Amended IN Assembly March 25, 2021 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20212022 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 650Introduced by Assembly Member MuratsuchiFebruary 12, 2021 An act to amend Section 1178.5 of the Labor Code, relating to employment. add Part 4.6 (commencing with Section 1490) to Division 2 of the Labor Code, relating to employment.LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 650, as amended, Muratsuchi. Industrial Welfare Commission: wage boards. Employer-provided benefits: health care workers: COVID-19: hazard premium pay.Existing law, the Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act of 2014, requires employers to provide an employee, who works in California for 30 or more days within a year from the commencement of employment, with paid sick days for prescribed purposes, to be accrued at a rate of no less than one hour for every 30 hours worked. Existing law authorizes an employer to limit an employees use of paid sick days to 24 hours or 3 days in each year of employment. Existing law charges the Labor Commissioner, who is the Chief of the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, with enforcement of various labor laws.This bill, the Health Care Workers Recognition and Retention Act, would require a health care provider, as defined, to pay hazard premium pay in the amount of $5 per hour to each of its health care workers for each hour of work performed. The bill would define health care provider for purposes of these provisions to include specified types of licensed clinics, outpatient settings of a health facility, physicians offices, home health agencies, and various other medical service entities, if owned and operated by a person or other entity with 100 or more employees in the state, subject to certain exceptions.The bill would provide this hazard pay is in addition to all other compensation due and is not part of the health care workers regular rate of pay or compensation. The bill would make it a violation of these provisions for a health care provider to reduce a health care workers compensation or hours so as to prevent that worker from receiving hazard pay, as specified.The bill would state the intent of the Legislature to make these provisions apply retroactively to the payment of hazard premium pay beginning January 1, 2021. The bill would require a health care provider, to the maximum extent permitted by law, to be required to pay back hazard premium pay, retroactively to January 1, 2021, to each health care worker it employs who is entitled to that payment and has not received it. The bill would make these provisions inoperative when the state of emergency relating to the COVID-19 pandemic terminates, as specified.The bill would make a health care provider who violates these provisions liable for wages, civil penalties, and reasonable attorneys fees and costs, as specified. The bill would also authorize the commissioner to issue a citation against a health care provider or other person acting on behalf of the health care provider who violates this part, in accordance with certain procedures. The bill would include related legislative findings.Existing law establishes the Industrial Welfare Commission within the Department of Industrial Relations, with powers and duties as prescribed. Existing law makes it the continuing duty of the commission to ascertain the wages paid to all employees in this state, to ascertain the hours and conditions of labor and employment in the various occupations, trades, and industries in which employees are employed in this state, and to investigate the health, safety, and welfare of those employees. Existing law authorizes the commission, if it makes certain findings, to select a wage board composed of representatives, as prescribed, to consider the minimum wage or hours and conditions of labor in an occupation, trade, or industry and report recommendations on the matter to the commission.The bill would make nonsubstantive changes to those provisions. Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: NOYES Local Program: NO Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Part 4.6 (commencing with Section 1490) is added to Division 2 of the Labor Code, to read:PART 4.6. Health Care Workers Recognition and Retention Act 1490. This part shall be known and may be cited as the Health Care Workers Recognition and Retention Act.1491. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) On March 4, 2020, Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency in California as a result of the threat of COVID-19.(b) Health care workers put themselves, their families, and their communities at risk every day to care for patients with COVID-19.(c) Health care workers in California have been traumatized by an inundation of hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19.(d) Caring for COVID-19 patients has taken an emotional toll on workers who often serve as family surrogates for dying patients.(e) Studies show that health care workers are at increased risk for exposure and infection relative to the general population, and, among health care workers, people of color face particularly high risks.(f) Californias health care workforce is facing burnout from record hospitalizations, declining caregiver/patient ratios, longer work shifts and deferred time off, and the mental and emotional toll of the pandemic.(g) Studies show that high health care workforce turnover is associated with decreases in quality of care, and that instability in the health care workforce has an adverse impact on continuity and quality of patient care.(h) Retention bonuses paid to health care workers in recognition of their extraordinary service during the COVID-19 pandemic justly compensate them for the unique risks, efforts, and expenses they have borne and help to retain an essential and overextended workforce.(i) Paying hazard pay retention bonuses to the health care workforce will help foster the public health by ensuring that health care workers are better able to care for themselves and their families, resulting in a more experienced, well-trained workforce capable of delivering safe, high-quality health care for the public as a whole.(j) For these reasons, the Legislature has determined that public health, safety, and welfare are well served by requiring that health care workers are paid hazard pay retention bonuses.1492. For purposes of this part, the following definitions apply:(a) Employ means to engage, suffer, or permit to work.(b) Employee means any person employed by an employer, consistent with the definition of employee in the Order Regulating Wages, Hours, and Working Conditions in the Public Housekeeping Industry (8 C.C.R. Sec. 11050). (c) Health care provider has the same meaning as set forth in paragraph (6) of subdivision (b) of Section 131021 of the Health and Safety Code, if that health care provider is owned or operated by a person or other entity with 100 or more employees in the state, and is not owned by the state, political subdivision of the state, or municipality, but does include a district hospital organized and governed pursuant to the Local Health Care District Law (Division 23 (commencing with Section 32000) of the Health and Safety Code).(d) Health care worker has the same meaning as set forth in paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 131021 of the Health and Safety Code, but does not include health care workers performing exclusively managerial or supervisory functions. For purposes of this part, a health care worker is an employee of a health care provider. 1493. (a) A health care provider shall pay hazard premium pay, also known as hazard pay, in the amount of five dollars ($5) per hour to each of its health care workers for each hour of work performed.(b) The hazard pay shall be paid in addition to all other compensation due, including, but not limited to, salaries, wages, overtime, commissions, piece rates, rest breaks, meal breaks, paid leave, and reimbursement for employer expenses.(c) Hazard pay shall not be considered part of the health care workers regular rate of pay or compensation.(d) It shall be a violation of this part for any health care provider to reduce any health care workers compensation or hours so as to prevent, in whole or in part, that worker from receiving hazard pay at a rate of five dollars ($5) per hour for each hour worked in addition to the workers other compensation. 1494. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature that this part shall apply retroactively to require the payment of hazard premium pay beginning January 1, 2021.(b) To the maximum extent permitted by law, a health care provider shall be required to pay back hazard premium pay, retroactively to January 1, 2021, to each health care worker it employs who is entitled to that payment and who has not received it.1495. (a) Any health care provider who violates, or causes to be violated, the provisions of this part shall be liable in a court action for all wages owed under this part, and for a civil penalty in the amount of fifty dollars ($50) for each initial violation, and one hundred dollars ($100) for each subsequent violation.