Sen. Cortese's Statement on CA Assembly Appropriations Committee Approving His SB 1299 - Compliance with Heat Prevention Workforce Standards

SAN JOSE, CA – Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) issued the following statement regarding his Senate Bill 1299 (SB 1299) being approved by the California Assembly Appropriations Committee moving it out of the Suspense File and onto the Assembly Floor for a vote.

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. 

 “As climate change continues to break heat records across California, farm workers need a rapid response for heat-related injuries and illnesses. Their families need support when faced with the worst kind of heat-related tragedy — the death of a loved one and breadwinner,” said Senator Cortese. “By ensuring timely compensation and medical treatment in times of need, we create a safer environment for our farming workforce. I thank my Assembly colleagues on the Appropriations Committee for joining me in holding agricultural employers accountable to the workers who put food on our tables day after day.”

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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