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California Self Storage Association

Legislative Initiatives   Legislation & Legal

Favorable Self Storage Legislation is a Top Priority for CSSA

 Although CSSA is known for its well-organized conferences, top-notch speakers, great networking events, and member benefits - one of CSSA's top priorities is helping to represent you in Sacramento. Working to create favorable self storage legislation is a serious undertaking for the association.

Whether the issue is lien laws, taxes on self storage facilities or any other aspect of self storage that has a profound effect on the industry, the CSSA is ready to step up to the plate. With great assistance from the national Self Storage Association (SSA), the CSSA has, over the years, been able to bring about positive results. And with guidance from self storage legal expert Carlos Kaslow, the CSSA is always moving forward to improve life for owner/operators.

The CSSA is the only not-for-profit group on the ground looking out for the interest of the self storage community in the state of California. With that in mind, we are constantly seeking out new ways to bring about positive results and legislative changes for the benefit of our members.

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  • Thursday, January 05, 2023 2:15 PM | Ross Hutchings (Administrator)

    CSSA Legislative Alert

     

    Attention CSSA Members –

    The Governor has declared a State of Emergency due to the ongoing storms.  Below is the Attorney General’s News Release stating that this State of Emergency has triggered the Price Gouging statute (see highlight below).

     

    CA DOJ Press Release

    News Release
    January 5, 2023
    For Immediate Release
    (916) 210-6000
    agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    Attorney General Bonta Warns Against Illegal Price Gouging Amidst Winter Storms

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a consumer alert following the Governor’s declaration of a state of emergency amidst the ongoing winter storms set to continue this week. The heaviest precipitation is expected Thursday morning in Northern California, extending into Thursday night in Southern California. Residual flooding impacts could extend into the weekend along with additional storms lingering into next week. In today’s alert, Attorney General Bonta urges Californians to take precautions to stay safe during the coming storm and reminds them that price gouging during a state of emergency is illegal under Penal Code Section 396.

    “California is currently undergoing another round of heavy rain and potential flooding,” said Attorney General Bonta. “As the state endures road closures, power outages, and other potential impacts, it's important that Californians take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families. It's also important that businesses not take advantage of the current demand for essential supplies. With the Governor's declaration of a state of emergency, price gouging protections are in full effect. If you believe you have been a victim of price gouging, report it to your local authorities or to my office at oag.ca.gov/report.”

    California law generally prohibits charging a price that exceeds, by more than 10%, the price of an item before a state or local declaration of emergency. For any item a seller only began selling after an emergency declaration, the law generally prohibits charging a price that exceeds the seller's cost of the item by more than 50%. This law applies to those who sell food, emergency supplies, medical supplies, building materials, and gasoline. The law also applies to repair or reconstruction services, emergency cleanup services, certain transportation services, freight and storage services, hotel accommodations, and rental housing. Exceptions to this prohibition exist if, for example, the price of labor, goods, or materials has increased for the business.  

    Violators of the price gouging statute are subject to criminal prosecution that can result in a one-year imprisonment in county jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000. Violators are also subject to civil enforcement actions including civil penalties of up to $2,500 per violation, injunctive relief, and mandatory restitution. The Attorney General and local district attorneys can enforce the statute. 

    For additional information on price gouging, please see oag.ca.gov/consumers/pricegougingduringdisasters.

    You may view the full account of this posting, including possible attachments, in the News & Alerts section of our website at: https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-warns-against-illegal-price-gouging-amidst-winter-storms

     

    CSSA Office: 5325 Elkhorn Blvd., #283, Sacramento, CA 95842 | Phone: 888-277-2207

    info@californiaselfstorage.org
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  • Thursday, September 01, 2022 3:55 PM | Ross Hutchings (Administrator)

    Lobbyist Naomi Padron has posted a report on the work done on behalf of SSA/CSSA on Price Gouging and Electronic Lien Notices in the 2022 California legislative session.

    CLICK HERE to read report (for CSSA Members only)



  • Thursday, August 04, 2022 11:12 AM | Ross Hutchings (Administrator)

    FYI, this one includes the following provision: “The restrictions set forth in Penal Code section 396, which are automatically triggered upon a State of Emergency proclamation, are suspended, and no such restrictions are imposed with respect to this proclaimed emergency.”


