Gov. Brown vows to reform chemical disclosure law

Gov. Jerry Brown wants to revamp a California law requiring businesses to post public warnings of chemicals, saying it’s been abused by some lawyers.

Proposition 65 was passed by voters nearly three decades ago and requires store owners to warn consumers of the presence of potentially dangerous chemicals. While the law has educated the public about health risks, the Brown administration says it has also led to frivolous lawsuits.

On Tuesday, Brown proposed several reforms to Proposition 65, including a cap on attorney’s fees and requiring more proof from plaintiffs who threaten lawsuits.

Any change to Proposition 65 would require a two-thirds vote from the state Legislature. Several lawmakers separately have introduced bills this year aimed at tweaking the law.