Bill > SB1371

This bill aims to ensure the continuous provision of solid waste handling services, even during labor disputes, by prohibiting certain clauses in contracts and preventing the misuse of health and safety orders. Specifically, it states that any new or substantially amended franchise contracts, licenses, or permits for solid waste handling services entered into on or after January 1, 2027, cannot include a "force majeure" provision. A force majeure provision is a contractual clause that excuses a party from fulfilling its obligations due to unforeseen circumstances; in this context, it would prevent a service provider from being excused from their duties if a work stoppage occurs due to a labor dispute. Furthermore, any existing force majeure provisions that cover work stoppages from labor disputes will be considered void and unenforceable, regardless of when the contract was signed. The bill also prohibits local agencies and employers from using sanitation, health, or safety orders to force employees to work during a lawful labor dispute, unless specific conditions are met, such as an imminent threat to public health or safety that cannot be addressed otherwise, and the order is issued independently and in writing with specific findings. The bill defines "solid waste handling services" and "substantially amended" contracts, and clarifies that these provisions apply to all cities, including charter cities, as they address a statewide concern.

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB1371