Press Release

Transformative Worker Rights Bill Package Ready for Governor’s Signature

The State Legislature last night passed a package of bills introduced by Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles) that will better empower and protect workers across California. These transformative bills are now headed to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk for his signature.

 

“Shout out to all of our bill sponsors, town hall attendees and oversight hearing advocates who showed up, called in and emailed letters in support of our bills. Your commitment made it possible to get these bills over the finish line,” said Senator Smallwood-Cuevas. “Together, we are building a New Moral Majority for justice and opportunity that turns our economy right side up and creates a better future that the 28th District and all Californians deserve.”

 

Here are Senator Smallwood-Cuevas’ bills that are ready for the Governor’s signature.

 

  • SB 497 creates a rebuttable presumption that retaliation occurred when the employer punishes or terminates a worker within 90 days of the worker’s complaint of wage theft or unequal pay.

 

  • SB 521 requires a “good cause” exemption from CalWORKs sanctions imposed on pregnant, parenting and lactating students who are not being adequately accommodated under Title IX.

 

  • SB 627 requires large chain employers to give advance notice to workers so they can prepare for a store closure. Also requires employers to give transfer rights to workers at the closed store for any job that becomes open at a chain location within 25 miles.

 

  • SB 725 requires a grocery establishment that conducts a mass layoff due to a merger or acquisition to provide their workers with at least one week of severance pay for every year of service.

 

  • SB 749 allows counties to use Proposition 47’s original more streamlined process for qualified individuals to file petitions to seek records reclassification or resentencing that lapsed this past year.

 

Senator Lola Smallwood Cuevas represents the 28th Senate District, which includes the communities of South Los Angeles, Culver City, West Los Angeles, Century City and Downtown Los Angeles. Senator Smallwood-Cuevas spent more than two decades serving as a labor organizer, civil rights activist and community advocate before her election to the State Senate. She resides in the View Park community of Los Angeles with her family.

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