SACRAMENTO—A new bill allowing employees to skip work if they cite the State of Emergency as a reason for their absence has received backlash from more than 30 business advocacy groups across the state—including the California Chamber of Commerce, the California Hospital Association, and the California Restaurant Association—who say the bill will harm business owners. Senate Bill (SB) 1044, introduced by Sen. María Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles), passed in committee March 21. The bill requires an employee to notify their employer before leaving a worksite due to emergency conditions. A previous version did not. If an employer disciplines an employee who failed to notify them of skipping work for not notifying them under the bill, employers could be subject to legal action under the Private Attorneys General Act, which enables California laborers to file lawsuits against employers for workplace violations. If an employer chooses to discipline a worker for refusing …