(b) Any health care worker receiving less than the legally required wages required by this part may recover in a civil action the unpaid balance of the full amount of these wages, including reasonable attorneys fees, costs of suit, and interest. Interest shall be calculated beginning with the effective date of this part, and not before that date.(c) In addition to recovery of penalties under this part in a court action or proceedings pursuant to Section 98, the commissioner may issue a citation against a health care provider or other person acting on behalf of the health care provider who violates this part for any amount to be determined to be due to a health care worker. The procedures for issuing, contesting, and enforcing judgments for citations or civil penalties issued by the commissioner shall be the same as those set forth in Section 1197.1. Amounts recovered pursuant to this part shall be paid to the affected employee.(d) In any action brought by an employee to enforce rights provided in this part, the court shall award reasonable attorneys fees and costs to a prevailing employee as set forth in Section 218.5.(e) In any action brought by an employee to enforce rights provided in this part, the court shall award interest due on unpaid wages as set forth in Section 218.6.1496. (a) The hazard premium pay required by this part shall be provided in addition to, and notwithstanding, any other wages, penalties, or other payments required by any other applicable law or contract.(b) The rights and remedies of this part are cumulative, nonexclusive, and in addition to any other rights and remedies afforded by contract or other provisions of law.1497. This part shall become inoperative when the state of emergency relating to the COVID-19 pandemic terminates pursuant to Section 8629 of the Government Code.SEC. 2. The provisions of this act are severable. If any provision of this act or its application is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.SECTION 1.Section 1178.5 of the Labor Code is amended to read:1178.5.(a)If the commission finds that wages paid to employees may be inadequate to supply the cost of proper living, it shall select a wage board composed of an equal number of representatives of employers and employees, and a nonvoting representative of the commission, designated by the commission, who shall act as chairperson. The wage board shall consider the findings of the commission and other information it deems appropriate and report to the commission its recommendation of a minimum wage adequate to supply the necessary cost of proper living to, and maintain the health and welfare of, employees in this state, and its recommendations on other matters related to the minimum wage on which the commission has requested recommendations.(b)If the commission finds that hours or conditions of labor may be prejudicial to the health or welfare of employees in an occupation, trade, or industry, it shall select a wage board composed of an equal number of representatives of employers and employees in that occupation, trade, or industry, and a nonvoting representative of the commission, designated by the commission, who shall act as chairperson. The wage board shall consider the findings of the commission and other information it deems appropriate and report to the commission its recommendation as to what action should be taken by the commission with respect to the matter under consideration.(c)Prior to amending or rescinding any existing order or adopting any new order, and after receipt of the wage board report and recommendation, the commission shall prepare proposed regulations with respect to the matter under consideration. The proposed regulations shall include any recommendation of the wage board which received the support of at least two-thirds of the members of the wage board. A public hearing on the proposed regulations shall be held in each of at least three cities in this state, except when the proposed regulations would affect only an occupation, trade, or industry which is not statewide in scope, in which case a public hearing shall be held in the locality in which the occupation, trade, or industry prevails. The proceedings shall be recorded and transcribed and shall thereafter be a matter of public record.
Amended IN Assembly March 25, 2021 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20212022 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 650Introduced by Assembly Member MuratsuchiFebruary 12, 2021 An act to amend Section 1178.5 of the Labor Code, relating to employment. add Part 4.6 (commencing with Section 1490) to Division 2 of the Labor Code, relating to employment.LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 650, as amended, Muratsuchi. Industrial Welfare Commission: wage boards. Employer-provided benefits: health care workers: COVID-19: hazard premium pay.Existing law, the Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act of 2014, requires employers to provide an employee, who works in California for 30 or more days within a year from the commencement of employment, with paid sick days for prescribed purposes, to be accrued at a rate of no less than one hour for every 30 hours worked. Existing law authorizes an employer to limit an employees use of paid sick days to 24 hours or 3 days in each year of employment. Existing law charges the Labor Commissioner, who is the Chief of the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, with enforcement of various labor laws.This bill, the Health Care Workers Recognition and Retention Act, would require a health care provider, as defined, to pay hazard premium pay in the amount of $5 per hour to each of its health care workers for each hour of work performed. The bill would define health care provider for purposes of these provisions to include specified types of licensed clinics, outpatient settings of a health facility, physicians offices, home health agencies, and various other medical service entities, if owned and operated by a person or other entity with 100 or more employees in the state, subject to certain exceptions.The bill would provide this hazard pay is in addition to all other compensation due and is not part of the health care workers regular rate of pay or compensation. The bill would make it a violation of these provisions for a health care provider to reduce a health care workers compensation or hours so as to prevent that worker from receiving hazard pay, as specified.The bill would state the intent of the Legislature to make these provisions apply retroactively to the payment of hazard premium pay beginning January 1, 2021. The bill would require a health care provider, to the maximum extent permitted by law, to be required to pay back hazard premium pay, retroactively to January 1, 2021, to each health care worker it employs who is entitled to that payment and has not received it. The bill would make these provisions inoperative when the state of emergency relating to the COVID-19 pandemic terminates, as specified.The bill would make a health care provider who violates these provisions liable for wages, civil penalties, and reasonable attorneys fees and costs, as specified. The bill would also authorize the commissioner to issue a citation against a health care provider or other person acting on behalf of the health care provider who violates this part, in accordance with certain procedures. The bill would include related legislative findings.Existing law establishes the Industrial Welfare Commission within the Department of Industrial Relations, with powers and duties as prescribed. Existing law makes it the continuing duty of the commission to ascertain the wages paid to all employees in this state, to ascertain the hours and conditions of labor and employment in the various occupations, trades, and industries in which employees are employed in this state, and to investigate the health, safety, and welfare of those employees. Existing law authorizes the commission, if it makes certain findings, to select a wage board composed of representatives, as prescribed, to consider the minimum wage or hours and conditions of labor in an occupation, trade, or industry and report recommendations on the matter to the commission.The bill would make nonsubstantive changes to those provisions. Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: NOYES Local Program: NO
Amended IN Assembly March 25, 2021
Amended IN Assembly March 25, 2021
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20212022 REGULAR SESSION
Assembly Bill
No. 650
Introduced by Assembly Member MuratsuchiFebruary 12, 2021
Introduced by Assembly Member Muratsuchi
February 12, 2021
An act to amend Section 1178.5 of the Labor Code, relating to employment. add Part 4.6 (commencing with Section 1490) to Division 2 of the Labor Code, relating to employment.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
AB 650, as amended, Muratsuchi. Industrial Welfare Commission: wage boards. Employer-provided benefits: health care workers: COVID-19: hazard premium pay.
