Proposition 92 is a ballot measure that would create a budget carve-out for community colleges similar to that already in place for K-12 education through Proposition 98. Among other items, Proposition 92 will accomplish the following:

• Formally establishes the community colleges in the State Constitution
• Generally, requires minimum levels of state funding for school districts and community college districts to be calculated separately, using different criteria and separately appropriated, and
• Sets community college fees at $15/unit per semester; limits future fee increases.

To find out more information on Proposition 92, please click on the link below.

»» http://www.lao.ca.gov/ballot/2008/92_02_2008.pdf

Department of Industrial Relations 2007/2008 Self Insured Assessment Rates

Self Insurance Plans (SIP), a program within the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), authorizes qualified employers to provide their own coverage for workers' compensation liabilities. The Director of Industrial Relations is responsible for certification of public and private self-insured employers, third-party administrative agencies that oversee self insurance programs, and individual claims adjusters. Self insurers are required to post a security deposit -- adjusted annually to cover liabilities incurred -- and to submit to SIP audits. The Department of Industrial Relations Self-Insurance Plans [DSIP] has started to send out invoices for the 2007 / 2008 self-insured assessments. Please click on the link below for further information.

»» http://www.keenan.com/news/brief/2007/1218_assessments.pdf

Proposed Regulations Expand Liability Protection for Automatic External Defibrillators An Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable automatic device used to restore normal heart rhythm to patients in cardiac arrest. The link below discusses the adoption of new regulations to clarify the CPR and Automatic External Defibrillation requirements for lay rescuers.

»» http://www.keenan.com/news/brief/2007/1214_defibrill.pdf

California’s state and local governments face at least $118 billion in unfunded retiree health care costs over the next 30 years. A state commission organized by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger recommended that these public entities begin setting money aside now. Please click on the link below to read the Governor’s comments on the commission’s findings.

»» http://gov.ca.gov/press-release/8430/

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Proposes Universal Healthcare in California

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed a Universal Healthcare Program that would extend coverage to the state's uninsured population. The Governor’s $12 billion plan would require every Californian to have health insurance, including illegal immigrants. To read a summary of the Governor’s plan, please click on the link below.

»» http://www.calhealthreform.org/content/view/25/32/

To view a video of the Governor speaking about the highlights of his plan, please click on the link below.

»» http://www.fixourhealthcare.ca.gov/news/gov-video

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Delivers State of the State Address

Delivering his annual State of the State address before a joint session of the California State Legislature, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger discussed several issues ranging from budget reform and his strategic growth plan, to education and health care reform. Please click on the link below to read excerpts from his address and also to view video of his speech.

»» http://www.gov.ca.gov/press-release/8437/

Consumer Privacy and Identity Theft

On January 9, 2008, the California Senate Office of Research released the 2008 edition of its report, "Consumer Privacy and Identity Theft: A Summary of Key Statutes and Guide for Lawmakers." This is a valuable guide on State and Federal privacy laws for employers, as well as public entities, schools and providers of medical care. The guide can be found at the Senate Office of Research's website, or by clicking on the link below:

»» http://www.sor.govoffice3.com/vertical/Sites/{3BDD1595-792B-4D20-8D44-626EF05648C7}/uploads/{99B6C69B-560D-45AC-8862-995730D97911}.PDF

Senate Office of Research Summarizes 750 Bills Passed By California Legislature

In 2007, the California Legislature passed 964 bills, 750 of which were signed into law by the Governor. The Senate Office of Research has summarized the bills signed in its "2007 Legislative Highlights" booklet. Included in the booklet are chapters on laws affecting insurance, education, health, local government, public employment and retirement, as well as other areas of law that will be of interest to Keenan clients. The booklet can be found on the Senate Office of Research's website, or by clicking on the link below:

»» http://sor.govoffice3.com/vertical/Sites/{3BDD1595-792B-4D20-8D44-626EF05648C7}/uploads/{0437E3A1-A368-4966-AE47-415EF906D93D}.PDF

Flu Season Is Here; OSHA Releases Workplace Guidance for Employers

As it is flu season, we thought it was timely to remind you that in 2007, OSHA released its "Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for an Influenza Pandemic." Aimed at helping employers to prevent transmission of disease in the case of an influenza pandemic, the booklet contains practical guidance on steps every employer can take to reduce the risk of exposure to pandemic influenza in the workplace. The booklet may be downloaded from the U.S. Department of Labor Website, or by clicking on the link below:

»» http://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3327pandemic.pdf

California Insurance Commissioner Poizner Issues Statement about Safety and Insurance

Winter is upon us, and with it, the nasty weather that can cause flooding, falls and auto accidents. In light of the recent bad weather that affected large areas of the State, California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner has urged residents and businesses to be smart about safety and insurance. The Commissioner's statement can be found at the California Department of Insurance website, or by clicking on the link below:

»» http://www.insurance.ca.gov/0400-news/0100-press-releases/0070-2008/release01-08.cfm

IRS Releases Informative Publication Concerning Fringe Benefits

The IRS has just released the 2008 version of its Publication 15-B, the Employer's Tax Guide to Fringe Benefits. This publication contains useful information for employers on the employment tax treatment of certain fringe benefits, such as accident and health coverage, adoption assistance, dependent care, educational assistance, group term life insurance, HSAs and transportation benefits. The publication may be accessed at the IRS website, or by clicking the link below:

»» http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p15b.pdf