Existing law, the Labor Code Private Attorneys General Act of 2004 (PAGA) , authorizes an aggrieved employee, as defined, to bring a civil action, on behalf of that employee and other current or former employees, to enforce a violation of any provision of the Labor Code that provides for a civil penalty to be assessed and collected by the Labor and Workforce Development Agency or any of its departments, divisions, commissions, boards, agencies, or employees pursuant to certain notice and cure provisions, as prescribed. This bill would, among other things, instead authorize an aggrieved employee to bring a civil action as described above on behalf of the employee and other current or former employees against whom a violation of the same provision was committed. With respect to a violation by a person of a provision that does not provide for a civil penalty, PAGA makes that person liable for a civil penalty of $500 if, at the time of the alleged violation, the person does not employ one or more employees. If, at the time of the alleged violation, the person employed one or more employees, PAGA makes that person liable for a civil penalty of $100 for each aggrieved employee per pay period for the initial violation and $200 for each aggrieved employee per pay period for each subsequent violation. PAGA requires 75% of civil penalties recovered by aggrieved employees to be distributed to the Labor and Workforce Development Agency for enforcement of labor laws, including the administration of PAGA, and for education of employers and employees about their rights and responsibilities under the Labor Code, as specified, and requires 25% of civil penalties recovered by aggrieved employees to be distributed to the aggrieved employees, except as prescribed. This bill would instead, if, at the time of the alleged violation, the person employed one or more employees, make that person liable for a civil penalty of $100 for each aggrieved employee per pay period, except if certain mitigating factors apply, including that the alleged violation resulted from an isolated, nonrecurring event that did not extend beyond the lesser of 30 consecutive days or 4 consecutive pay periods, in which case the bill would make the civil penalty $25 or $50, except as provided. The bill would, subject to an exception, also reduce the civil penalties prescribed by PAGA by 15% or 30%, as specified, if a person accused of a violation has taken all reasonable steps to comply with the provisions alleged to have been violated in the required notice provided by the aggrieved employee, as prescribed. This bill would apply its provisions to a civil action brought on or after June 19, 2024, except as specified. This bill would become operative only if SB 92 of the 2023–24 Regular Session is enacted and takes effect on or before January 1, 2025. This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates November 30, 2024, as Native American Women Equal Pay Day in California to highlight the significant wage gap faced by Native American women compared to White men. The measure is based on data showing that Native American women earn significantly less for equivalent work, with the disparity widening as their education levels increase. By proclaiming this specific date, the resolution aims to raise awareness about economic inequality and encourage employers and government entities to pursue policies that ensure fair compensation. The bill does not create new laws or mandate specific actions but serves as a formal recognition of the issue within the state legislature.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution declares September 2024 as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in California to honor those affected by the disease and promote public understanding. The measure highlights critical statistics about ovarian cancer, such as its high mortality rate and the fact that early detection significantly improves survival chances. By drawing attention to these facts, the resolution encourages women to monitor their health and consult medical professionals regarding unexplained symptoms. Ultimately, the bill serves as a formal acknowledgment of the disease's impact and a call to support ongoing efforts in research, advocacy, and patient care.
This measure would declare June 5, 2024, as California Nonprofits Day in recognition of the importance of nonprofit organizations to the economy and well-being of this state.
Maddy summarySenate Resolution 44 designates the week of June 23 to June 29, 2024, as Probation Services Week in California. This resolution aims to recognize the essential work of probation professionals and their contributions to public safety and community rehabilitation. It does not change any laws or create new requirements but serves to highlight the role of probation departments in reducing recidivism and supporting justice-involved individuals. The Senate adopted the measure to raise awareness about these services within the state.
The California Constitution provides that the University of California constitutes a public trust, and requires the university to be administered by the Regents of the University of California, a corporation in the form of a board, with full powers of organization and government, subject to legislative control only for specified purposes. These provisions grant the regents all the powers necessary or convenient for the effective administration of its trust. This measure would require employees of the Regents of the University of California to have the right to, and be covered by, certain basic state labor standards, as provided. The measure would require individuals who perform certain work for the regents to have the right to the payment of a prevailing wage. The measure would authorize the Legislature to enact laws that further these rights, establish, define, or specify the basic state labor standards applicable to the regents, or establish other health, safety, and labor protections for individuals performing work for the regents.
Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution designates March 2024 as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month in California to highlight conditions such as hemophilia and Von Willebrand disease. The measure aims to increase public understanding of these rare genetic disorders, which can cause severe bleeding, chronic pain, and disability without proper treatment. By officially recognizing this month, the state seeks to foster community support and encourage engagement with medical resources for those affected. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic declaration to raise awareness among the general public.
This measure would acknowledge April 2024 as Child Abuse Prevention Month and encourage Californians to work together to support youth-serving child abuse prevention activities in their communities and schools.
Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution designates March 8, 2024, as International Women's Day within the State of California. The measure serves a commemorative purpose by officially recognizing the date, which honors the history of women's rights activism and global efforts to promote gender equality. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or change existing policies, but rather formally acknowledges the significance of the day through a ceremonial designation.
Maddy summarySenate Resolution 92 officially designates May 2024 as Lupus and Fibromyalgia Awareness Month in California. This legislative measure aims to increase public understanding of these conditions by highlighting their symptoms, diagnostic challenges, and prevalence among specific demographics. The resolution does not alter laws or funding but serves to encourage education and research into these chronic health issues.