Existing law, the Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act of 2014, requires employers to provide an employee, who works in California for 30 or more days within a year from the commencement of employment, with paid sick days for prescribed purposes, to be accrued at a rate of no less than one hour for every 30 hours worked. Existing law authorizes an employer to limit an employees use of paid sick days to 24 hours or 3 days in each year of employment. Existing law charges the Labor Commissioner, who is the Chief of the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, with enforcement of various labor laws.This bill, the Health Care Workers Recognition and Retention Act, would require a health care provider, as defined, to pay hazard premium pay in the amount of $5 per hour to each of its health care workers for each hour of work performed. The bill would define health care provider for purposes of these provisions to include specified types of licensed clinics, outpatient settings of a health facility, physicians offices, home health agencies, and various other medical service entities, if owned and operated by a person or other entity with 100 or more employees in the state, subject to certain exceptions.The bill would provide this hazard pay is in addition to all other compensation due and is not part of the health care workers regular rate of pay or compensation. The bill would make it a violation of these provisions for a health care provider to reduce a health care workers compensation or hours so as to prevent that worker from receiving hazard pay, as specified.The bill would state the intent of the Legislature to make these provisions apply retroactively to the payment of hazard premium pay beginning January 1, 2021. The bill would require a health care provider, to the maximum extent permitted by law, to be required to pay back hazard premium pay, retroactively to January 1, 2021, to each health care worker it employs who is entitled to that payment and has not received it. The bill would make these provisions inoperative when the state of emergency relating to the COVID-19 pandemic terminates, as specified.The bill would make a health care provider who violates these provisions liable for wages, civil penalties, and reasonable attorneys fees and costs, as specified. The bill would also authorize the commissioner to issue a citation against a health care provider or other person acting on behalf of the health care provider who violates this part, in accordance with certain procedures. The bill would include related legislative findings.Existing law establishes the Industrial Welfare Commission within the Department of Industrial Relations, with powers and duties as prescribed. Existing law makes it the continuing duty of the commission to ascertain the wages paid to all employees in this state, to ascertain the hours and conditions of labor and employment in the various occupations, trades, and industries in which employees are employed in this state, and to investigate the health, safety, and welfare of those employees. Existing law authorizes the commission, if it makes certain findings, to select a wage board composed of representatives, as prescribed, to consider the minimum wage or hours and conditions of labor in an occupation, trade, or industry and report recommendations on the matter to the commission.The bill would make nonsubstantive changes to those provisions.
Existing law, the Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act of 2014, requires employers to provide an employee, who works in California for 30 or more days within a year from the commencement of employment, with paid sick days for prescribed purposes, to be accrued at a rate of no less than one hour for every 30 hours worked. Existing law authorizes an employer to limit an employees use of paid sick days to 24 hours or 3 days in each year of employment. Existing law charges the Labor Commissioner, who is the Chief of the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, with enforcement of various labor laws.
This bill, the Health Care Workers Recognition and Retention Act, would require a health care provider, as defined, to pay hazard premium pay in the amount of $5 per hour to each of its health care workers for each hour of work performed. The bill would define health care provider for purposes of these provisions to include specified types of licensed clinics, outpatient settings of a health facility, physicians offices, home health agencies, and various other medical service entities, if owned and operated by a person or other entity with 100 or more employees in the state, subject to certain exceptions.
The bill would provide this hazard pay is in addition to all other compensation due and is not part of the health care workers regular rate of pay or compensation. The bill would make it a violation of these provisions for a health care provider to reduce a health care workers compensation or hours so as to prevent that worker from receiving hazard pay, as specified.
The bill would state the intent of the Legislature to make these provisions apply retroactively to the payment of hazard premium pay beginning January 1, 2021. The bill would require a health care provider, to the maximum extent permitted by law, to be required to pay back hazard premium pay, retroactively to January 1, 2021, to each health care worker it employs who is entitled to that payment and has not received it. The bill would make these provisions inoperative when the state of emergency relating to the COVID-19 pandemic terminates, as specified.
The bill would make a health care provider who violates these provisions liable for wages, civil penalties, and reasonable attorneys fees and costs, as specified. The bill would also authorize the commissioner to issue a citation against a health care provider or other person acting on behalf of the health care provider who violates this part, in accordance with certain procedures. The bill would include related legislative findings.
Existing law establishes the Industrial Welfare Commission within the Department of Industrial Relations, with powers and duties as prescribed. Existing law makes it the continuing duty of the commission to ascertain the wages paid to all employees in this state, to ascertain the hours and conditions of labor and employment in the various occupations, trades, and industries in which employees are employed in this state, and to investigate the health, safety, and welfare of those employees.
Existing law authorizes the commission, if it makes certain findings, to select a wage board composed of representatives, as prescribed, to consider the minimum wage or hours and conditions of labor in an occupation, trade, or industry and report recommendations on the matter to the commission.
The bill would make nonsubstantive changes to those provisions.
