WHAT THIS BILL REGULATES · 2 REQUIREMENT TYPES
How Is This Bill Enforced
Verbatim statutory text on the left; plain-language analysis and a per-section checklist on the right. Numbered markers cross-link to the matching checklist row.
(a) "Artificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence"Artificial intelligence" means an engineered or machine-based system that varies in its level of autonomy and that can, for explicit or implicit objectives, infer from the input it receives how to generate outputs that can influence physical or virtual environments.Lab. Code § 1600(a)" means an engineered or machine-based system that varies in its level of autonomy and that can, for explicit or implicit objectives, infer from the input it receives how to generate outputs that can influence physical or virtual environments.
(b) "Automated decision systemAutomated decision system"Automated decision system" means any computational process derived from machine learning, statistical modeling, data analytics, or artificial intelligence that issues simplified output, including a score, classification, or recommendation, that is used to assist or replace human discretionary decisionmaking and materially impacts natural persons. An automated decision system does not include a spam email filter, firewall, antivirus software, identity and access management tools, calculator, database, dataset, or other compilation of data.Lab. Code § 1600(b)" means any computational process derived from machine learning, statistical modeling, data analytics, or artificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence"Artificial intelligence" means an engineered or machine-based system that varies in its level of autonomy and that can, for explicit or implicit objectives, infer from the input it receives how to generate outputs that can influence physical or virtual environments.Lab. Code § 1600(a) that issues simplified output, including a score, classification, or recommendation, that is used to assist or replace human discretionary decisionmaking and materially impacts natural persons. An automated decision systemAutomated decision system"Automated decision system" means any computational process derived from machine learning, statistical modeling, data analytics, or artificial intelligence that issues simplified output, including a score, classification, or recommendation, that is used to assist or replace human discretionary decisionmaking and materially impacts natural persons. An automated decision system does not include a spam email filter, firewall, antivirus software, identity and access management tools, calculator, database, dataset, or other compilation of data.Lab. Code § 1600(b) does not include a spam email filter, firewall, antivirus software, identity and access management tools, calculator, database, dataset, or other compilation of data.
(c)(1)–(2) "EmployerEmployer"Employer" means any person who directly or indirectly, or through an agent or any other person, employs or exercises control over the wages, benefits, other compensation, hours, working conditions, access to work or job opportunities, or other terms or conditions of employment, of any worker. This shall include all branches of state government, all cities, counties, and cities and counties, including charter cities and charter counties, special districts, transit districts, the University of California, the California State University, community college districts, school districts, and any other governmental entities. "Employer" includes a labor contractor of a person defined as an employer under paragraph (1).Lab. Code § 1600(c)" means any person who directly or indirectly, or through an agent or any other person, employs or exercises control over the wages, benefits, other compensation, hours, working conditions, access to work or job opportunities, or other terms or conditions of employment, of any workerWorker"Worker" means a natural person or an employee of, or an independent contractor providing service to, a business or a state or local governmental entity in a workplace.Lab. Code § 1600(f). This shall include all branches of state government, all cities, counties, and cities and counties, including charter cities and charter counties, special districts, transit districts, the University of California, the California State University, community college districts, school districts, and any other governmental entities. (2) "EmployerEmployer"Employer" means any person who directly or indirectly, or through an agent or any other person, employs or exercises control over the wages, benefits, other compensation, hours, working conditions, access to work or job opportunities, or other terms or conditions of employment, of any worker. This shall include all branches of state government, all cities, counties, and cities and counties, including charter cities and charter counties, special districts, transit districts, the University of California, the California State University, community college districts, school districts, and any other governmental entities. "Employer" includes a labor contractor of a person defined as an employer under paragraph (1).Lab. Code § 1600(c)" includes a labor contractor of a person defined as an employerEmployer"Employer" means any person who directly or indirectly, or through an agent or any other person, employs or exercises control over the wages, benefits, other compensation, hours, working conditions, access to work or job opportunities, or other terms or conditions of employment, of any worker. This shall include all branches of state government, all cities, counties, and cities and counties, including charter cities and charter counties, special districts, transit districts, the University of California, the California State University, community college districts, school districts, and any other governmental entities. "Employer" includes a labor contractor of a person defined as an employer under paragraph (1).Lab. Code § 1600(c) under paragraph (1).
