News You Need to Know in Two Minutes
The News You Need to Know in Two Minutes
Bi-weekly summary from the CRA on the latest relevant topics. Subscribe here to get email updates.
CA Finalizes Extended Producer Responsibility Rules: Is Your Restaurant Considered a “Producer”?
May 11, 2026
California’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations are now in effect and directly impact virtually every industry, including restaurants. Courtney summarizes the objectives of the regulation, how to determine if your business qualifies as a “producer,” the next key compliance deadline, and the CRA’s ongoing efforts to address costly and conflicting regulations affecting neighborhood restaurants statewide.
Tackling Restaurant Pain Points
April 27, 2026
In this episode of News You Need to Know, Courtney breaks down three bills aimed at reducing delays and easing operations for restaurants:
- AB 2418: Sets firm timelines for permit reviews and inspections
- AB 1915: Allows self-certification for routine equipment replacements
- AB 1740: Sets new precedent for regulatory flexibility in “Coastal Zones”
These reforms are part of the CRA’s continued advocacy to streamline processes, reduce costs, and support restaurant operators statewide. Stay informed and stay ahead.
Big Moves on Alcohol To-Go, Menu Labeling, Receipt Paper & Reservation Piracy
April 13, 2026
The Legislature is active, and restaurants are a primary focus. In this edition of News You Need to Know, Courtney reviews key legislative updates affecting operators, including alcohol-to-go, new menu labeling requirements, misplaced liability for neighborhood restaurants, and efforts to combat against reservation piracy. Watch to learn what is advancing, what is at risk, and how these changes may impact your restaurant.
Cracking Down on Reservation Piracy: AB 1245
March 30, 2026
In this episode of News You Need to Know, Courtney explains Assembly Bill 1245 and what it means for California restaurants. This proposed law aims to stop third-party platforms from selling unauthorized reservations, which is a growing problem that can cause lost revenue, no-shows, and unhappy diners. Find out how this bill might affect your business and how the California Restaurant Association is working to protect restaurant owners across the state.
Welcome a New Host to News You Need to Know + Capitol Hill Updates
March 15, 2026
News You Need to Know is welcoming a new host to the team. Join Courtney Carlmark as she shares the latest updates impacting California’s restaurant industry.
In this episode, Courtney highlights our recent Capitol Hill meetings, where restaurant advocates spoke directly with policymakers about key operator issues. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped amplify the restaurant industry’s voice. Your engagement helps shape policies that affect restaurants in California and across the country.
Bill to Mandate Allergen Labeling on Menus Moves Forward
July 15, 2025
This is the last week before the California legislature goes on summer break, and Sara has an update on Senate Bill 68 (Menjivar – D, Burbank) that would require restaurants to provide on-menu allergen disclosure. The CRA continues to oppose SB 68 unless the bill is amended. Watch to learn why.
Local Minimum Wage Increases in Effect Today, LA & SD Wage Fights, & an Update on State Bills
July 1, 2025
This week, Sara has a packed update starting with local minimum wage increases to be aware of. Meanwhile, Los Angeles and San Diego have major minimum wage battles going on. And learn about the progress of the gift card cashout bill (CRA-Opposed SB 22) and the permit streamlining bill (CRA-Sponsored AB 592).
Good News from The CRA Government Affairs Team at The State & Local Level
June 17, 2025
The PAGA reforms the CRA passed last year are safe for the year! Thanks to a collective advocacy effort led by the CRA and FixPAGA coalition and more than 600 restaurants amplifying the message with their legislators, SB 310 will not move forward this year.
Sara also details good news for ADA reform and a local regulatory win for our members in Southern California.
Good News from The CRA Government Affairs Team at The State & Local Level
June 17, 2025
The PAGA reforms the CRA passed last year are safe for the year! Thanks to a collective advocacy effort led by the CRA and FixPAGA coalition and more than 600 restaurants amplifying the message with their legislators, SB 310 will not move forward this year.
Sara also details good news for ADA reform and a local regulatory win for our members in Southern California.
Learn Why SB 310 (Wiener) Would Threaten PAGA Reform & What to Do About It
June 3, 2025
Senate Bill 310 (SB 310) by author Senator Wiener (D-San Francisco) goes to the full Senate for a vote this week, and we will need you to take action to tell your Senators to vote NO. Be on the lookout for our VoterVoice email asking you to send a letter.