## Digest Key
## Bill Text
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. Part 4.6 (commencing with Section 1490) is added to Division 2 of the Labor Code, to read:PART 4.6. Health Care Workers Recognition and Retention Act 1490. This part shall be known and may be cited as the Health Care Workers Recognition and Retention Act.1491. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) On March 4, 2020, Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency in California as a result of the threat of COVID-19.(b) Health care workers put themselves, their families, and their communities at risk every day to care for patients with COVID-19.(c) Health care workers in California have been traumatized by an inundation of hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19.(d) Caring for COVID-19 patients has taken an emotional toll on workers who often serve as family surrogates for dying patients.(e) Studies show that health care workers are at increased risk for exposure and infection relative to the general population, and, among health care workers, people of color face particularly high risks.(f) Californias health care workforce is facing burnout from record hospitalizations, declining caregiver/patient ratios, longer work shifts and deferred time off, and the mental and emotional toll of the pandemic.(g) Studies show that high health care workforce turnover is associated with decreases in quality of care, and that instability in the health care workforce has an adverse impact on continuity and quality of patient care.(h) Retention bonuses paid to health care workers in recognition of their extraordinary service during the COVID-19 pandemic justly compensate them for the unique risks, efforts, and expenses they have borne and help to retain an essential and overextended workforce.(i) Paying hazard pay retention bonuses to the health care workforce will help foster the public health by ensuring that health care workers are better able to care for themselves and their families, resulting in a more experienced, well-trained workforce capable of delivering safe, high-quality health care for the public as a whole.(j) For these reasons, the Legislature has determined that public health, safety, and welfare are well served by requiring that health care workers are paid hazard pay retention bonuses.1492. For purposes of this part, the following definitions apply:(a) Employ means to engage, suffer, or permit to work.(b) Employee means any person employed by an employer, consistent with the definition of employee in the Order Regulating Wages, Hours, and Working Conditions in the Public Housekeeping Industry (8 C.C.R. Sec. 11050). (c) Health care provider has the same meaning as set forth in paragraph (6) of subdivision (b) of Section 131021 of the Health and Safety Code, if that health care provider is owned or operated by a person or other entity with 100 or more employees in the state, and is not owned by the state, political subdivision of the state, or municipality, but does include a district hospital organized and governed pursuant to the Local Health Care District Law (Division 23 (commencing with Section 32000) of the Health and Safety Code).(d) Health care worker has the same meaning as set forth in paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 131021 of the Health and Safety Code, but does not include health care workers performing exclusively managerial or supervisory functions. For purposes of this part, a health care worker is an employee of a health care provider. 1493. (a) A health care provider shall pay hazard premium pay, also known as hazard pay, in the amount of five dollars ($5) per hour to each of its health care workers for each hour of work performed.(b) The hazard pay shall be paid in addition to all other compensation due, including, but not limited to, salaries, wages, overtime, commissions, piece rates, rest breaks, meal breaks, paid leave, and reimbursement for employer expenses.(c) Hazard pay shall not be considered part of the health care workers regular rate of pay or compensation.(d) It shall be a violation of this part for any health care provider to reduce any health care workers compensation or hours so as to prevent, in whole or in part, that worker from receiving hazard pay at a rate of five dollars ($5) per hour for each hour worked in addition to the workers other compensation. 1494. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature that this part shall apply retroactively to require the payment of hazard premium pay beginning January 1, 2021.(b) To the maximum extent permitted by law, a health care provider shall be required to pay back hazard premium pay, retroactively to January 1, 2021, to each health care worker it employs who is entitled to that payment and who has not received it.1495. (a) Any health care provider who violates, or causes to be violated, the provisions of this part shall be liable in a court action for all wages owed under this part, and for a civil penalty in the amount of fifty dollars ($50) for each initial violation, and one hundred dollars ($100) for each subsequent violation.(b) Any health care worker receiving less than the legally required wages required by this part may recover in a civil action the unpaid balance of the full amount of these wages, including reasonable attorneys fees, costs of suit, and interest. Interest shall be calculated beginning with the effective date of this part, and not before that date.(c) In addition to recovery of penalties under this part in a court action or proceedings pursuant to Section 98, the commissioner may issue a citation against a health care provider or other person acting on behalf of the health care provider who violates this part for any amount to be determined to be due to a health care worker. The procedures for issuing, contesting, and enforcing judgments for citations or civil penalties issued by the commissioner shall be the same as those set forth in Section 1197.1. Amounts recovered pursuant to this part shall be paid to the affected employee.(d) In any action brought by an employee to enforce rights provided in this part, the court shall award reasonable attorneys fees and costs to a prevailing employee as set forth in Section 218.5.(e) In any action brought by an employee to enforce rights provided in this part, the court shall award interest due on unpaid wages as set forth in Section 218.6.1496. (a) The hazard premium pay required by this part shall be provided in addition to, and notwithstanding, any other wages, penalties, or other payments required by any other applicable law or contract.(b) The rights and remedies of this part are cumulative, nonexclusive, and in addition to any other rights and remedies afforded by contract or other provisions of law.1497. This part shall become inoperative when the state of emergency relating to the COVID-19 pandemic terminates pursuant to Section 8629 of the Government Code.SEC. 2. The provisions of this act are severable. If any provision of this act or its application is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.SECTION 1.Section 1178.5 of the Labor Code is amended to read:1178.5.(a)If the commission finds that wages paid to employees may be inadequate to supply the cost of proper living, it shall select a wage board composed of an equal number of representatives of employers and employees, and a nonvoting representative of the commission, designated by the commission, who shall act as chairperson. The wage board shall consider the findings of the commission and other information it deems appropriate and report to the commission its recommendation of a minimum wage adequate to supply the necessary cost of proper living to, and maintain the health and welfare of, employees in this state, and its recommendations on other matters related to the minimum wage on which the commission has requested recommendations.(b)If the commission finds that hours or conditions of labor may be prejudicial to the health or welfare of employees in an occupation, trade, or industry, it shall select a wage board composed of an equal number of representatives of employers and employees in that occupation, trade, or industry, and a nonvoting representative of the commission, designated by the commission, who shall act as chairperson. The wage board shall consider the findings of the commission and other information it deems appropriate and report to the commission its recommendation as to what action should be taken by the commission with respect to the matter under consideration.(c)Prior to amending or rescinding any existing order or adopting any new order, and after receipt of the wage board report and recommendation, the commission shall prepare proposed regulations with respect to the matter under consideration. The proposed regulations shall include any recommendation of the wage board which received the support of at least two-thirds of the members of the wage board. A public hearing on the proposed regulations shall be held in each of at least three cities in this state, except when the proposed regulations would affect only an occupation, trade, or industry which is not statewide in scope, in which case a public hearing shall be held in the locality in which the occupation, trade, or industry prevails. The proceedings shall be recorded and transcribed and shall thereafter be a matter of public record.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
