CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20232024 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 800Introduced by Assembly Member Ortega(Coauthors: Assembly Members Wendy Carrillo, Connolly, Haney, and Santiago)February 13, 2023 An act to add Section 49110.5 to the Education Code, relating to pupil instruction. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 800, as introduced, Ortega. Workplace Readiness Week: work permits.Existing law deems the month of May to be Labor History Month throughout the public schools, and encourages school districts to commemorate that month with appropriate educational exercises that make pupils aware of the role the labor movement has played in shaping California and the United States.This bill would require the first full week in May to be known as Workplace Readiness Week. The bill would require public schools to annually observe that week and educate pupils on their rights as workers, and would specify the topics to be covered. The bill would require the observance and education to be integrated into the regular school program and to be mandatory for pupils in grades 11 and 12. By imposing additional duties on public school officials, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.Existing law authorizes specific school administrators to issue a work permit to pupils subject to specific requirements, including requiring certain information to be included on the work permit.This bill would require any minor seeking the signature of a verifying authority on a Statement of Intent to Employ a Minor and Request for a Work Permit-Certificate of Age to be issued, before or at the time of receiving the signature of the verifying authority, a document clearly explaining basic labor rights extended to workers, including specified Workplace Readiness Week education topics. The bill would require the document to be in the primary language spoken by the pupil and to express those labor rights in plain, natural terminology easily understood by the pupil. The bill would require the document to be in a physical form and would authorize the form to also be provided electronically. The bill would authorize bona fide labor organizations to create and provide to public schools sample forms meeting those requirements. To the extent these requirements would impose additional duties on public school officials, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YES Bill TextThe people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) It is the intent of the Legislature that California pupils enter the workforce with a strong understanding of their rights as workers, as well as their explicit rights as employed minors.(b) It is further the intent of the Legislature to equip pupils with this knowledge to protect them from retaliation and discrimination, to ensure that these young workers receive all wages and benefits to which they are entitled, to empower them to refuse unsafe work when necessary, and to prepare them to assert their labor rights whenever these rights are threatened.(c) It is further the intent of the Legislature that young Californians enter the workforce having received a thorough education on their right to join or organize a union at their workplace.(d) It is further the intent of the Legislature that secondary schools present state-approved apprenticeship programs as a path towards a living wage career for any pupils.SEC. 2. Section 49110.5 is added to the Education Code, to read:49110.5. (a) The first full week in May shall be known as Workplace Readiness Week. All public schools shall annually observe that week and educate pupils on their rights as workers. The topics covered shall include, but are not limited to, all the following:(1) Local, state, and federal laws regarding child labor.(2) Wage and hour protections.(3) Worker safety.(4) Workers compensation.(5) Paid sick leave.(6) Prohibitions against retaliation.(7) The right to organize a union in the workplace.(8) The history of the labor movement and the labor movements role in winning the protections and benefits described in paragraphs (1) to (7), inclusive.(b) The observance and education required by this section shall:(1) Be integrated into the regular school program but may also include special events after regular school hours.(2) Be mandatory for pupils in grades 11 and 12.(c) (1) Public schools are strongly encouraged to include all grades in observing Workplace Readiness Week.(2) This section does not prohibit or discourage the education required by this section from being taught to pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 10, inclusive.(d) Any minor seeking the signature of a verifying authority on a Statement of Intent to Employ a Minor and Request for a Work Permit-Certificate of Age under this chapter shall be issued, before or at the time of receiving the signature of the verifying authority, a document clearly explaining basic labor rights extended to workers. Topics covered in this document shall include, but are not limited to, those covered during Workplace Readiness Week, as identified in paragraphs (1) to (7), inclusive, of subdivision (a). The document shall be in the primary language spoken by the pupil and shall express these labor rights in plain, natural terminology easily understood by the pupil. The document shall be in a physical form but may also be provided electronically. Bona fide labor organizations may create and provide to public schools sample forms meeting the requirements of this subdivision.SEC. 3. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20232024 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 800Introduced by Assembly Member Ortega(Coauthors: Assembly Members Wendy Carrillo, Connolly, Haney, and Santiago)February 13, 2023 An act to add Section 49110.5 to the Education Code, relating to pupil instruction. