citation: LAB § 98.2

text:
(a) Within 10 days after service of notice of an order, decision, or award, the parties may seek review by filing an appeal to the superior court, where the appeal shall be heard de novo. The court shall charge the first paper filing fee under Section 70611 of the Government Code to the party seeking review. The fee shall be distributed as provided in Section 68085.3 of the Government Code. A copy of the appeal request shall be served upon the Labor Commissioner by the appellant. For purposes of computing the 10-day period after service, Section 1013 of the Code of Civil Procedure is applicable.

(b) As a condition to filing an appeal pursuant to this section, an employer shall first post an undertaking with the reviewing court in the amount of the order, decision, or award. The undertaking shall consist of an appeal bond issued by a licensed surety or a cash deposit with the court in the amount of the order, decision, or award. The employer shall provide written notification to the other parties and the Labor Commissioner of the posting of the undertaking. The undertaking shall be on the condition that, if any judgment is entered in favor of the employee, the employer shall pay the amount owed pursuant to the judgment, and if the appeal is withdrawn or dismissed without entry of judgment, the employer shall pay the amount owed pursuant to the order, decision, or award of the Labor Commissioner unless the parties have executed a settlement agreement for payment of some other amount, in which case the employer shall pay the amount that the employer is obligated to pay under the terms of the settlement agreement. If the employer fails to pay the amount owed within 10 days of entry of the judgment, dismissal, or withdrawal of the appeal, or the execution of a settlement agreement, a portion of the undertaking equal to the amount owed, or the entire undertaking if the amount owed exceeds the undertaking, is forfeited to the employee.

(c) If the party seeking review by filing an appeal to the superior court is unsuccessful in the appeal, the court shall determine the costs and reasonable attorney’s fees incurred by the other parties to the appeal, and assess that amount as a cost upon the party filing the appeal. An employee is successful if the court awards an amount greater than zero.

(d) If no notice of appeal of the order, decision, or award is filed within the period set forth in subdivision (a), the order, decision, or award shall, in the absence of fraud, be deemed the final order.

(e) The Labor Commissioner shall file, within 10 days of the order becoming final pursuant to subdivision (d), a certified copy of the final order with the clerk of the superior court of the appropriate county unless a settlement has been reached by the parties and approved by the Labor Commissioner. Judgment shall be entered immediately by the court clerk in conformity therewith. The judgment so entered has the same force and effect as, and is subject to all of the provisions of law relating to, a judgment in a civil action, and may be enforced in the same manner as any other judgment of the court in which it is entered. Enforcement of the judgment shall receive court priority.

(f) (1) In order to ensure that judgments are satisfied, the Labor Commissioner may serve upon the judgment debtor, personally or by first-class mail at the last known address of the judgment debtor listed with the division, a form similar to, and requiring the reporting of the same information as, the form approved or adopted by the Judicial Council for purposes of subdivision (a) of Section 116.830 of the Code of Civil Procedure to assist in identifying the nature and location of any assets of the judgment debtor.

(2) The judgment debtor shall complete the form and cause it to be delivered to the division at the address listed on the form within 35 days after the form has been served on the judgment debtor, unless the judgment has been satisfied. In the case of a willful failure by the judgment debtor to comply with this subdivision, the division or the judgment creditor may request the court to apply the sanctions provided in Section 708.170 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

(g) (1) As an alternative to a judgment lien, upon the order becoming final pursuant to subdivision (d), a lien on real property may be created by the Labor Commissioner recording a certificate of lien, for amounts due under the final order and in favor of the employee or employees named in the order, with the county recorder of any county in which the employer’s real property may be located, at the Labor Commissioner’s discretion and depending upon information the Labor Commissioner obtains concerning the employer’s assets. The lien attaches to all interests in real property of the employer located in the county where the lien is created to which a judgment lien may attach pursuant to Section 697.340 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

(2) The certificate of lien shall include information as prescribed by Section 27288.1 of the Government Code.

(3) The recorder shall accept and record the certificate of lien and shall index it as prescribed by law.

(4) Upon payment of the amount due under the final order, the Labor Commissioner shall issue a certificate of release, releasing the lien created under paragraph (1). The certificate of release may be recorded by the employer at the employer’s expense.