(d) "Employment-related decision" means any decision by an employerEmployer"Employer" means any person who directly or indirectly, or through an agent or any other person, employs or exercises control over the wages, benefits, other compensation, hours, working conditions, access to work or job opportunities, or other terms or conditions of employment, of any worker. This shall include all branches of state government, all cities, counties, and cities and counties, including charter cities and charter counties, special districts, transit districts, the University of California, the California State University, community college districts, school districts, and any other governmental entities. "Employer" includes a labor contractor of a person defined as an employer under paragraph (1).Lab. Code § 1600(c) that materially impacts a workerWorker"Worker" means a natural person or an employee of, or an independent contractor providing service to, a business or a state or local governmental entity in a workplace.Lab. Code § 1600(f)'s wages, benefits, compensation, work hours, work schedule, performance evaluation, hiring, discipline, promotion, termination, job tasks, skill requirements, work responsibilities, assignment of work, access to work and training opportunities, productivity requirements, or workplace health and safety.
(e) "Public prosecutorPublic prosecutor"Public prosecutor" has the same meaning as defined in Section 180.Lab. Code § 1600(e)" has the same meaning as defined in Section 180.
(f) "WorkerWorker"Worker" means a natural person or an employee of, or an independent contractor providing service to, a business or a state or local governmental entity in a workplace.Lab. Code § 1600(f)" means a natural person or an employee of, or an independent contractor providing service to, a business or a state or local governmental entity in a workplace.
(g) "Worker dataWorker data"Worker data" means any information that identifies, relates to, describes, is reasonably capable of being associated with, or could reasonably be linked, directly or indirectly, with a covered worker, regardless of how the information is collected, inferred, or obtained.Lab. Code § 1600(g)" means any information that identifies, relates to, describes, is reasonably capable of being associated with, or could reasonably be linked, directly or indirectly, with a covered workerWorker"Worker" means a natural person or an employee of, or an independent contractor providing service to, a business or a state or local governmental entity in a workplace.Lab. Code § 1600(f), regardless of how the information is collected, inferred, or obtained.
(h) "Workplace AI toolWorkplace AI tool"Workplace AI tool" means an automated decision system or workplace surveillance tool.Lab. Code § 1600(h)" means an automated decision systemAutomated decision system"Automated decision system" means any computational process derived from machine learning, statistical modeling, data analytics, or artificial intelligence that issues simplified output, including a score, classification, or recommendation, that is used to assist or replace human discretionary decisionmaking and materially impacts natural persons. An automated decision system does not include a spam email filter, firewall, antivirus software, identity and access management tools, calculator, database, dataset, or other compilation of data.Lab. Code § 1600(b) or workplace surveillance toolWorkplace surveillance tool"Workplace surveillance tool" means any system, application, instrument, or device that collects or facilitates the collection of worker data, activities, communications, actions, biometrics, or behaviors, or those of the public that are also capable of passively surveilling workers, by means other than direct observation by a person, including, but not limited to, video or audio surveillance, continuous incremental time-tracking tools, geolocation, electromagnetic tracking, photoelectronic tracking, or that utilizes a photo-optical system or other means.Lab. Code § 1600(i).
(i) "Workplace surveillance toolWorkplace surveillance tool"Workplace surveillance tool" means any system, application, instrument, or device that collects or facilitates the collection of worker data, activities, communications, actions, biometrics, or behaviors, or those of the public that are also capable of passively surveilling workers, by means other than direct observation by a person, including, but not limited to, video or audio surveillance, continuous incremental time-tracking tools, geolocation, electromagnetic tracking, photoelectronic tracking, or that utilizes a photo-optical system or other means.Lab. Code § 1600(i)" means any system, application, instrument, or device that collects or facilitates the collection of worker dataWorker data"Worker data" means any information that identifies, relates to, describes, is reasonably capable of being associated with, or could reasonably be linked, directly or indirectly, with a covered worker, regardless of how the information is collected, inferred, or obtained.Lab. Code § 1600(g), activities, communications, actions, biometrics, or behaviors, or those of the public that are also capable of passively surveilling workersWorker"Worker" means a natural person or an employee of, or an independent contractor providing service to, a business or a state or local governmental entity in a workplace.Lab. Code § 1600(f), by means other than direct observation by a person, including, but not limited to, video or audio surveillance, continuous incremental time-tracking tools, geolocation, electromagnetic tracking, photoelectronic tracking, or that utilizes a photo-optical system or other means.
