Yesterday, the California Senate Appropriations Committee unanimously approved a bill that makes clarifications and amendments to the law passed in 2019 that requires those who hire independent contractors to provide them many of the same benefits as full-time employees.
This includes a provision worked on by the AKC that would exempt competition judges from this law, thereby ensuring there is no confusion or ambiguity when AKC clubs contract with judges for their events. The bill now goes to the full Senate for consideration.
AKC encourages those who host or participate in shows in California to contact their Senator and express your support for the competition judges exemption in AB 2257. If applicable, let them know about AKC events hosted in their district and the impact on the community. View AKC’s handouts on the Economic Impact of Dog Shows, and 2019 Economic Impact of Dog Shows in California for more talking points.
If you have not yet done so, we also encourage you to contact the author’s office and thank her for including this important provision. Scroll down for contact information.
For more background on this amendment and the current law, view AKC’s previous alert.
What You Can Do:
Those who reside or participate in dog shows and performance events in California are encouraged to do the following:
- Contact your State Senator and let them know you support the exemption for competition judges in AB 2257. If applicable, let them know about shows your club hosts in their district and the impact they have on the community.
Visit the AKC Legislative Action Center and type your address in the “Find Your Elected Officials” box to find the name and contact information for your California State Senator.
- Contact the bill author’s office and express your appreciation for the exemption for competition judges:
Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzales
(916) 319-2080
Email Form
AKC Government Relations will continue to closely monitor this and all California legislation and provide updates as they are available. For more information, contact AKC GR at (919) 816-3720 or doglaw@akc.org.