## The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. Part 4.6 (commencing with Section 1490) is added to Division 2 of the Labor Code, to read:PART 4.6. Health Care Workers Recognition and Retention Act 1490. This part shall be known and may be cited as the Health Care Workers Recognition and Retention Act.1491. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) On March 4, 2020, Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency in California as a result of the threat of COVID-19.(b) Health care workers put themselves, their families, and their communities at risk every day to care for patients with COVID-19.(c) Health care workers in California have been traumatized by an inundation of hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19.(d) Caring for COVID-19 patients has taken an emotional toll on workers who often serve as family surrogates for dying patients.(e) Studies show that health care workers are at increased risk for exposure and infection relative to the general population, and, among health care workers, people of color face particularly high risks.(f) Californias health care workforce is facing burnout from record hospitalizations, declining caregiver/patient ratios, longer work shifts and deferred time off, and the mental and emotional toll of the pandemic.(g) Studies show that high health care workforce turnover is associated with decreases in quality of care, and that instability in the health care workforce has an adverse impact on continuity and quality of patient care.(h) Retention bonuses paid to health care workers in recognition of their extraordinary service during the COVID-19 pandemic justly compensate them for the unique risks, efforts, and expenses they have borne and help to retain an essential and overextended workforce.(i) Paying hazard pay retention bonuses to the health care workforce will help foster the public health by ensuring that health care workers are better able to care for themselves and their families, resulting in a more experienced, well-trained workforce capable of delivering safe, high-quality health care for the public as a whole.(j) For these reasons, the Legislature has determined that public health, safety, and welfare are well served by requiring that health care workers are paid hazard pay retention bonuses.1492. For purposes of this part, the following definitions apply:(a) Employ means to engage, suffer, or permit to work.(b) Employee means any person employed by an employer, consistent with the definition of employee in the Order Regulating Wages, Hours, and Working Conditions in the Public Housekeeping Industry (8 C.C.R. Sec. 11050). (c) Health care provider has the same meaning as set forth in paragraph (6) of subdivision (b) of Section 131021 of the Health and Safety Code, if that health care provider is owned or operated by a person or other entity with 100 or more employees in the state, and is not owned by the state, political subdivision of the state, or municipality, but does include a district hospital organized and governed pursuant to the Local Health Care District Law (Division 23 (commencing with Section 32000) of the Health and Safety Code).(d) Health care worker has the same meaning as set forth in paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 131021 of the Health and Safety Code, but does not include health care workers performing exclusively managerial or supervisory functions. For purposes of this part, a health care worker is an employee of a health care provider. 1493. (a) A health care provider shall pay hazard premium pay, also known as hazard pay, in the amount of five dollars ($5) per hour to each of its health care workers for each hour of work performed.(b) The hazard pay shall be paid in addition to all other compensation due, including, but not limited to, salaries, wages, overtime, commissions, piece rates, rest breaks, meal breaks, paid leave, and reimbursement for employer expenses.(c) Hazard pay shall not be considered part of the health care workers regular rate of pay or compensation.(d) It shall be a violation of this part for any health care provider to reduce any health care workers compensation or hours so as to prevent, in whole or in part, that worker from receiving hazard pay at a rate of five dollars ($5) per hour for each hour worked in addition to the workers other compensation. 1494. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature that this part shall apply retroactively to require the payment of hazard premium pay beginning January 1, 2021.(b) To the maximum extent permitted by law, a health care provider shall be required to pay back hazard premium pay, retroactively to January 1, 2021, to each health care worker it employs who is entitled to that payment and who has not received it.1495. (a) Any health care provider who violates, or causes to be violated, the provisions of this part shall be liable in a court action for all wages owed under this part, and for a civil penalty in the amount of fifty dollars ($50) for each initial violation, and one hundred dollars ($100) for each subsequent violation.(b) Any health care worker receiving less than the legally required wages required by this part may recover in a civil action the unpaid balance of the full amount of these wages, including reasonable attorneys fees, costs of suit, and interest. Interest shall be calculated beginning with the effective date of this part, and not before that date.(c) In addition to recovery of penalties under this part in a court action or proceedings pursuant to Section 98, the commissioner may issue a citation against a health care provider or other person acting on behalf of the health care provider who violates this part for any amount to be determined to be due to a health care worker. The procedures for issuing, contesting, and enforcing judgments for citations or civil penalties issued by the commissioner shall be the same as those set forth in Section 1197.1. Amounts recovered pursuant to this part shall be paid to the affected employee.(d) In any action brought by an employee to enforce rights provided in this part, the court shall award reasonable attorneys fees and costs to a prevailing employee as set forth in Section 218.5.(e) In any action brought by an employee to enforce rights provided in this part, the court shall award interest due on unpaid wages as set forth in Section 218.6.1496. (a) The hazard premium pay required by this part shall be provided in addition to, and notwithstanding, any other wages, penalties, or other payments required by any other applicable law or contract.(b) The rights and remedies of this part are cumulative, nonexclusive, and in addition to any other rights and remedies afforded by contract or other provisions of law.1497. This part shall become inoperative when the state of emergency relating to the COVID-19 pandemic terminates pursuant to Section 8629 of the Government Code.
SECTION 1. Part 4.6 (commencing with Section 1490) is added to Division 2 of the Labor Code, to read:
### SECTION 1.
PART 4.6. Health Care Workers Recognition and Retention Act 1490. This part shall be known and may be cited as the Health Care Workers Recognition and Retention Act.1491. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) On March 4, 2020, Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency in California as a result of the threat of COVID-19.(b) Health care workers put themselves, their families, and their communities at risk every day to care for patients with COVID-19.(c) Health care workers in California have been traumatized by an inundation of hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19.(d) Caring for COVID-19 patients has taken an emotional toll on workers who often serve as family surrogates for dying patients.(e) Studies show that health care workers are at increased risk for exposure and infection relative to the general population, and, among health care workers, people of color face particularly high risks.(f) Californias health care workforce is facing burnout from record hospitalizations, declining caregiver/patient ratios, longer work shifts and deferred time off, and the mental and emotional toll of the pandemic.(g) Studies show that high health care workforce turnover is associated with decreases in quality of care, and that instability in the health care workforce has an adverse impact on continuity and quality of patient care.(h) Retention bonuses paid to health care workers in recognition of their extraordinary service during the COVID-19 pandemic justly compensate them for the unique risks, efforts, and expenses they have borne and help to retain an essential and overextended workforce.(i) Paying hazard pay retention bonuses to the health care workforce will help foster the public health by ensuring that health care workers are better able to care for themselves and their families, resulting in a more experienced, well-trained workforce capable of delivering safe, high-quality health care for the public as a whole.(j) For these reasons, the Legislature has determined that public health, safety, and welfare are well served by requiring that health care workers are paid hazard pay retention bonuses.1492. For purposes of this part, the following definitions apply:(a) Employ means to engage, suffer, or permit to work.(b) Employee means any person employed by an employer, consistent with the definition of employee in the Order Regulating Wages, Hours, and Working Conditions in the Public Housekeeping Industry (8 C.C.R. Sec. 11050). (c) Health care provider has the same meaning as set forth in paragraph (6) of subdivision (b) of Section 131021 of the Health and Safety Code, if that health care provider is owned or operated by a person or other entity with 100 or more employees in the state, and is not owned by the state, political subdivision of the state, or municipality, but does include a district hospital organized and governed pursuant to the Local Health Care District Law (Division 23 (commencing with Section 32000) of the Health and Safety Code).(d) Health care worker has the same meaning as set forth in paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 131021 of the Health and Safety Code, but does not include health care workers performing exclusively managerial or supervisory functions. For purposes of this part, a health care worker is an employee of a health care provider. 1493. (a) A health care provider shall pay hazard premium pay, also known as hazard pay, in the amount of five dollars ($5) per hour to each of its health care workers for each hour of work performed.