Bills passed in the Legislature’s final days could cost business $6 billion a year

California businesses, already reeling from higher energy costs and a slowing economy, could get hit with up to $6 billion in added annual costs if bills passed by the state Legislature last month get signed into law by Gov. Gray Davis.

Among the bills passed in the session’s final hours were multibillion-dollar increases in workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance benefits. Also on Davis’ desk are measures that would expand prevailing wage law and make it easier for employees to take sick leave to care for relatives.

“These bills would place very onerous costs on businesses,” said Willie Washington, a lobbyist with the California Manufacturers