Sen. Cortese's Response to his SB 1299 - Compliance with Heat Prevention Laws - Being Vetoed

SAN JOSE, CA – Senator Dave Cortese issued the following statement regarding his Senate Bill 1299 (SB 1299) being vetoed by Governor Newsom.

“An astounding nearly 50% of farmworkers today still report their farming employer not complying with existing heat prevention laws and regulations. Newsom has failed to recognize this and take swift action to prevent future heat related injuries and death among vulnerable farmworkers,” said Senator Cortese, member on the Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee. “His decision to not sign my bill is an affront to all farmworkers across our state. It is a disregard to their fundamental right to safe working conditions, and sends a troubling message about our commitment to their health and well-being. We must continue to advocate for the protections they deserve.” 

SB 1299 would have established the Farmworker Climate Change Heat Injury and Death Fund to be funded on a one-time basis from the existing Worker’s Compensation Administration Revolving Fund. SB 1299 would have promoted compliance with existing outdoor heat regulations through a rebuttable presumption for heat-related injury and death. SB 1299 would have ensured farmworkers who suffer a work-related heat injury, illness or death as a result of working for a noncompliant employer would have been treated and compensated expeditiously. SB 1299 would not have created any additional workers’ compensation benefit level beyond what is otherwise available under existing workers’ compensation law. Nor would it have applied to a compliant employer. 

Senator Dave Cortese represents Senate District 15, which encompasses San Jose and much of Santa Clara County in the heart of Silicon Valley. Visit Senator Cortese’s website: https://sd15.senate.ca.gov

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