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MONDAY MEMO California State Board of Equalization New Chula Vista Satellite Office Your Partners for Success in China Seminar on June 15 Neighborhood House Association Dedicates the Howard H. Carey Center Chamber Housing Action Plan Gains Momentum Chairman Bill Horn Hosts Earthquake Safety Workshops |
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UPCOMING EVENTS 05/12 Technology Seminar 05/16 Get Connected Breakfast 05/19 Small Business Awards Luncheon 05/25 Business After Five Mixer 06/01 Small Business Challenges & Solutions |
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CHAMBER CONNECTION The Chamber's Supplemental Membership Directory Closes in May New Business Alliance Groups Excellent Networking Business Alliance Celebration Great Referrals Blue Shield Competitive Rates |
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FEATURED MEMBERS Cox Leadership Excellent Sales Training and Business Development Skyline Displays & Services Free Trade Show on May 3 Gary M. Zweig, An Accountancy Corporation Cost Effective Solutions Seminar on May 23 Meeting & Marketing Excellence A Consulting Business Wireless GIANT Excellent Wireless Services Women in Business Teleclass Series Free Seminar on May 23 USAY Foundation Online Access EXCEL-West A Full Service Information Technology Firm Gevity HR Outsourcing Company Buying and Selling Businesses "The Experts' View" Seminar on June 6 Working Waterfront Group Industry and Commerce Along San Diego Bay San Diego Port Tenants Association Great Resources San Diego Harbor Excursion Terrific Cruise Experience Bali Hai Restaurant Exotic Dining |
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Domestic Partner Laws Pose New Challenges for California's Employers Michael Minguet, Esq. Paul, Plevin, Sullivan & Connaughton, LLP The past few years have seen the introduction of several laws that have effectively created a new class of protected individuals in California: registered domestic partners. Broad in scope and thin on detail, these new laws pose new challenges to businesses seeking to navigate the murky waters of California's employment laws. Beginning in 2005, the California Insurance Equity Act requires group health care service plans and health care insurers to provide equal benefits to registered domestic partners and married couples. Although the law does not apply directly to employers, California employers can no longer purchase health plans that offer benefits only to spouses or plans that provide unequal benefits. Whether the Insurance Equity Act applies to self-insured plans remains unsettled and debatable. Some employers have taken the position that application of the Equity Act to their self-insured health plans is preempted by federal law, and they do not need to comply. Cautious employers may want to assume that the law applies to their self-insured plans and provide equal benefits. The trend among major companies is to extend health insurance benefits to same-sex partners of employees. Ultimately, the decision on whether to extend health benefits to registered domestic partners should be reached after careful consideration and assistance from counsel. Another law that became effective in 2005, California's Domestic Partner Rights and Responsibilities Act, marks a significant change to California's legal landscape. In short, this law extends to registered domestic partners the same "rights, protections, and benefits" granted to married couples. Although lacking detail, it is designed to be broad and far-reaching. It applies to a wide-range of legal issues, including property rights, tax and financial matters, death-related rights, parental protections, and, perhaps most importantly for California businesses, employment rights. What does this new law mean for California employers? In short, employers should follow a simple rule: Treat registered domestic partners the same as spouses in terms of all policies and discretionary benefits. For instance, registered domestic partners are now entitled to the same family and medical leave under the California Family Rights Act as spouses, so employers should make sure that their leave policies and practices are updated to reflect this change. Treating registered domestic partners differently than spouses potentially exposes employers to liability for discrimination under California's anti-discrimination laws. Employers must be wary of domestic partner issues and, when in doubt, seek the advice of counsel. For the rest of the lead click here |
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 "Having been a Chamber member for many years, I just want to say that it has been a marvelous experience for me. Not only have I grown my business, partnering network and professional relationships, but have made many new friends as well. I have been to events by every single chamber in San Diego County and can say with certainty that the SDRCC events have offered the most value and the 'warmest' networking opportunities. The venues are fun and it is great to try new places. "My experiences have been so rewarding that I was happy to act as chairperson for The Ambassador Program over the last year or so. An added benefit that everyone should take advantage of is the Business Alliance program. I have done quite a bit of business through this group for almost two years now. What a great program! "In short, my relationship with the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce has positively impacted both my career and my personal life." - Marcia Cruz, San Diego Sales Manager, TelePacific Communications. To learn more about TelePacific Communications visit www.telepacific.com. |
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Thank You to our
Renewing Members Chamber Press Releases Hot off the press |
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Members in Action Announcements, awards and more! Chairwoman's Report News from the Chamber Board |
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Your Business Advocate Leveraging its robust membership, collaborations with other organizations and political access, the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce's business advocacy team initiates legislation and lobbies for policies that create a stronger pro-business environment. |