(b) The hazard pay shall be paid in addition to all other compensation due, including, but not limited to, salaries, wages, overtime, commissions, piece rates, rest breaks, meal breaks, paid leave, and reimbursement for employer expenses.(c) Hazard pay shall not be considered part of the health care workers regular rate of pay or compensation.(d) It shall be a violation of this part for any health care provider to reduce any health care workers compensation or hours so as to prevent, in whole or in part, that worker from receiving hazard pay at a rate of five dollars ($5) per hour for each hour worked in addition to the workers other compensation. 1494. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature that this part shall apply retroactively to require the payment of hazard premium pay beginning January 1, 2021.(b) To the maximum extent permitted by law, a health care provider shall be required to pay back hazard premium pay, retroactively to January 1, 2021, to each health care worker it employs who is entitled to that payment and who has not received it.1495. (a) Any health care provider who violates, or causes to be violated, the provisions of this part shall be liable in a court action for all wages owed under this part, and for a civil penalty in the amount of fifty dollars ($50) for each initial violation, and one hundred dollars ($100) for each subsequent violation.(b) Any health care worker receiving less than the legally required wages required by this part may recover in a civil action the unpaid balance of the full amount of these wages, including reasonable attorneys fees, costs of suit, and interest. Interest shall be calculated beginning with the effective date of this part, and not before that date.(c) In addition to recovery of penalties under this part in a court action or proceedings pursuant to Section 98, the commissioner may issue a citation against a health care provider or other person acting on behalf of the health care provider who violates this part for any amount to be determined to be due to a health care worker. The procedures for issuing, contesting, and enforcing judgments for citations or civil penalties issued by the commissioner shall be the same as those set forth in Section 1197.1. Amounts recovered pursuant to this part shall be paid to the affected employee.(d) In any action brought by an employee to enforce rights provided in this part, the court shall award reasonable attorneys fees and costs to a prevailing employee as set forth in Section 218.5.(e) In any action brought by an employee to enforce rights provided in this part, the court shall award interest due on unpaid wages as set forth in Section 218.6.1496. (a) The hazard premium pay required by this part shall be provided in addition to, and notwithstanding, any other wages, penalties, or other payments required by any other applicable law or contract.(b) The rights and remedies of this part are cumulative, nonexclusive, and in addition to any other rights and remedies afforded by contract or other provisions of law.1497. This part shall become inoperative when the state of emergency relating to the COVID-19 pandemic terminates pursuant to Section 8629 of the Government Code.
PART 4.6. Health Care Workers Recognition and Retention Act 1490. This part shall be known and may be cited as the Health Care Workers Recognition and Retention Act.1491. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) On March 4, 2020, Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency in California as a result of the threat of COVID-19.(b) Health care workers put themselves, their families, and their communities at risk every day to care for patients with COVID-19.(c) Health care workers in California have been traumatized by an inundation of hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19.(d) Caring for COVID-19 patients has taken an emotional toll on workers who often serve as family surrogates for dying patients.(e) Studies show that health care workers are at increased risk for exposure and infection relative to the general population, and, among health care workers, people of color face particularly high risks.(f) Californias health care workforce is facing burnout from record hospitalizations, declining caregiver/patient ratios, longer work shifts and deferred time off, and the mental and emotional toll of the pandemic.(g) Studies show that high health care workforce turnover is associated with decreases in quality of care, and that instability in the health care workforce has an adverse impact on continuity and quality of patient care.(h) Retention bonuses paid to health care workers in recognition of their extraordinary service during the COVID-19 pandemic justly compensate them for the unique risks, efforts, and expenses they have borne and help to retain an essential and overextended workforce.(i) Paying hazard pay retention bonuses to the health care workforce will help foster the public health by ensuring that health care workers are better able to care for themselves and their families, resulting in a more experienced, well-trained workforce capable of delivering safe, high-quality health care for the public as a whole.(j) For these reasons, the Legislature has determined that public health, safety, and welfare are well served by requiring that health care workers are paid hazard pay retention bonuses.1492. For purposes of this part, the following definitions apply:(a) Employ means to engage, suffer, or permit to work.(b) Employee means any person employed by an employer, consistent with the definition of employee in the Order Regulating Wages, Hours, and Working Conditions in the Public Housekeeping Industry (8 C.C.R. Sec. 11050). (c) Health care provider has the same meaning as set forth in paragraph (6) of subdivision (b) of Section 131021 of the Health and Safety Code, if that health care provider is owned or operated by a person or other entity with 100 or more employees in the state, and is not owned by the state, political subdivision of the state, or municipality, but does include a district hospital organized and governed pursuant to the Local Health Care District Law (Division 23 (commencing with Section 32000) of the Health and Safety Code).(d) Health care worker has the same meaning as set forth in paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 131021 of the Health and Safety Code, but does not include health care workers performing exclusively managerial or supervisory functions. For purposes of this part, a health care worker is an employee of a health care provider. 1493. (a) A health care provider shall pay hazard premium pay, also known as hazard pay, in the amount of five dollars ($5) per hour to each of its health care workers for each hour of work performed.(b) The hazard pay shall be paid in addition to all other compensation due, including, but not limited to, salaries, wages, overtime, commissions, piece rates, rest breaks, meal breaks, paid leave, and reimbursement for employer expenses.(c) Hazard pay shall not be considered part of the health care workers regular rate of pay or compensation.(d) It shall be a violation of this part for any health care provider to reduce any health care workers compensation or hours so as to prevent, in whole or in part, that worker from receiving hazard pay at a rate of five dollars ($5) per hour for each hour worked in addition to the workers other compensation. 1494. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature that this part shall apply retroactively to require the payment of hazard premium pay beginning January 1, 2021.(b) To the maximum extent permitted by law, a health care provider shall be required to pay back hazard premium pay, retroactively to January 1, 2021, to each health care worker it employs who is entitled to that payment and who has not received it.1495. (a) Any health care provider who violates, or causes to be violated, the provisions of this part shall be liable in a court action for all wages owed under this part, and for a civil penalty in the amount of fifty dollars ($50) for each initial violation, and one hundred dollars ($100) for each subsequent violation.(b) Any health care worker receiving less than the legally required wages required by this part may recover in a civil action the unpaid balance of the full amount of these wages, including reasonable attorneys fees, costs of suit, and interest. Interest shall be calculated beginning with the effective date of this part, and not before that date.(c) In addition to recovery of penalties under this part in a court action or proceedings pursuant to Section 98, the commissioner may issue a citation against a health care provider or other person acting on behalf of the health care provider who violates this part for any amount to be determined to be due to a health care worker. The procedures for issuing, contesting, and enforcing judgments for citations or civil penalties issued by the commissioner shall be the same as those set forth in Section 1197.1. Amounts recovered pursuant to this part shall be paid to the affected employee.(d) In any action brought by an employee to enforce rights provided in this part, the court shall award reasonable attorneys fees and costs to a prevailing employee as set forth in Section 218.5.(e) In any action brought by an employee to enforce rights provided in this part, the court shall award interest due on unpaid wages as set forth in Section 218.6.1496. (a) The hazard premium pay required by this part shall be provided in addition to, and notwithstanding, any other wages, penalties, or other payments required by any other applicable law or contract.(b) The rights and remedies of this part are cumulative, nonexclusive, and in addition to any other rights and remedies afforded by contract or other provisions of law.1497. This part shall become inoperative when the state of emergency relating to the COVID-19 pandemic terminates pursuant to Section 8629 of the Government Code.
