Foreign labor contractors.
The repeal of Section 9998 from the Business and Professions Code would affect the enforcement and application of regulations concerning foreign labor contractors. By removing the limitation to nonagricultural workers, AB 1913 broadens the definition of those under regulatory oversight, which may lead to more stringent requirements and accountability for foreign labor contractors. This could impact various sectors that utilize foreign labor, ensuring greater compliance with labor laws and protections, but also possibly increasing the operational burden on businesses reliant on such labor.
Assembly Bill 1913, introduced by Assembly Member Kalra, seeks to amend the regulations surrounding foreign labor contractors in California. The existing law mandates the registration and supervision of foreign labor contractors who recruit or solicit foreign workers, specifically applying to nonagricultural workers. The bill proposes to repeal certain limitations in the application of these provisions, thereby expanding the responsibilities of foreign labor contractors and potentially modifying the legal landscape surrounding employment practices involving foreign labor.
A notable point of contention is the expansion of legal definitions and the implications of categorizing foreign labor contractors' violations as crimes. The bill posits that it would create a state-mandated local program without requiring reimbursement for the incurred costs, which could be a point of pushback from local agencies. Critics may argue that the bill could lead to over-regulation, while supporters might see it as necessary for protecting vulnerable foreign workers and ensuring fair labor practices.