Section 1600 establishes the definitions governing Part 5.9. The central defined term is workplace AI tool, which encompasses two sub-categories: automated decision systems (computational processes derived from machine learning, statistical modeling, data analytics, or AI that produce scores, classifications, or recommendations used in discretionary decisionmaking materially impacting natural persons) and workplace surveillance tools (systems that collect worker data, activities, communications, biometrics, or behaviors by means other than direct human observation). The automated decision system definition explicitly carves out spam filters, firewalls, antivirus software, identity and access management tools, calculators, databases, and datasets.
The definition of employer is notably expansive, reaching any person who directly or indirectly employs or exercises control over terms and conditions of employment, including all branches of state and local government, charter cities, the University of California, the California State University, and community college and school districts. Worker encompasses both employees and independent contractors.
(a) 1 An employerEmployer"Employer" means any person who directly or indirectly, or through an agent or any other person, employs or exercises control over the wages, benefits, other compensation, hours, working conditions, access to work or job opportunities, or other terms or conditions of employment, of any worker. This shall include all branches of state government, all cities, counties, and cities and counties, including charter cities and charter counties, special districts, transit districts, the University of California, the California State University, community college districts, school districts, and any other governmental entities. "Employer" includes a labor contractor of a person defined as an employer under paragraph (1).Lab. Code § 1600(c) shall provide a written notice that a workplace AI toolWorkplace AI tool"Workplace AI tool" means an automated decision system or workplace surveillance tool.Lab. Code § 1600(h) was used to assist the employerEmployer"Employer" means any person who directly or indirectly, or through an agent or any other person, employs or exercises control over the wages, benefits, other compensation, hours, working conditions, access to work or job opportunities, or other terms or conditions of employment, of any worker. This shall include all branches of state government, all cities, counties, and cities and counties, including charter cities and charter counties, special districts, transit districts, the University of California, the California State University, community college districts, school districts, and any other governmental entities. "Employer" includes a labor contractor of a person defined as an employer under paragraph (1).Lab. Code § 1600(c) in making employment-related decisions or to surveil the workplace.
(b)(1)–(3) 1 The notice shall be given to a workerWorker"Worker" means a natural person or an employee of, or an independent contractor providing service to, a business or a state or local governmental entity in a workplace.Lab. Code § 1600(f) who will likely be directly or indirectly affected and to the exclusive bargaining representative of any affected workerWorker"Worker" means a natural person or an employee of, or an independent contractor providing service to, a business or a state or local governmental entity in a workplace.Lab. Code § 1600(f) according to the following: (1) At least 90 days before a workplace AI toolWorkplace AI tool"Workplace AI tool" means an automated decision system or workplace surveillance tool.Lab. Code § 1600(h) is first deployed by the employerEmployer"Employer" means any person who directly or indirectly, or through an agent or any other person, employs or exercises control over the wages, benefits, other compensation, hours, working conditions, access to work or job opportunities, or other terms or conditions of employment, of any worker. This shall include all branches of state government, all cities, counties, and cities and counties, including charter cities and charter counties, special districts, transit districts, the University of California, the California State University, community college districts, school districts, and any other governmental entities. "Employer" includes a labor contractor of a person defined as an employer under paragraph (1).Lab. Code § 1600(c). (2) If the employerEmployer"Employer" means any person who directly or indirectly, or through an agent or any other person, employs or exercises control over the wages, benefits, other compensation, hours, working conditions, access to work or job opportunities, or other terms or conditions of employment, of any worker. This shall include all branches of state government, all cities, counties, and cities and counties, including charter cities and charter counties, special districts, transit districts, the University of California, the California State University, community college districts, school districts, and any other governmental entities. "Employer" includes a labor contractor of a person defined as an employer under paragraph (1).Lab. Code § 1600(c) is using an existing workplace AI toolWorkplace AI tool"Workplace AI tool" means an automated decision system or workplace surveillance tool.Lab. Code § 1600(h) on or before January 1, 2027, no later than February 1, 2027. (3) To a new workerWorker"Worker" means a natural person or an employee of, or an independent contractor providing service to, a business or a state or local governmental entity in a workplace.Lab. Code § 1600(f) upon hire.