PART 4.6. Health Care Workers Recognition and Retention Act
PART 4.6. Health Care Workers Recognition and Retention Act
1490. This part shall be known and may be cited as the Health Care Workers Recognition and Retention Act.
1490. This part shall be known and may be cited as the Health Care Workers Recognition and Retention Act.
1491. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) On March 4, 2020, Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency in California as a result of the threat of COVID-19.(b) Health care workers put themselves, their families, and their communities at risk every day to care for patients with COVID-19.(c) Health care workers in California have been traumatized by an inundation of hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19.(d) Caring for COVID-19 patients has taken an emotional toll on workers who often serve as family surrogates for dying patients.(e) Studies show that health care workers are at increased risk for exposure and infection relative to the general population, and, among health care workers, people of color face particularly high risks.(f) Californias health care workforce is facing burnout from record hospitalizations, declining caregiver/patient ratios, longer work shifts and deferred time off, and the mental and emotional toll of the pandemic.(g) Studies show that high health care workforce turnover is associated with decreases in quality of care, and that instability in the health care workforce has an adverse impact on continuity and quality of patient care.(h) Retention bonuses paid to health care workers in recognition of their extraordinary service during the COVID-19 pandemic justly compensate them for the unique risks, efforts, and expenses they have borne and help to retain an essential and overextended workforce.(i) Paying hazard pay retention bonuses to the health care workforce will help foster the public health by ensuring that health care workers are better able to care for themselves and their families, resulting in a more experienced, well-trained workforce capable of delivering safe, high-quality health care for the public as a whole.(j) For these reasons, the Legislature has determined that public health, safety, and welfare are well served by requiring that health care workers are paid hazard pay retention bonuses.
1491. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a) On March 4, 2020, Governor Newsom declared a state of emergency in California as a result of the threat of COVID-19.
(b) Health care workers put themselves, their families, and their communities at risk every day to care for patients with COVID-19.
(c) Health care workers in California have been traumatized by an inundation of hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19.
(d) Caring for COVID-19 patients has taken an emotional toll on workers who often serve as family surrogates for dying patients.
(e) Studies show that health care workers are at increased risk for exposure and infection relative to the general population, and, among health care workers, people of color face particularly high risks.
(f) Californias health care workforce is facing burnout from record hospitalizations, declining caregiver/patient ratios, longer work shifts and deferred time off, and the mental and emotional toll of the pandemic.
(g) Studies show that high health care workforce turnover is associated with decreases in quality of care, and that instability in the health care workforce has an adverse impact on continuity and quality of patient care.
(h) Retention bonuses paid to health care workers in recognition of their extraordinary service during the COVID-19 pandemic justly compensate them for the unique risks, efforts, and expenses they have borne and help to retain an essential and overextended workforce.
(i) Paying hazard pay retention bonuses to the health care workforce will help foster the public health by ensuring that health care workers are better able to care for themselves and their families, resulting in a more experienced, well-trained workforce capable of delivering safe, high-quality health care for the public as a whole.
(j) For these reasons, the Legislature has determined that public health, safety, and welfare are well served by requiring that health care workers are paid hazard pay retention bonuses.
1492. For purposes of this part, the following definitions apply:(a) Employ means to engage, suffer, or permit to work.(b) Employee means any person employed by an employer, consistent with the definition of employee in the Order Regulating Wages, Hours, and Working Conditions in the Public Housekeeping Industry (8 C.C.R. Sec. 11050). (c) Health care provider has the same meaning as set forth in paragraph (6) of subdivision (b) of Section 131021 of the Health and Safety Code, if that health care provider is owned or operated by a person or other entity with 100 or more employees in the state, and is not owned by the state, political subdivision of the state, or municipality, but does include a district hospital organized and governed pursuant to the Local Health Care District Law (Division 23 (commencing with Section 32000) of the Health and Safety Code).(d) Health care worker has the same meaning as set forth in paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 131021 of the Health and Safety Code, but does not include health care workers performing exclusively managerial or supervisory functions. For purposes of this part, a health care worker is an employee of a health care provider.
1492. For purposes of this part, the following definitions apply:
(a) Employ means to engage, suffer, or permit to work.
(b) Employee means any person employed by an employer, consistent with the definition of employee in the Order Regulating Wages, Hours, and Working Conditions in the Public Housekeeping Industry (8 C.C.R. Sec. 11050).
(c) Health care provider has the same meaning as set forth in paragraph (6) of subdivision (b) of Section 131021 of the Health and Safety Code, if that health care provider is owned or operated by a person or other entity with 100 or more employees in the state, and is not owned by the state, political subdivision of the state, or municipality, but does include a district hospital organized and governed pursuant to the Local Health Care District Law (Division 23 (commencing with Section 32000) of the Health and Safety Code).
(d) Health care worker has the same meaning as set forth in paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 131021 of the Health and Safety Code, but does not include health care workers performing exclusively managerial or supervisory functions. For purposes of this part, a health care worker is an employee of a health care provider.
1493. (a) A health care provider shall pay hazard premium pay, also known as hazard pay, in the amount of five dollars ($5) per hour to each of its health care workers for each hour of work performed.(b) The hazard pay shall be paid in addition to all other compensation due, including, but not limited to, salaries, wages, overtime, commissions, piece rates, rest breaks, meal breaks, paid leave, and reimbursement for employer expenses.(c) Hazard pay shall not be considered part of the health care workers regular rate of pay or compensation.(d) It shall be a violation of this part for any health care provider to reduce any health care workers compensation or hours so as to prevent, in whole or in part, that worker from receiving hazard pay at a rate of five dollars ($5) per hour for each hour worked in addition to the workers other compensation.