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTAB 800, as introduced, Ortega. Workplace Readiness Week: work permits.Existing law deems the month of May to be Labor History Month throughout the public schools, and encourages school districts to commemorate that month with appropriate educational exercises that make pupils aware of the role the labor movement has played in shaping California and the United States.This bill would require the first full week in May to be known as Workplace Readiness Week. The bill would require public schools to annually observe that week and educate pupils on their rights as workers, and would specify the topics to be covered. The bill would require the observance and education to be integrated into the regular school program and to be mandatory for pupils in grades 11 and 12. By imposing additional duties on public school officials, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.Existing law authorizes specific school administrators to issue a work permit to pupils subject to specific requirements, including requiring certain information to be included on the work permit.This bill would require any minor seeking the signature of a verifying authority on a Statement of Intent to Employ a Minor and Request for a Work Permit-Certificate of Age to be issued, before or at the time of receiving the signature of the verifying authority, a document clearly explaining basic labor rights extended to workers, including specified Workplace Readiness Week education topics. The bill would require the document to be in the primary language spoken by the pupil and to express those labor rights in plain, natural terminology easily understood by the pupil. The bill would require the document to be in a physical form and would authorize the form to also be provided electronically. The bill would authorize bona fide labor organizations to create and provide to public schools sample forms meeting those requirements. To the extent these requirements would impose additional duties on public school officials, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YES
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20232024 REGULAR SESSION
Assembly Bill
No. 800
Introduced by Assembly Member Ortega(Coauthors: Assembly Members Wendy Carrillo, Connolly, Haney, and Santiago)February 13, 2023
Introduced by Assembly Member Ortega(Coauthors: Assembly Members Wendy Carrillo, Connolly, Haney, and Santiago)
February 13, 2023
An act to add Section 49110.5 to the Education Code, relating to pupil instruction.
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
AB 800, as introduced, Ortega. Workplace Readiness Week: work permits.
Existing law deems the month of May to be Labor History Month throughout the public schools, and encourages school districts to commemorate that month with appropriate educational exercises that make pupils aware of the role the labor movement has played in shaping California and the United States.This bill would require the first full week in May to be known as Workplace Readiness Week. The bill would require public schools to annually observe that week and educate pupils on their rights as workers, and would specify the topics to be covered. The bill would require the observance and education to be integrated into the regular school program and to be mandatory for pupils in grades 11 and 12. By imposing additional duties on public school officials, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.Existing law authorizes specific school administrators to issue a work permit to pupils subject to specific requirements, including requiring certain information to be included on the work permit.This bill would require any minor seeking the signature of a verifying authority on a Statement of Intent to Employ a Minor and Request for a Work Permit-Certificate of Age to be issued, before or at the time of receiving the signature of the verifying authority, a document clearly explaining basic labor rights extended to workers, including specified Workplace Readiness Week education topics. The bill would require the document to be in the primary language spoken by the pupil and to express those labor rights in plain, natural terminology easily understood by the pupil. The bill would require the document to be in a physical form and would authorize the form to also be provided electronically. The bill would authorize bona fide labor organizations to create and provide to public schools sample forms meeting those requirements. To the extent these requirements would impose additional duties on public school officials, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.
Existing law deems the month of May to be Labor History Month throughout the public schools, and encourages school districts to commemorate that month with appropriate educational exercises that make pupils aware of the role the labor movement has played in shaping California and the United States.
This bill would require the first full week in May to be known as Workplace Readiness Week. The bill would require public schools to annually observe that week and educate pupils on their rights as workers, and would specify the topics to be covered. The bill would require the observance and education to be integrated into the regular school program and to be mandatory for pupils in grades 11 and 12. By imposing additional duties on public school officials, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
Existing law authorizes specific school administrators to issue a work permit to pupils subject to specific requirements, including requiring certain information to be included on the work permit.
This bill would require any minor seeking the signature of a verifying authority on a Statement of Intent to Employ a Minor and Request for a Work Permit-Certificate of Age to be issued, before or at the time of receiving the signature of the verifying authority, a document clearly explaining basic labor rights extended to workers, including specified Workplace Readiness Week education topics. The bill would require the document to be in the primary language spoken by the pupil and to express those labor rights in plain, natural terminology easily understood by the pupil. The bill would require the document to be in a physical form and would authorize the form to also be provided electronically. The bill would authorize bona fide labor organizations to create and provide to public schools sample forms meeting those requirements. To the extent these requirements would impose additional duties on public school officials, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.