(c) 2 An employerEmployer"Employer" means any person who directly or indirectly, or through an agent or any other person, employs or exercises control over the wages, benefits, other compensation, hours, working conditions, access to work or job opportunities, or other terms or conditions of employment, of any worker. This shall include all branches of state government, all cities, counties, and cities and counties, including charter cities and charter counties, special districts, transit districts, the University of California, the California State University, community college districts, school districts, and any other governmental entities. "Employer" includes a labor contractor of a person defined as an employer under paragraph (1).Lab. Code § 1600(c) shall require a workerWorker"Worker" means a natural person or an employee of, or an independent contractor providing service to, a business or a state or local governmental entity in a workplace.Lab. Code § 1600(f) to sign to confirm they received and understand the notice. The employerEmployer"Employer" means any person who directly or indirectly, or through an agent or any other person, employs or exercises control over the wages, benefits, other compensation, hours, working conditions, access to work or job opportunities, or other terms or conditions of employment, of any worker. This shall include all branches of state government, all cities, counties, and cities and counties, including charter cities and charter counties, special districts, transit districts, the University of California, the California State University, community college districts, school districts, and any other governmental entities. "Employer" includes a labor contractor of a person defined as an employer under paragraph (1).Lab. Code § 1600(c) shall not use the workplace AI toolWorkplace AI tool"Workplace AI tool" means an automated decision system or workplace surveillance tool.Lab. Code § 1600(h) subject to this section until affected workersWorker"Worker" means a natural person or an employee of, or an independent contractor providing service to, a business or a state or local governmental entity in a workplace.Lab. Code § 1600(f) return their signed notices.
(d) 3 An employerEmployer"Employer" means any person who directly or indirectly, or through an agent or any other person, employs or exercises control over the wages, benefits, other compensation, hours, working conditions, access to work or job opportunities, or other terms or conditions of employment, of any worker. This shall include all branches of state government, all cities, counties, and cities and counties, including charter cities and charter counties, special districts, transit districts, the University of California, the California State University, community college districts, school districts, and any other governmental entities. "Employer" includes a labor contractor of a person defined as an employer under paragraph (1).Lab. Code § 1600(c) shall maintain an updated list of all workplace AI toolsWorkplace AI tool"Workplace AI tool" means an automated decision system or workplace surveillance tool.Lab. Code § 1600(h) currently in use and shall provide that list to workersWorker"Worker" means a natural person or an employee of, or an independent contractor providing service to, a business or a state or local governmental entity in a workplace.Lab. Code § 1600(f) annually.
(e)(1)–(3) 1 The notice shall satisfy all of the following: (1) It shall be written in plain language as a separate, standalone communication. (2) It shall be written in the language in which routine communications and other information are provided to workersWorker"Worker" means a natural person or an employee of, or an independent contractor providing service to, a business or a state or local governmental entity in a workplace.Lab. Code § 1600(f). (3) It shall be provided via a simple and easy-to-use method, including, but not limited to, an email, hyperlink, or other written format.
(f)(1)–(11) 1 The notice shall contain all of the following information, as applicable: (1) The purpose and justification for the use of the workplace AI toolWorkplace AI tool"Workplace AI tool" means an automated decision system or workplace surveillance tool.Lab. Code § 1600(h). (2) The specific employment-related decisions potentially affected by the use of the workplace AI toolWorkplace AI tool"Workplace AI tool" means an automated decision system or workplace surveillance tool.Lab. Code § 1600(h). (3) A description of any worker dataWorker data"Worker data" means any information that identifies, relates to, describes, is reasonably capable of being associated with, or could reasonably be linked, directly or indirectly, with a covered worker, regardless of how the information is collected, inferred, or obtained.Lab. Code § 1600(g) collected by the workplace AI toolWorkplace AI tool"Workplace AI tool" means an automated decision system or workplace surveillance tool.Lab. Code § 1600(h), the frequency of worker dataWorker data"Worker data" means any information that identifies, relates to, describes, is reasonably capable of being associated with, or could reasonably be linked, directly or indirectly, with a covered worker, regardless of how the information is collected, inferred, or obtained.Lab. Code § 1600(g) collection, and how, where, and the duration the worker dataWorker data"Worker data" means any information that identifies, relates to, describes, is reasonably capable of being associated with, or could reasonably be linked, directly or indirectly, with a