Brown Signs Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, Other Bills

Brown has signed the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights into law. It requires that employees in private homes receive overtime pay if they work more than nine hours a day or 45 hours a week. The law will expire in three years unless it’s renewed by the legislature.

Brown also signed a measure banning government agencies from shutting down cell phone communications without a judge’s order. The law is a response to a 2011 incident in which Bay Area Rapid Transit police preemptively shut down cell service in an effort to stop protests.  

And liquor distilleries have a reason to toast. Brown signed legislation allowing distilleries to charge for tastings. Until now they were only allowed to give liquor samples away for free.