    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
    Monday, August 1, 2022
    Governor's Press Office: (916) 445-4571

    Governor Newsom Proclaims State of Emergency to Support State’s Response to Monkeypox


    SACRAMENTO – As part of the state’s ongoing response to the monkeypox outbreak, Governor Gavin Newsom today declared a State of Emergency to bolster the state’s vaccination efforts. The proclamation supports the work underway by the California Department of Public Health and others in the administration to coordinate a whole-of-government response to monkeypox, seek additional vaccines and lead outreach and education efforts on accessing vaccines and treatment.

    “California is working urgently across all levels of government to slow the spread of monkeypox, leveraging our robust testing, contact tracing and community partnerships strengthened during the pandemic to ensure that those most at risk are our focus for vaccines, treatment and outreach,” said Governor Newsom. “We’ll continue to work with the federal government to secure more vaccines, raise awareness about reducing risk, and stand with the LGBTQ community fighting stigmatization.”

    To expand vaccination efforts, the proclamation enables Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel to administer monkeypox vaccines that are approved by the FDA, similar to the statutory authorization recently enacted for pharmacists to administer vaccines. The state’s response to monkeypox builds on the infrastructure developed during the COVID-19 pandemic to deploy vaccine clinics and ensure inclusive and targeted outreach in partnership with local and community-based organizations.

    A copy of the emergency proclamation can be found here.

    Last month, California public health leaders urged federal partners to make more vaccine doses available to the state as quickly as possible so that the state can expand eligibility to both confirmed and probable exposures, as well as to individuals who are at high-risk of contracting the virus. To date, the state has distributed more than 25,000 vaccine doses and will make additional allocations in the coming days and weeks. Los Angeles County has received a separate allocation of vaccine. In all, the state has received more than 61,000 doses. The state is also supporting overall vaccination efforts in collaboration with locals, including helping provide staffing and mobile clinics. The state allocates doses to local health departments based on a number of factors, including the number of reported monkeypox cases in an area and estimate of at-risk populations.  

    As of July 28, the state had expanded its testing capacity to process more than 1,000 tests a week. The state's public health laboratory leaders have been working with local public health, academic, and commercial laboratories to ensure testing capacity is increasingly available and coordinated with the public health response. CDPH is also expanding treatment options. Access to the antiviral prescription drug tecovirimat (TPOXX) used to treat monkeypox is limited, but the treatment can now be administered at more than 30 facilities and providers across the state. 

    The state continues outreach and education efforts to inform Californians about monkeypox and ways to limit its spread. The state has hosted multiple webinars for local health departments, community-based organizations, and other health care providers and has attended various town halls and community meetings to speak with and hear from the public and local leaders. CDPH is also scheduling listening sessions with the LGBTQ community. CDPH is currently running paid ad campaigns on various digital media platforms to promote awareness and engage communities at higher risk of contracting monkeypox.

    ###

    Governor Gavin Newsom
    1021 O Street, Suite 9000
    Sacramento, CA 95814


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  • Thursday, August 04, 2022 10:50 AM | Ross Hutchings (Administrator)

    News Release

    July 31, 2022

    For Immediate Release
    (916) 210-6000
    agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov



    Attorney General Bonta Warns Against Illegal Price Gouging Following State of Emergency Declaration in Siskiyou County Due to McKinney and Other Fires

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued a consumer alert following the Governor’s declaration of a state of emergency in Siskiyou County due to McKinney and other fires. The fires have destroyed homes, threatened critical infrastructure, and forced the evacuation of thousands of residents since they began burning. In today’s alert, Attorney General Bonta reminds all Californians that price gouging during a state of emergency is illegal under Penal Code Section 396. 

    “As wildfire season ramps up here in California, I want to be crystal clear: price gouging during a state of emergency is illegal,” said Attorney General Bonta. “California’s price gouging law prevents businesses from overcharging Californians for essential services and supplies during their moment of need. As Attorney General, I will use the full powers of my office to protect vulnerable Californians from those who would take advantage. I strongly encourage anyone who believes they have been the victim of price gouging to report it to my office at oag.ca.gov/report or to your local authorities.”

