Governor Signs Bill to Protect Garment Workers

With the legislative session over, the Governor has been combing through the hundreds of bills he must sign or veto by Oct. 10, or they will automatically become law.

With the legislative session over, the Governor has been combing through the hundreds of bills he must sign or veto by Oct. 10, or they will automatically become law.

The California Catholic Conference is excited to report that Gov. Newsom signed the CCC–supported SB 62, the Garment Worker Protection Act by Senator María Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles), that will end the industry’s practice of paying workers below-minimum wages. The legislation also expands fashion brands’ liability for unpaid wages, including wage theft by contractors.

In his press release, the Governor noted that “These measures protect marginalized low-wage workers, many of whom are women of color and immigrants, ensuring they are paid what they are due and improving workplace conditions. We are committed to having their backs as we work to build a stronger, more inclusive economy.”

The Governor also signed a package of bills that will invest $22 billion in housing and homelessness in California, including behavioral health services to help the homeless stay off the streets.

The Governor has yet to veto or sign SB 380, the physician-assisted suicide bill. If you haven’t already, please use this link to quickly send an email to Governor Newsom asking him to veto the bill.

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