“California voters have made clear that they want a say on whether they must shoulder the burden of higher prices and job losses caused by the FAST Act. This legislation singles out the quick service restaurant industry by establishing an unelected council to control labor policy, which would cause a sharp increase in food costs and push many Californians, particularly in disenfranchised communities, to the breaking point.”

“Today’s Court decision protects the rights of over one million California voters who demanded their say on this law before bearing its burden. We appreciate the Court upholding the state’s 100-year-old referendum process, as well as the well-established legal precedent that ensures California voters are able to consider the laws passed by their legislature.”

Today, the Sacramento Superior Court issued a temporary hold on AB 257, the FAST Act, which prevents the law from being implemented until the Court has a chance to decide the merits of the case. A hearing is scheduled for January 13, 2023. This pause comes on the heels of a Save Local Restaurants coalition lawsuit against state officials following a declaration that they would move forward with the law despite more than one million California voters demanding a say on its implementation.

The Save Local Restaurants coalition followed the constitutionally prescribed referendum process to ensure that voters have a say in the enactment of AB 257.

Today, the Save Local Restaurants coalition filed a lawsuit to ensure the democratic process established by the California Constitution is respected. The state’s Constitution dictates that, as part of the referendum process, laws cannot go into effect until voters have an opportunity to exercise their voice and vote on the proposed legislation. To date, more than one million California voters have asked for the opportunity to do exactly that with AB 257.

Today, the Save Local Restaurants coalition released the following statement after submitting petition signatures to give voters the opportunity to protect Californians and local business owners from the damaging impacts of AB 257, or the FAST Act:

In response to today’s union protest activity, the Save Local Restaurants coalition released the following statement:

In response to attempts to invalidate voters’ rights to have a say on AB 257 before it becomes California law, the Save Local Restaurants Coalition released the following statement:

The Save Local Restaurants coalition released the following statement on the new disclosure of its funders

Before these repercussions hit the state, it is only right that California voters have a say in whether they must shoulder the burden of higher prices and job losses, as small businesses are forced to limit opportunities, lay off employees or close altogether.