## Digest Key
## Bill Text
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) It is the intent of the Legislature that California pupils enter the workforce with a strong understanding of their rights as workers, as well as their explicit rights as employed minors.(b) It is further the intent of the Legislature to equip pupils with this knowledge to protect them from retaliation and discrimination, to ensure that these young workers receive all wages and benefits to which they are entitled, to empower them to refuse unsafe work when necessary, and to prepare them to assert their labor rights whenever these rights are threatened.(c) It is further the intent of the Legislature that young Californians enter the workforce having received a thorough education on their right to join or organize a union at their workplace.(d) It is further the intent of the Legislature that secondary schools present state-approved apprenticeship programs as a path towards a living wage career for any pupils.SEC. 2. Section 49110.5 is added to the Education Code, to read:49110.5. (a) The first full week in May shall be known as Workplace Readiness Week. All public schools shall annually observe that week and educate pupils on their rights as workers. The topics covered shall include, but are not limited to, all the following:(1) Local, state, and federal laws regarding child labor.(2) Wage and hour protections.(3) Worker safety.(4) Workers compensation.(5) Paid sick leave.(6) Prohibitions against retaliation.(7) The right to organize a union in the workplace.(8) The history of the labor movement and the labor movements role in winning the protections and benefits described in paragraphs (1) to (7), inclusive.(b) The observance and education required by this section shall:(1) Be integrated into the regular school program but may also include special events after regular school hours.(2) Be mandatory for pupils in grades 11 and 12.(c) (1) Public schools are strongly encouraged to include all grades in observing Workplace Readiness Week.(2) This section does not prohibit or discourage the education required by this section from being taught to pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 10, inclusive.(d) Any minor seeking the signature of a verifying authority on a Statement of Intent to Employ a Minor and Request for a Work Permit-Certificate of Age under this chapter shall be issued, before or at the time of receiving the signature of the verifying authority, a document clearly explaining basic labor rights extended to workers. Topics covered in this document shall include, but are not limited to, those covered during Workplace Readiness Week, as identified in paragraphs (1) to (7), inclusive, of subdivision (a). The document shall be in the primary language spoken by the pupil and shall express these labor rights in plain, natural terminology easily understood by the pupil. The document shall be in a physical form but may also be provided electronically. Bona fide labor organizations may create and provide to public schools sample forms meeting the requirements of this subdivision.SEC. 3. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
## The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) It is the intent of the Legislature that California pupils enter the workforce with a strong understanding of their rights as workers, as well as their explicit rights as employed minors.(b) It is further the intent of the Legislature to equip pupils with this knowledge to protect them from retaliation and discrimination, to ensure that these young workers receive all wages and benefits to which they are entitled, to empower them to refuse unsafe work when necessary, and to prepare them to assert their labor rights whenever these rights are threatened.(c) It is further the intent of the Legislature that young Californians enter the workforce having received a thorough education on their right to join or organize a union at their workplace.(d) It is further the intent of the Legislature that secondary schools present state-approved apprenticeship programs as a path towards a living wage career for any pupils.
SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:(a) It is the intent of the Legislature that California pupils enter the workforce with a strong understanding of their rights as workers, as well as their explicit rights as employed minors.(b) It is further the intent of the Legislature to equip pupils with this knowledge to protect them from retaliation and discrimination, to ensure that these young workers receive all wages and benefits to which they are entitled, to empower them to refuse unsafe work when necessary, and to prepare them to assert their labor rights whenever these rights are threatened.(c) It is further the intent of the Legislature that young Californians enter the workforce having received a thorough education on their right to join or organize a union at their workplace.(d) It is further the intent of the Legislature that secondary schools present state-approved apprenticeship programs as a path towards a living wage career for any pupils.
SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
### SECTION 1.
(a) It is the intent of the Legislature that California pupils enter the workforce with a strong understanding of their rights as workers, as well as their explicit rights as employed minors.
(b) It is further the intent of the Legislature to equip pupils with this knowledge to protect them from retaliation and discrimination, to ensure that these young workers receive all wages and benefits to which they are entitled, to empower them to refuse unsafe work when necessary, and to prepare them to assert their labor rights whenever these rights are threatened.