    California law generally prohibits charging a price that exceeds, by more than 10%, the price of an item before a state or local declaration of emergency. For any item a seller only began selling after an emergency declaration, the law generally prohibits charging a price that exceeds the seller's cost of the item by more than 50%. This law applies to those who sell food, emergency supplies, medical supplies, building materials, and gasoline. The law also applies to repair or reconstruction services, emergency cleanup services, certain transportation services, freight and storage services, hotel accommodations, and rental housing. Exceptions to this prohibition exist if, for example, the price of labor, goods, or materials has increased for the business. 

    Violators of the price gouging statute are subject to criminal prosecution that can result in a one-year imprisonment in county jail and/or a fine of up to $10,000. Violators are also subject to civil enforcement actions including civil penalties of up to $2,500 per violation, injunctive relief, and mandatory restitution. The Attorney General and local district attorneys can enforce the statute. 

    For additional information on price gouging, please see oag.ca.gov/consumers/pricegougingduringdisasters.

    # # #

    You may view the full account of this posting, including possible attachments, in the News & Alerts section of our website at: https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-warns-against-illegal-price-gouging-following-state-0

    You may view all News & Alerts on our website at: https://oag.ca.gov/news

    Please visit the remainder of the Attorney General's site at: https://oag.ca.gov/



  • Thursday, August 04, 2022 10:48 AM | Ross Hutchings (Administrator)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
    Saturday, July 30, 2022

    Governor's Press Office: (916) 445-4571

    Governor Newsom Proclaims State of Emergency in Siskiyou County Due to McKinney and Other Fires

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today proclaimed a state of emergency for Siskiyou County due to the effects of the McKinney Fire, which has destroyed homes, threatened critical infrastructure and forced the evacuation of almost 2,000 residents. Intensified and spread by dry fuels, extreme drought conditions, high temperatures, winds and lightning storms, the McKinney Fire has burned more than 29,500 acres since it began. 

    Two additional fires in Siskiyou County, the China 2 and Evans fires, have merged and burned more than 300 acres, prompting evacuation warnings for more than 200 residents. 

    A state of emergency allows for more flexibility in the face of an unfolding crisis, including the suspension of regulatory statutes that may impede the emergency response and recovery efforts. It also helps access federal aid and unlock certain state resources. This proclamation also triggers the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, allowing firefighting resources from other states to assist California crews in battling the fires.

    The text of today’s emergency proclamation can be found here.

    CAL FIRE and Cal OES Fire and Rescue personnel are working with state, local and federal agencies in response to the fast-moving fire. The State Operations Center is actively coordinating the state’s fire response, dispatching mutual aid and addressing emergency management needs.

    ###

    Governor Gavin Newsom
    1021 O Street, Suite 9000
    Sacramento, CA 95814

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  • Tuesday, January 11, 2022 4:48 PM | Rochelle Morales (Administrator)

    Wildfire and Winter Storms - States of Emergency

    There have been multiple States of Emergency for counties affected by wildfires. These were enacted at various times throughout 2021 and therefore have various end dates.

    In addition, on December 30, 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency for Alameda, Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Humboldt, Lake, Los Angeles, Marin, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Orange, Placer, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Sierra, and Yuba counties to support the response to recent winter storms. This latest emergency proclamation supports response and recovery efforts, including expanding access to state resources for counties under the California Disaster Assistance Act to support their recovery and response efforts. The proclamation can be found here.

    Most of these States of Emergency include Price Gouging restrictions.

