California bill AB 15 14 faces scrutiny for targeting Vietnamese nail salons

The Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee convened on July 9, 2025, to discuss several key legislative proposals, including Assembly Bill 1514. The meeting focused on the implications of the bill, particularly its impact on various professional groups within California.

The first significant discussion centered on the reinstatement of the Borrello exemption through 2029, which specifically targets manicurists for enforcement reporting. Concerns were raised regarding the equity of this approach, as it does not extend similar scrutiny to other professions, such as barbers and cosmetologists, who are also exempt under the same statute. Critics argued that this selective enforcement could violate equal protection principles, as it disproportionately affects a vulnerable immigrant workforce, particularly within Vietnamese nail salons. The call was made for a broader study that includes all licensed beauty professionals rather than singling out one group for investigation.

Following this, Susie Dumont Perez, representing LanguageLine Solutions, expressed opposition to AB 1514 unless amendments are made to ensure that interpreters receive equitable treatment compared to translators. She highlighted the essential role of interpreters in facilitating communication across various sectors, including healthcare and emergency services. Perez advocated for the reclassification of interpreters under the professional services exemption, emphasizing their critical skills and the necessity of their work in a diverse state like California.

The committee's discussions underscored the need for careful consideration of equity and fairness in legislative measures affecting different professional groups. As the meeting concluded, the committee members were urged to reflect on the implications of the proposed bill and the necessity for amendments that would ensure a more inclusive approach to enforcement and regulation.