covered worker, regardless of how the information is collected, inferred, or obtained.Lab. Code § 1600(g) will be stored. (4) A plain-language description of the workplace AI toolWorkplace AI tool"Workplace AI tool" means an automated decision system or workplace surveillance tool.Lab. Code § 1600(h), including the input data it uses, the analysis and calculations it performs on the data, and the output data it generates. (5) If and which persons can access worker dataWorker data"Worker data" means any information that identifies, relates to, describes, is reasonably capable of being associated with, or could reasonably be linked, directly or indirectly, with a covered worker, regardless of how the information is collected, inferred, or obtained.Lab. Code § 1600(g) and if that data will be sold, transferred, or leased to other entities than the employerEmployer"Employer" means any person who directly or indirectly, or through an agent or any other person, employs or exercises control over the wages, benefits, other compensation, hours, working conditions, access to work or job opportunities, or other terms or conditions of employment, of any worker. This shall include all branches of state government, all cities, counties, and cities and counties, including charter cities and charter counties, special districts, transit districts, the University of California, the California State University, community college districts, school districts, and any other governmental entities. "Employer" includes a labor contractor of a person defined as an employer under paragraph (1).Lab. Code § 1600(c). (6) A description of the general locations and the specific activities, communications, and job roles that will be surveilled and the technologies that will be used. (7) The entity that created the workplace AI toolWorkplace AI tool"Workplace AI tool" means an automated decision system or workplace surveillance tool.Lab. Code § 1600(h) and the specific name of the model. (8) A description of each quota set or measured by the workplace AI toolWorkplace AI tool"Workplace AI tool" means an automated decision system or workplace surveillance tool.Lab. Code § 1600(h) to which the workerWorker"Worker" means a natural person or an employee of, or an independent contractor providing service to, a business or a state or local governmental entity in a workplace.Lab. Code § 1600(f) is subject, including the quantified number of tasks to be performed or products to be produced, and any potential adverse employment action that could result from failure to meet the quota, as well as whether those quotas are subject to change and if any notice is given of changes in quotas. (9) Whether any jobs or job tasks will be replaced or automated by the workplace AI toolWorkplace AI tool"Workplace AI tool" means an automated decision system or workplace surveillance tool.Lab. Code § 1600(h) and the expected timeline of those impacts. (10) The training given to managers or workersWorker"Worker" means a natural person or an employee of, or an independent contractor providing service to, a business or a state or local governmental entity in a workplace.Lab. Code § 1600(f) on the use of the workplace AI toolWorkplace AI tool"Workplace AI tool" means an automated decision system or workplace surveillance tool.Lab. Code § 1600(h). (11) The results of any risk assessments conducted on the workplace AI toolWorkplace AI tool"Workplace AI tool" means an automated decision system or workplace surveillance tool.Lab. Code § 1600(h) conducted as part of the employerEmployer"Employer" means any person who directly or indirectly, or through an agent or any other person, employs or exercises control over the wages, benefits, other compensation, hours, working conditions, access to work or job opportunities, or other terms or conditions of employment, of any worker. This shall include all branches of state government, all cities, counties, and cities and counties, including charter cities and charter counties, special districts, transit districts, the University of California, the California State University, community college districts, school districts, and any other governmental entities. "Employer" includes a labor contractor of a person defined as an employer under paragraph (1).Lab. Code § 1600(c)'s compliance with the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (Title 1.81.5 (commencing with Section 1798.100) of Part 4 of Division 3 of the Civil Code).
Section 1601 imposes the bill's core notice and disclosure obligations on employers. When an employer uses a workplace AI tool to assist in employment-related decisions or to surveil the workplace, it must provide written notice to workers likely to be directly or indirectly affected, and to the exclusive bargaining representative of any affected worker. The timing requirements are layered: 90 days before first deploying a new tool, by February 1, 2027 for tools already in use on January 1, 2027, and upon hire for new workers.
The notice must satisfy strict form requirements — plain language, standalone communication, delivered in the workers' routine language — and must contain eleven categories of substantive information, ranging from the tool's purpose and justification to quota specifications, expected job displacement impacts, vendor identity, and results of any CCPA risk assessments. Critically, employers must obtain signed acknowledgment from workers confirming receipt and understanding before using the tool, and must maintain and annually distribute an updated inventory of all workplace AI tools in use.