    Please check the OES website to determine what State of Emergency and Price Gouging restrictions exist for your county and when each is scheduled to conclude: https://www.caloes.ca.gov/cal-oes-divisions/legal-affairs/price-gouging

    CSSA does not provide legal advice – If you have further questions or concerns as to how these States of Emergency and Price Gouging may affect you or your facility, we suggest you contact your legal counsel. If you do not have legal counsel that is familiar with self storage issues, we suggest you contact one of the attorneys listed in CSSA’s Business Partner Directory: https://californiaselfstorage.org/Vendor-Directory
  • Tuesday, December 28, 2021 10:41 AM | Ross Hutchings (Administrator)

    TAX & FINANCIAL ALERT

    Possible Tax Implications for 2021

    With the goal of providing relief to small businesses “facing unprecedented economic hurdles due to COVID-19,” in Assembly Bill 150 California enacted a pass-through entity tax for 2021 (link). Numerous other states have similar bills.

    Commonly referred to as the SALT cap workaround, this bill allows pass-through entities to pay and fully deduct California income tax of the partners/shareholders.

    If you plan to make the election for 2021 taxable year, it is important for you to contact your tax advisor for actions prior to year-end


  • Monday, January 25, 2021 12:46 PM | Ross Hutchings (Administrator)

    New post on Cal OES News

    Public Health Officials Lift Regional Stay at Home Order for All Region

    by Alyson Hanner

    SACRAMENTO – Officials with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today ended the Regional Stay at Home Order, lifting the order for all regions statewide, including the three regions that had still been under the order – San Joaquin Valley, Bay Area, and Southern California. Four-week ICU capacity projections for these three regions are […]

    Read more of this post

    Alyson Hanner | January 25, 2021 at 8:41 am | Tags: Bay Area, CDPH, Coronavirus, covid, COVID19, Hospitals, mask, PPE, Public health, regions, San Joaquin Valley, SOCIAL DISTANCING, Southern California, Stay at Home Order, tier | Categories: Allied Agency News | URL: https://wp.me/pa2L1o-5Mn


  • Wednesday, December 09, 2020 10:08 AM | Ross Hutchings (Administrator)

    Minimum Wage to Increase in 2021

    Starting January 1st, California’s minimum wage will increase to $14 per hour for employers with 26 employees or more and $13 for employers with 25 or fewer employees.

    In 2016, Governor Jerry Brown signed SB 3 (Leno) to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour statewide by 2022 for large businesses, and by 2023 for small businesses. 

    SB 3 (Leno, 2016) also included a provision allowing the Governor to postpone a wage increase in the event of an economic downturn.  However, this past July, Newsom announced that he will not delay the upcoming 2021 minimum wage increase.  “Not allowing this increase to go forward will only make life harder for those Californians who have already borne a disproportionate share of the economic hardship caused by this pandemic.  Many of them are on the front lines of the pandemic, providing child care, working in our hospitals and nursing facilities and making sure there’s food on grocery store shelves,” he said.

    For additional information, please seehttps://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/faq_minimumwage.htm.


  • Wednesday, December 02, 2020 2:34 PM | Ross Hutchings (Administrator)

    COVID-19 Emergency Regulations For Employers Take Effect

    State regulators have approved new rules outlining the steps employers must take to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at work.  Specifically, on November 30th, the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) offer their approval of the 21-page emergency regulation containing new statewide standards for employers regarding COVID-19 training, testing, hazard assessment/mitigation, reporting, among other rules. 

    “These are strong but achievable standards to protect workers. They also clarify what employers have to do to prevent workplace exposure to COVID-19 and stop outbreaks,” said Cal/OSHA Chief Doug Parker

    As emergency standards, these regulations become effective immediately.  In terms of enforcement, the following statement was noted in a Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) press release: “For employers who need time to fully implement the regulations, enforcement investigators will take their good faith efforts to implement the emergency standards into consideration. However, aspects such as eliminating hazards and implementing testing requirements during an outbreak are essential.”

    Also notable, Cal/OSHA has posted FAQs and a one-page fact sheet on the regulation, as well as a model COVID-19 prevention program

    In terms of next steps, Cal/OSHA announced they will convene a stakeholder meeting in December, where it is anticipated that members of the broader business community may push for revisions to the emergency regulation.   

    For more information, please see https://www.dir.ca.gov/DIRNews/2020/2020-99.html.


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5325 Elkhorn Blvd., #283 
Sacramento, CA 95842

P: 888-CSSA-207 or 888-277-2207

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