(c) It is further the intent of the Legislature that young Californians enter the workforce having received a thorough education on their right to join or organize a union at their workplace.
(d) It is further the intent of the Legislature that secondary schools present state-approved apprenticeship programs as a path towards a living wage career for any pupils.
SEC. 2. Section 49110.5 is added to the Education Code, to read:49110.5. (a) The first full week in May shall be known as Workplace Readiness Week. All public schools shall annually observe that week and educate pupils on their rights as workers. The topics covered shall include, but are not limited to, all the following:(1) Local, state, and federal laws regarding child labor.(2) Wage and hour protections.(3) Worker safety.(4) Workers compensation.(5) Paid sick leave.(6) Prohibitions against retaliation.(7) The right to organize a union in the workplace.(8) The history of the labor movement and the labor movements role in winning the protections and benefits described in paragraphs (1) to (7), inclusive.(b) The observance and education required by this section shall:(1) Be integrated into the regular school program but may also include special events after regular school hours.(2) Be mandatory for pupils in grades 11 and 12.(c) (1) Public schools are strongly encouraged to include all grades in observing Workplace Readiness Week.(2) This section does not prohibit or discourage the education required by this section from being taught to pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 10, inclusive.(d) Any minor seeking the signature of a verifying authority on a Statement of Intent to Employ a Minor and Request for a Work Permit-Certificate of Age under this chapter shall be issued, before or at the time of receiving the signature of the verifying authority, a document clearly explaining basic labor rights extended to workers. Topics covered in this document shall include, but are not limited to, those covered during Workplace Readiness Week, as identified in paragraphs (1) to (7), inclusive, of subdivision (a). The document shall be in the primary language spoken by the pupil and shall express these labor rights in plain, natural terminology easily understood by the pupil. The document shall be in a physical form but may also be provided electronically. Bona fide labor organizations may create and provide to public schools sample forms meeting the requirements of this subdivision.
SEC. 2. Section 49110.5 is added to the Education Code, to read:
### SEC. 2.
49110.5. (a) The first full week in May shall be known as Workplace Readiness Week. All public schools shall annually observe that week and educate pupils on their rights as workers. The topics covered shall include, but are not limited to, all the following:(1) Local, state, and federal laws regarding child labor.(2) Wage and hour protections.(3) Worker safety.(4) Workers compensation.(5) Paid sick leave.(6) Prohibitions against retaliation.(7) The right to organize a union in the workplace.(8) The history of the labor movement and the labor movements role in winning the protections and benefits described in paragraphs (1) to (7), inclusive.(b) The observance and education required by this section shall:(1) Be integrated into the regular school program but may also include special events after regular school hours.(2) Be mandatory for pupils in grades 11 and 12.(c) (1) Public schools are strongly encouraged to include all grades in observing Workplace Readiness Week.(2) This section does not prohibit or discourage the education required by this section from being taught to pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 10, inclusive.(d) Any minor seeking the signature of a verifying authority on a Statement of Intent to Employ a Minor and Request for a Work Permit-Certificate of Age under this chapter shall be issued, before or at the time of receiving the signature of the verifying authority, a document clearly explaining basic labor rights extended to workers. Topics covered in this document shall include, but are not limited to, those covered during Workplace Readiness Week, as identified in paragraphs (1) to (7), inclusive, of subdivision (a). The document shall be in the primary language spoken by the pupil and shall express these labor rights in plain, natural terminology easily understood by the pupil. The document shall be in a physical form but may also be provided electronically. Bona fide labor organizations may create and provide to public schools sample forms meeting the requirements of this subdivision.