The CRA Supports Bills to Lower Costs for Neighborhood Restaurants
May 6, 2025
CRA members have spoken; skyrocketing costs are killing you. So, the CRA government affairs team is actively supporting key bills to help ease the burden on neighborhood restaurants. This week, Sara dives into positive legislation our team is working on to get them across the finish line. These bills would help ease costs for:
The CRA Focuses on Rising Costs & Opposes a New Menu-Labeling Bill
April 22, 2025
In the latest CRA survey, members made it clear that skyrocketing costs are their number one priority, so your Government Affairs team continues to fight against bills that would make things worse or proactively support legislation that will lessen the burden. Senate Bill 68 (SB 68) is one such burdensome bill that would require on-menu labeling for any of the top nine allergen ingredients.
California Restaurants Take Swipe Fee Fight to Washington, D.C.
April 08, 2025
Sara discusses how CRA led a delegation to Capitol Hill to advocate for credit card swipe fee reform and tax relief for restaurants. In California, AB 1045 (Ortega) seeks to eliminate swipe fees on sales tax and employee tips—costs that should not be borne by restaurants. A big thank you to the amazing California operators who joined us in D.C.!
Big Legislative Updates Impacting CA Restaurants!
March 18, 2025
Sara breaks down the latest government affairs updates impacting California’s restaurant industry. After reviewing 2,355 new pieces of legislation, the CRA has identified key legislation that will affect the industry. Learn about SB 68 (menu allergen labeling), AB 1065 (swipe fee reform), and CRA-sponsored bills supporting outdoor dining and protecting restaurants from reservation piracy. Stay informed and find out how you can make a difference!
New Laws, Fresh Faces, and a Fond Farewell from Sabrina—News You Need to Know!
December 16, 2024
The 2025-26 legislative session has officially begun, welcoming 36 new lawmakers to the state Capitol. The CRA Advocacy Team is already connecting with these fresh faces to address key restaurant-related issues. Lawmakers will return to Sacramento the first week of January, and the formal introduction of bills has already started. Notable updates include Senate Bill 17, which proposes a tax exemption for tips, and Senate Bill 22, which revisits the rules for cashing out gift cards.
Election Trends, Legislative Shifts & Key Updates for Restaurants
November 18, 2024
Election results highlight voter concerns about rising costs, with California rejecting an annual minimum wage increase (Prop 32) for the first time in a nearly 10-year run. Local tax measures saw mixed outcomes and recalls indicating voter frustrations. Republicans gained ground in the legislature, while a new session begins December 2. The CRA is actively engaging with lawmakers to advocate for neighborhood restaurants. Plus, prepare for the January 1 ban on polystyrene foodware due to unmet recycling targets.
California’s Insurance Crisis + A Look Back at the Election
November 12, 2024
Election week is behind us, and we are awaiting the final results. The CRA supported Proposition 36 and opposed Proposition 32, both of which are still being counted. While we wait, we notice another concerning trend: the decline in commercial insurance coverage options. Many of you have expressed worries about the limited choices and increased business insurance costs.
Exciting News: Restaurant Industry Triumphs in CRA 2024 State Year-end Overview!
October 07, 2024
The legislative session concluded with many notable victories, reflecting the impact of our industry’s collective advocacy. Several misguided bills were successfully opposed and stopped, including those proposing unjustified warning labels on decaffeinated coffee and the general prohibition of reasonable employer communication to employees outside of working hours. These outcomes- and the other major victories we have told you about already- underscore the significance of engagement and support in shaping positive legislative results.
CRA Seeking Veto of SB 399, Limiting Employer Speech
September 23, 2024
Governor Newsom has called for a special session of the legislature to address oil prices and supply issues. However, there are still hundreds of bills on his desk that need to be addressed before the Sept. 30th deadline. In this week’s News You Need to Know, Sabrina provides more information about one of the bills that the CRA is lobbying against, SB 399 (Wahab). This bill would restrict certain types of employer speech and create new legal challenges for employers.
Legislature adjourns: final results?
September 09, 2024
Our industry has seen many victories, but we still need to make it over the finish line. Sept. 30 marks the deadline for when the governor signs or vetoes the bills that passed the legislature. Until that deadline, the CRA will stay active on a handful of essential bills. SB 969, a CRA-supported bill, is one that aims to restore downtowns still hurting from the pandemic by allowing local governments to establish “entertainment zones” where restaurants can sell alcohol for street fairs, festivals, and other outdoor public events.