SACRAMENTO, Calif. _ A measure that would have required California hotels to provide employees who work alone in guest rooms with panic buttons in case of emergency was shelved in a state Senate fiscal committee Thursday.
The effort, Assembly Bill 1761 from Democratic Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi, was aimed at protecting hotel workers from sexual harassment and assault. Opponents, including the California Chamber of Commerce and associations representing hoteliers, argued that the measure was unworkable and could require costly new equipment and administrative rules.
"With the #MeToo movement making significant strides this year, the holding of this bill in committee is a clear setback for hotel housekeepers," Muratsuchi said.
The legislator said he planned to re-introduce the bill next year.
