California Assembly Bill AB1360

California 2019-2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/22/19
• Refer: 3/14/19
• Report Pass: 4/1/19
• Refer: 4/2/19
• Report Pass: 4/10/19
• Refer: 4/10/19
• Refer: 4/11/19
• Report Pass: 4/23/19
• Refer: 4/23/19
• Refer: 5/8/19
• Report Pass: 5/16/19
• Engrossed: 5/23/19
• Refer: 5/24/19
• Refer: 6/6/19
• Report Pass: 6/18/19
• Refer: 6/18/19
• Report Pass: 6/27/19
• Refer: 6/27/19
• Report Pass: 7/5/19
• Refer: 7/5/19
• Report Pass: 7/10/19
• Refer: 7/11/19
• Refer: 8/12/19
• Report Pass: 8/30/19

Caption

Third-party food delivery.

Impact

If enacted, AB 1360 will lead to significant changes in the way food delivery platforms operate within California. The bill imposes shared liability between food delivery platforms and grocery establishments, meaning that retail foods that utilize delivery services will also carry responsibility for their drivers' wages and overall food safety compliance. This shared accountability is intended to protect workers and consumers by holding all parties involved to higher standards of safety and financial responsibility.

Summary

Assembly Bill 1360, introduced by Assembly Member Ting, focuses on regulating third-party food delivery platforms in California. The bill mandates that these platforms ensure their drivers receive proper training regarding food safety, specifically in maintaining hazardous foods at appropriate temperatures. In addition, it requires these platforms to obtain sufficient liability insurance to cover accidents or issues that may arise during the delivery process. The overarching aim of AB 1360 is to enhance consumer safety by establishing clearer guidelines and responsibilities for food delivery services operating in the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding AB 1360 appears generally supportive among consumer advocacy groups, as it is seen as a crucial step toward enhancing food safety standards in the rapidly growing food delivery sector. However, there may be concerns from delivery platforms regarding the implications of shared liability and the potential financial burdens imposed by required insurance coverage. As such, the discussion around the bill is likely to include diverse viewpoints on balancing consumer protections with business operability.

Contention

Key points of contention might revolve around the financial implications on food delivery services, particularly regarding the burden of maintaining mandatory liability insurance, which could lead to increased operational costs. Furthermore, the requirement for training may raise questions about the feasibility and affordability for smaller delivery platforms. The enforcement mechanisms, including civil penalties for non-compliance, could also incite debate about the balance between strict regulation and viable business practices.