(a) The Labor Commissioner shall enforce this part, including investigating an alleged violation and ordering appropriate temporary relief to mitigate a violation or maintain the status quo pending the completion of a full investigation or hearing through the procedures set forth in Section 98, 98.3, 98.7, 98.74, or 1197.1, including issuing a citation against an employerEmployer"Employer" means any person who directly or indirectly, or through an agent or any other person, employs or exercises control over the wages, benefits, other compensation, hours, working conditions, access to work or job opportunities, or other terms or conditions of employment, of any worker. This shall include all branches of state government, all cities, counties, and cities and counties, including charter cities and charter counties, special districts, transit districts, the University of California, the California State University, community college districts, school districts, and any other governmental entities. "Employer" includes a labor contractor of a person defined as an employer under paragraph (1).Lab. Code § 1600(c) who violates this section and filing a civil action. If a citation is issued, the procedures for issuing, contesting, and enforcing judgments for citations and civil penalties issued by the Labor Commissioner shall be the same as those set out in Section 98.74 or 1197.1, as applicable.
(b) This part may also alternatively be enforced by a public prosecutorPublic prosecutor"Public prosecutor" has the same meaning as defined in Section 180.Lab. Code § 1600(e) pursuant to Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 180) of Division 1.
(c) Alternatively to subdivision (a) or (b), any workerWorker"Worker" means a natural person or an employee of, or an independent contractor providing service to, a business or a state or local governmental entity in a workplace.Lab. Code § 1600(f), or their exclusive representative, who has suffered a violation of this part may bring a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction for damages caused by that adverse action, including punitive damages.
(d) In any civil action brought pursuant to subdivision (a), (b), or (c), the petitioner may seek appropriate temporary or preliminary injunctive relief, punitive damages, and reasonable attorney's fees and costs.
(e)(1)–(2) Except as provided in paragraph (2), in addition to any other remedy, an employerEmployer"Employer" means any person who directly or indirectly, or through an agent or any other person, employs or exercises control over the wages, benefits, other compensation, hours, working conditions, access to work or job opportunities, or other terms or conditions of employment, of any worker. This shall include all branches of state government, all cities, counties, and cities and counties, including charter cities and charter counties, special districts, transit districts, the University of California, the California State University, community college districts, school districts, and any other governmental entities. "Employer" includes a labor contractor of a person defined as an employer under paragraph (1).Lab. Code § 1600(c) who violates this part may be subject to a penalty of up to five hundred dollars ($500) per employee for each violation. (2) An employee, the Labor Commissioner, or a public prosecutorPublic prosecutor"Public prosecutor" has the same meaning as defined in Section 180.Lab. Code § 1600(e) may recover a penalty under this part as a statutory penalty paid to the employee or a civil penalty, but not both, for the same violation.
(f) An action brought pursuant to this section may be brought in the superior court in any county in which the violation in question is alleged to have occurred or in which the employerEmployer"Employer" means any person who directly or indirectly, or through an agent or any other person, employs or exercises control over the wages, benefits, other compensation, hours, working conditions, access to work or job opportunities, or other terms or conditions of employment, of any worker. This shall include all branches of state government, all cities, counties, and cities and counties, including charter cities and charter counties, special districts, transit districts, the University of California, the California State University, community college districts, school districts, and any other governmental entities. "Employer" includes a labor contractor of a person defined as an employer under paragraph (1).Lab. Code § 1600(c) resides or transacts business.
(g) This part does not preempt any city, county, or city and county ordinance that provides equal or greater protection to employees who are covered by this part.
Section 1602 establishes a three-track enforcement scheme. The Labor Commissioner may investigate alleged violations, order temporary relief, issue citations, and file civil actions using existing Labor Code enforcement procedures. Public prosecutors may alternatively enforce the part under Labor Code Chapter 8. As a third alternative, any worker or exclusive representative who has suffered a violation may bring a private civil action for damages, including punitive damages.
All civil actions — whether by the Labor Commissioner, public prosecutor, or private plaintiff — may seek temporary or preliminary injunctive relief, punitive damages, and reasonable attorney's fees and costs. An additional penalty of up to $500 per employee per violation is available, though the statute prohibits recovering both a statutory penalty paid to the employee and a civil penalty for the same violation. The bill expressly preserves local ordinances providing equal or greater protection.
The Legislature finds and declares that this part addresses a matter of statewide concern rather than a municipal affair as that term is used in Section 5 of Article XI of the California Constitution. Therefore, this part applies to all cities, including charter cities.
Section 1603 contains a legislative finding that the bill addresses a matter of statewide concern rather than a municipal affair, thereby applying Part 5.9 to all cities, including charter cities. This finding forecloses a potential argument that charter cities could exempt themselves under their home-rule authority.