49110.5. (a) The first full week in May shall be known as Workplace Readiness Week. All public schools shall annually observe that week and educate pupils on their rights as workers. The topics covered shall include, but are not limited to, all the following:(1) Local, state, and federal laws regarding child labor.(2) Wage and hour protections.(3) Worker safety.(4) Workers compensation.(5) Paid sick leave.(6) Prohibitions against retaliation.(7) The right to organize a union in the workplace.(8) The history of the labor movement and the labor movements role in winning the protections and benefits described in paragraphs (1) to (7), inclusive.(b) The observance and education required by this section shall:(1) Be integrated into the regular school program but may also include special events after regular school hours.(2) Be mandatory for pupils in grades 11 and 12.(c) (1) Public schools are strongly encouraged to include all grades in observing Workplace Readiness Week.(2) This section does not prohibit or discourage the education required by this section from being taught to pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 10, inclusive.(d) Any minor seeking the signature of a verifying authority on a Statement of Intent to Employ a Minor and Request for a Work Permit-Certificate of Age under this chapter shall be issued, before or at the time of receiving the signature of the verifying authority, a document clearly explaining basic labor rights extended to workers. Topics covered in this document shall include, but are not limited to, those covered during Workplace Readiness Week, as identified in paragraphs (1) to (7), inclusive, of subdivision (a). The document shall be in the primary language spoken by the pupil and shall express these labor rights in plain, natural terminology easily understood by the pupil. The document shall be in a physical form but may also be provided electronically. Bona fide labor organizations may create and provide to public schools sample forms meeting the requirements of this subdivision.
49110.5. (a) The first full week in May shall be known as Workplace Readiness Week. All public schools shall annually observe that week and educate pupils on their rights as workers. The topics covered shall include, but are not limited to, all the following:(1) Local, state, and federal laws regarding child labor.(2) Wage and hour protections.(3) Worker safety.(4) Workers compensation.(5) Paid sick leave.(6) Prohibitions against retaliation.(7) The right to organize a union in the workplace.(8) The history of the labor movement and the labor movements role in winning the protections and benefits described in paragraphs (1) to (7), inclusive.(b) The observance and education required by this section shall:(1) Be integrated into the regular school program but may also include special events after regular school hours.(2) Be mandatory for pupils in grades 11 and 12.(c) (1) Public schools are strongly encouraged to include all grades in observing Workplace Readiness Week.(2) This section does not prohibit or discourage the education required by this section from being taught to pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 10, inclusive.(d) Any minor seeking the signature of a verifying authority on a Statement of Intent to Employ a Minor and Request for a Work Permit-Certificate of Age under this chapter shall be issued, before or at the time of receiving the signature of the verifying authority, a document clearly explaining basic labor rights extended to workers. Topics covered in this document shall include, but are not limited to, those covered during Workplace Readiness Week, as identified in paragraphs (1) to (7), inclusive, of subdivision (a). The document shall be in the primary language spoken by the pupil and shall express these labor rights in plain, natural terminology easily understood by the pupil. The document shall be in a physical form but may also be provided electronically. Bona fide labor organizations may create and provide to public schools sample forms meeting the requirements of this subdivision.
49110.5. (a) The first full week in May shall be known as Workplace Readiness Week. All public schools shall annually observe that week and educate pupils on their rights as workers. The topics covered shall include, but are not limited to, all the following:
(1) Local, state, and federal laws regarding child labor.
(2) Wage and hour protections.
(3) Worker safety.
(4) Workers compensation.
(5) Paid sick leave.
(6) Prohibitions against retaliation.
(7) The right to organize a union in the workplace.
(8) The history of the labor movement and the labor movements role in winning the protections and benefits described in paragraphs (1) to (7), inclusive.
(b) The observance and education required by this section shall:
(1) Be integrated into the regular school program but may also include special events after regular school hours.
(2) Be mandatory for pupils in grades 11 and 12.
(c) (1) Public schools are strongly encouraged to include all grades in observing Workplace Readiness Week.
(2) This section does not prohibit or discourage the education required by this section from being taught to pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 10, inclusive.
(d) Any minor seeking the signature of a verifying authority on a Statement of Intent to Employ a Minor and Request for a Work Permit-Certificate of Age under this chapter shall be issued, before or at the time of receiving the signature of the verifying authority, a document clearly explaining basic labor rights extended to workers. Topics covered in this document shall include, but are not limited to, those covered during Workplace Readiness Week, as identified in paragraphs (1) to (7), inclusive, of subdivision (a). The document shall be in the primary language spoken by the pupil and shall express these labor rights in plain, natural terminology easily understood by the pupil. The document shall be in a physical form but may also be provided electronically. Bona fide labor organizations may create and provide to public schools sample forms meeting the requirements of this subdivision.
SEC. 3. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
SEC. 3. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
SEC. 3. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.
### SEC. 3.