1493. (a) A health care provider shall pay hazard premium pay, also known as hazard pay, in the amount of five dollars ($5) per hour to each of its health care workers for each hour of work performed.
(b) The hazard pay shall be paid in addition to all other compensation due, including, but not limited to, salaries, wages, overtime, commissions, piece rates, rest breaks, meal breaks, paid leave, and reimbursement for employer expenses.
(c) Hazard pay shall not be considered part of the health care workers regular rate of pay or compensation.
(d) It shall be a violation of this part for any health care provider to reduce any health care workers compensation or hours so as to prevent, in whole or in part, that worker from receiving hazard pay at a rate of five dollars ($5) per hour for each hour worked in addition to the workers other compensation.
1494. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature that this part shall apply retroactively to require the payment of hazard premium pay beginning January 1, 2021.(b) To the maximum extent permitted by law, a health care provider shall be required to pay back hazard premium pay, retroactively to January 1, 2021, to each health care worker it employs who is entitled to that payment and who has not received it.
1494. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature that this part shall apply retroactively to require the payment of hazard premium pay beginning January 1, 2021.
(b) To the maximum extent permitted by law, a health care provider shall be required to pay back hazard premium pay, retroactively to January 1, 2021, to each health care worker it employs who is entitled to that payment and who has not received it.
1495. (a) Any health care provider who violates, or causes to be violated, the provisions of this part shall be liable in a court action for all wages owed under this part, and for a civil penalty in the amount of fifty dollars ($50) for each initial violation, and one hundred dollars ($100) for each subsequent violation.(b) Any health care worker receiving less than the legally required wages required by this part may recover in a civil action the unpaid balance of the full amount of these wages, including reasonable attorneys fees, costs of suit, and interest. Interest shall be calculated beginning with the effective date of this part, and not before that date.(c) In addition to recovery of penalties under this part in a court action or proceedings pursuant to Section 98, the commissioner may issue a citation against a health care provider or other person acting on behalf of the health care provider who violates this part for any amount to be determined to be due to a health care worker. The procedures for issuing, contesting, and enforcing judgments for citations or civil penalties issued by the commissioner shall be the same as those set forth in Section 1197.1. Amounts recovered pursuant to this part shall be paid to the affected employee.(d) In any action brought by an employee to enforce rights provided in this part, the court shall award reasonable attorneys fees and costs to a prevailing employee as set forth in Section 218.5.(e) In any action brought by an employee to enforce rights provided in this part, the court shall award interest due on unpaid wages as set forth in Section 218.6.
1495. (a) Any health care provider who violates, or causes to be violated, the provisions of this part shall be liable in a court action for all wages owed under this part, and for a civil penalty in the amount of fifty dollars ($50) for each initial violation, and one hundred dollars ($100) for each subsequent violation.
(b) Any health care worker receiving less than the legally required wages required by this part may recover in a civil action the unpaid balance of the full amount of these wages, including reasonable attorneys fees, costs of suit, and interest. Interest shall be calculated beginning with the effective date of this part, and not before that date.
(c) In addition to recovery of penalties under this part in a court action or proceedings pursuant to Section 98, the commissioner may issue a citation against a health care provider or other person acting on behalf of the health care provider who violates this part for any amount to be determined to be due to a health care worker. The procedures for issuing, contesting, and enforcing judgments for citations or civil penalties issued by the commissioner shall be the same as those set forth in Section 1197.1. Amounts recovered pursuant to this part shall be paid to the affected employee.
(d) In any action brought by an employee to enforce rights provided in this part, the court shall award reasonable attorneys fees and costs to a prevailing employee as set forth in Section 218.5.
(e) In any action brought by an employee to enforce rights provided in this part, the court shall award interest due on unpaid wages as set forth in Section 218.6.
1496. (a) The hazard premium pay required by this part shall be provided in addition to, and notwithstanding, any other wages, penalties, or other payments required by any other applicable law or contract.(b) The rights and remedies of this part are cumulative, nonexclusive, and in addition to any other rights and remedies afforded by contract or other provisions of law.
1496. (a) The hazard premium pay required by this part shall be provided in addition to, and notwithstanding, any other wages, penalties, or other payments required by any other applicable law or contract.
(b) The rights and remedies of this part are cumulative, nonexclusive, and in addition to any other rights and remedies afforded by contract or other provisions of law.
1497. This part shall become inoperative when the state of emergency relating to the COVID-19 pandemic terminates pursuant to Section 8629 of the Government Code.
1497. This part shall become inoperative when the state of emergency relating to the COVID-19 pandemic terminates pursuant to Section 8629 of the Government Code.
SEC. 2. The provisions of this act are severable. If any provision of this act or its application is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.
SEC. 2. The provisions of this act are severable. If any provision of this act or its application is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.
SEC. 2. The provisions of this act are severable. If any provision of this act or its application is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.
### SEC. 2.
(a)If the commission finds that wages paid to employees may be inadequate to supply the cost of proper living, it shall select a wage board composed of an equal number of representatives of employers and employees, and a nonvoting representative of the commission, designated by the commission, who shall act as chairperson. The wage board shall consider the findings of the commission and other information it deems appropriate and report to the commission its recommendation of a minimum wage adequate to supply the necessary cost of proper living to, and maintain the health and welfare of, employees in this state, and its recommendations on other matters related to the minimum wage on which the commission has requested recommendations.
(b)If the commission finds that hours or conditions of labor may be prejudicial to the health or welfare of employees in an occupation, trade, or industry, it shall select a wage board composed of an equal number of representatives of employers and employees in that occupation, trade, or industry, and a nonvoting representative of the commission, designated by the commission, who shall act as chairperson. The wage board shall consider the findings of the commission and other information it deems appropriate and report to the commission its recommendation as to what action should be taken by the commission with respect to the matter under consideration.
(c)Prior to amending or rescinding any existing order or adopting any new order, and after receipt of the wage board report and recommendation, the commission shall prepare proposed regulations with respect to the matter under consideration. The proposed regulations shall include any recommendation of the wage board which received the support of at least two-thirds of the members of the wage board. A public hearing on the proposed regulations shall be held in each of at least three cities in this state, except when the proposed regulations would affect only an occupation, trade, or industry which is not statewide in scope, in which case a public hearing shall be held in the locality in which the occupation, trade, or industry prevails. The proceedings shall be recorded and transcribed and shall thereafter be a matter of public record.