CRA's advocacy program focuses on promoting, preserving and enhancing California's retail industry. Our expert advocacy team allows CRA to effectively influence public policy at the State Capitol and in major cities across California. CRA represents member’s interests by navigating the complex federal, state and local regulatory processes. Below are the latest activities CRA has been engaged in. Read more about our advocacy program
here
.
Packaging Legislation
CRA is currently working to address concerns on a pair of sweeping bills affecting product packaging. These bills could significantly impact all businesses in California. Our team is communicating with the Governor's Office, the author’s offices, CalRecycle and collaborating with the business community before these bills quickly move forward in early 2020. CRA, through our packaging committee, is developing CRA's strategy to work with the Governor on what is a priority issue for his administration.
Regulatory Updates
- California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA): CRA submitted a letter to the Attorney General ahead of the State Department of Justice's public hearings. The letter provides suggestions to improve the proposed regulations so consumers have more transparency and control over their personal information. CRA asked for consideration of the impacts on the retail industry as retailers face a spectrum of compliance issues not contemplated in the “one-size-fits-all” proposed Regulations.
- Predictive Scheduling: CRA sent a letter to the Los Angeles City Council requesting amendments to the “Fair Work Week” proposal. The amendments are intended to preserve necessary flexibility for retailers and employees.
- General Service Lamps: CRA is monitoring the California Energy Commission's upcoming enforcement of state-only rules that supersede the Trump Administration's repeal of a certain regulation that would have prohibited the sale of incandescent light bulbs. The situation has created uncertainty for several retailers who purchased incandescents for 2020 sale in the belief that the federal rules would pre-empt state action.
- Transport Refrigeration Units (TRU): CRA is collaborating with the California Grocers Association to request the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to pursue the most cost-effective options for emissions reductions while maintaining availability and accessibility for consumers to fresh and healthy food options.
- Advanced Clean Trucks Regulation (ACT) Reporting: CRA is working with a coalition of business groups to request CARB slow down the regulatory process giving 11,000 affected businesses adequate time for notice and evaluation of new proposed reporting requirements and provide further clarity for compliance purposes.
- Website Accessibility Lawsuits: CRA joined a coalition led by the Civil Justice Association of California (CJAC) to request clear regulatory standards from the Department of Justice on what constitutes website accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Prop. 65 Warning Addition to Acetaminophen: CRA recently joined a coalition of healthcare and business groups in opposing this listing by the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment's (OEHHA).
The CRA team works with members to craft responses to proposed regulations and compliance mandates including messaging and strategy. Letters submitted to regulatory agencies are available on
CRA's online member portal
so members can easily access them anytime.
2020 Election Cycle
With the 2020 election cycle just around the corner, along with several special elections to fill recently vacated seats, the CRA team has been tracking state Legislative and Congressional races and ballot initiatives. We have been busy meeting with and following key races and initiative campaigns, the outcome of which could have implications for California's retail industry for years to come.
Cal RETAILERS PAC
CRA amplifies our members' voice in the political process through the CalRETAILERS Political Action Committee (PAC). Next year, CRA will host exclusive CRA sponsored events for key elected officials and candidates running in 2020. Any CRA member who contributes and is a member of the CalRETAILERS PAC can attend.
Strategic Policy Conference
CRA's President & CEO Rachel Michelin and Steve McCarthy, Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs attended a Strategic Issues Conference in Napa hosted by California's major industry groups including CRA. Rachel lead the panel focused on CCPA and the next steps for privacy in California.