Sen. Cortese's Statement on SB 1299 - Heat Prevention Workforce Standards - Advancing to Governor's Desk

SAN JOSE, CA – Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) issued the following statement regarding his Senate Bill 1299 (SB 1299) advancing to the Governor’s desk for signing and adoption.  

 “As a former farmer and farmworker, I know first-hand how high the stakes are to one’s health and safety while working under extreme heat weather conditions out in the field. Without heat prevention measures in place, lives have been lost. And despite California’s landmark legislation over 19 years ago adopting and instituting heat prevention solutions in the workplace, nearly 50% of farmworkers today still report their farming employer not complying with existing law,” said Senator Cortese.

“We see this played out in the firing of the Yolo Six who were retaliated against for standing up for their health and safety during a recent heat wave. That is why I introduced Senate Bill 1299 (SB 1299), to bring farming employers into compliance. But more importantly, to save farmworkers’ lives. I hope Governor Newsom joins me in this fight.”

SB 1299 would establish 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 promotes compliance with existing outdoor heat regulation through a rebuttable presumption for heat-related injury and death. SB 1299 ensures farmworkers who suffer a work-related heat injury, illness or death as a result of working for a noncompliant employer will be treated and compensated expeditiously. SB 1299 does not create any additional workers’ compensation benefit level beyond what is otherwise available under existing workers’ compensation law. Nor does it apply 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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