The California Administrative Procedure Act permits parties to use affidavits, declarations, and even letters in lieu of live testimony as evidence in an administrative hearing. This aspect is one of the big differences with civil litigation or criminal trial in Read more
On October 2, 2015, Governor Brown signed urgency legislation (Assembly Bill [AB] 1506) that immediately amends California’s Labor Code Private Attorneys General Act of 2004 (PAGA) to address increasing civil litigation alleging technical violations of itemized wage statements (pay stubs) Read more
This is part of a series of posts on changes to the California Medical Marijuana industry. In part two, we will discuss the specific provisions California Medical Marijuana and Safety Act (MMRSA), including the seventeen (!) different types of licenses which Read more
Beginning on Jan. 1, 2016, the standard mileage rates for the business, medical, or charitable use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be: 54 cents per mile for business miles driven, down from 57.5 cents for Read more
If a state agency issues, enforces, or attempts to enforce a rule without following the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) when it is required to for purposes of formulating that rule, the rule is called an “underground regulation.” State agencies are Read more
May you all have a wonderful and safe close to your 2015 and a happy and peaceful start to the new year. From all who make the services and representation at Simas & Associates, Ltd. possible, we wish you nothing Read more
The State of California’s STAR program certifies independent businesses as smog check stations that can provide testing and repair. If your establishment is one of the many STAR-certified facilities in California, you have probably come to depend on the Read more
A new law that goes into effect on the New Year (January 1, 2016) will require counsel to meet and confer before filing a demurrer to any pleading (i.e. complaint, cross-complaint, or answer). Specifically, at least 5 days before a Read more
Just got paid, Friday night… this used to be the theme song of adults ready to hit the clubs on the weekend after a hard work week. Well, now the party has extended to what are known as “party buses”. This Read more
There are some very specific and somewhat obscure (at least to the general public) laws regulating the world of beauty. At least in the state of California and inside and out of barber shops and salons. First of all, comes Read more