to numerous charities.
| |
|
In Case You Missed It - CRA End of Year Report 2024
Last year was another year of great success in the California Retailers Association's advocacy efforts, which included historic change for the retail industry with the passage of an 11-bill Retail Theft package that contained effective and targeted laws to combat Retail Theft and bring much-needed relief for our stores, customers and the communities we serve. CRA's 2024 end of year report provides highlights of key milestones we achieved together.
CRA is committed to advocating for the interests of California retailers. We remain dedicated to fostering an environment where retailers can grow and succeed, providing valuable insights, resources and advocacy to help our members navigate the dynamic and ever-changing legislative and regulatory landscape in California, the fifth largest economy in the world.
| |
|
Retailers Supporting Los Angeles Wildfire Recovery Efforts
The CRA team has been coordinating with our member companies and members of Governor Newsom's Administration including the Office of Emergency Management and NGOs on the ground assisting in relief efforts including the American Red Cross. Below are highlights of just some of the amazing volunteer efforts our member companies have been engaged in to help Los Angeles recover and rebuild. We continue to share these contributions on our social media channels. Please send us any additional efforts your companies are engaged in so we can highlight on our communication channels and include in our upcoming Advocacy Days.
| |
|
Macy’s, Inc. has made a series of donations to the American Red Cross Disaster Responder Program, the CALFUND Wildfire Recovery Fund and Macy’s own North Star Relief Fund, which is focused on providing employees with immediate access to funds in times of natural disaster and personal hardship. Macy’s stores throughout California are offering customers the opportunity to round up their in-store purchases to the nearest dollar (up to $.99) to benefit wildfire relief efforts through the American Red Cross among other voluntary assistance being rolled out through Macy's stores. Read more.
| |
|
Lowe's donated $2 million to assist first responders and nonprofits that are responding to critical needs like supporting evacuations, emergency shelter and distributing urgently needed supplies like water, N95 masks, air purifiers, ash sifters and storage. Read more.
Lowe's is also holding a series of community events to provide support for the communities impacted by the Eaton and Palisades fires including delivering and distributing Fire totes water, paper goods and cleaning items through local churches. Sifters were also assembled by local stores and provided to the community to assist with recovering mementos and heirlooms from homes destroyed by the fires. Read more.
| |
|
Target has distributed a $1 million donation to local and national disaster relief organizations including the California Fire Foundation and League of California Community Foundation, as well as provided financial assistance to team members affected by the emergency through the Team Member Giving Fund. Target is also donating critical supplies to the American Red Cross including towels and routing essentials such as masks and air-filtration systems to stores in the area. Read more.
| |
|
Lululemon has donated to American Red Cross, LA Fire Department Foundation and to their clients with zip codes in the most impacted areas. The company has also partnered with LA based organization, It’s Bigger Than Us, to provide essential items to families and first responders to make sure product support gets directly where it’s needed most. Read more.
| |
|
The Albertsons Companies Foundation, locally recognized as The Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions Foundation, has partnered with the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association to provide $1 million in disaster relief for communities affected by the Eaton Fire. The initiative will distribute aid to affected residents in Pasadena, Altadena and surrounding Los Angeles County areas. The initiative combines the $1 million commitment from the grocery foundation with an additional $200,000 Emergency Relief Fund established by the Tournament of Roses and its Foundation. The emergency fund will provide direct financial support to the organization’s volunteer members and staff affected by the wildfires, while also supporting broader community relief efforts. Read more.
| |
|
Diageo Launches "Take a Minute. Make a Plan." Campaign.
Diageo announced a groundbreaking campaign to prevent impaired driving in the U.S.: "Take a Minute. Make a Plan. "
The initiative unites the leadership of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the cultural power of the NFL and Uber’s transportation solutions, alongside three of Diageo's most iconic brands –Crown Royal, Smirnoff and Captain Morgan– a first-of-its-kind collaboration. The campaign is reaching millions of fans with a unified and powerful message about the importance of pre-planning to prevent impaired driving.
Together, with MADD, the NFL and Uber, Diageo is demonstrating the power of collaboration to create safer celebrations for fans this season and beyond. Get more details on the campaign here.
| |
|
JCPenney and SPARC Group Unite to Form Catalyst Brands
JCPenney and SPARC Group are uniting under existing ownership to form Catalyst Brands, bringing together SPARC Group’s brands Aéropostale, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, Lucky and Nautica with JCPenney and its exclusive private brands including Stafford, Arizona and Liz Claiborne. Marc Rosen, former chief executive officer of JCPenney, now serves as CEO of Catalyst Brands – supported by three brand CEOs who will oversee the portfolio. Read the announcement here.
| |
We will be sending out notices for our February committee meetings, which will include links to register for your unique zoom link to access the meetings. Please be on the lookout for those emails. All committee meetings for 2025 have been scheduled and calendar invites sent. If you have questions about our new committee meeting process please email sarah@calretailers.com. | | |
|
Follow CRA on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Instgram to stay up to date on the latest developments in statewide and local legislation and policies, regulations, relevant industry and member related news and association events. |
| | | |