(5) Unless the lien is satisfied or released, a lien under this section shall continue until 10 years from the date of its creation.

(h) Notwithstanding subdivision (e), the Labor Commissioner may stay execution of any judgment entered upon an order, decision, or award that has become final upon good cause appearing therefor and may impose the terms and conditions of the stay of execution. A certified copy of the stay of execution shall be filed with the clerk entering the judgment.

(i) When a judgment is satisfied in fact, other than by execution, the Labor Commissioner may, upon the motion of either party or on its own motion, order entry of satisfaction of judgment. The clerk of the court shall enter a satisfaction of judgment upon the filing of a certified copy of the order.

(j) The Labor Commissioner shall make every reasonable effort to ensure that judgments are satisfied, including taking all appropriate legal action and requiring the employer to deposit a bond as provided in Section 240.

(k) The judgment creditor, or the Labor Commissioner or a public prosecutor, as defined in Section 180, as assignee of the judgment creditor, shall be awarded court costs and reasonable attorney’s fees for enforcing the judgment that is rendered pursuant to this section.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2025, Ch. 747, Sec. 2. (SB 261) Effective January 1, 2026.)


kind: section

code: LAB

citation: LAB § 98.3

text:
(a) The Labor Commissioner may prosecute all actions for the collection of wages, penalties, and demands of persons who in the judgment of the Labor Commissioner are financially unable to employ counsel and the Labor Commissioner believes have claims which are valid and enforceable.

The Labor Commissioner may also prosecute actions for the return of worker’s tools which are in the illegal possession of another person.

(b) The Labor Commissioner may prosecute action for the collection of wages and other moneys payable to employees or to the state arising out of an employment relationship or order of the Industrial Welfare Commission.

(c) The Labor Commissioner may also prosecute actions for wages or other monetary benefits that are due the Industrial Relations Unpaid Wage Fund.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1976, Ch. 1190.)

division: 1. DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS

path: 1. DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS > 4. Division of Labor Standards Enforcement


citation: LAB § 98.4

text:
(a) The Labor Commissioner may, upon the request of a claimant financially unable to afford counsel, represent such claimant in the de novo proceedings provided for in Section 98.2, notwithstanding whether such proceedings are held in a judicial or arbitral forum. In the event that such claimant is attempting to uphold the amount awarded by the Labor Commissioner and is not objecting to any part of the Labor Commissioner’s final order, the Labor Commissioner shall represent the claimant.

(b) A wage claimant unable to have their claim adjudicated and decided by the Labor Commissioner under Sections 98 and 98.1 as the result of entry of a court order compelling arbitration may request that the Labor Commissioner represent the claimant in the arbitral proceeding. The Labor Commissioner shall represent the claimant in the arbitral proceeding if the claimant is financially unable to afford counsel, and if the Labor Commissioner determines, upon conclusion of an informal investigation, that the claim has merit.

(c) A petition to compel arbitration of a claim that is pending under Section 98, 98.1 or 98.2 shall be served on the Labor Commissioner. Upon request of a claimant, the Labor Commissioner shall have the right to represent the claimant in proceedings to determine the enforceability of the arbitration agreement, notwithstanding whether the adjudication of the enforceability of the arbitration agreement is conducted in a judicial or arbitral forum.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2020, Ch. 239, Sec. 1. (SB 1384) Effective January 1, 2021.)

chapter: 4. Division of Labor Standards Enforcement


citation: LAB § 98.5

text: The Labor Commissioner shall have the right to intervene in any court proceedings conducted pursuant to Section 98.2 where questions of the interpretation of statutes or administrative regulations are present.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 1976, Ch. 1190.)


citation: LAB § 98.6

text:
(a) A person shall not discharge an employee or in any manner discriminate, retaliate, or take any adverse action against any employee or applicant for employment because the employee or applicant engaged in any conduct delineated in this chapter, including the conduct described in subdivision (k) of Section 96, and Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 1101) of Part 3 of Division 2, or because the employee or applicant for employment has filed a bona fide complaint or claim or instituted or caused to be instituted any proceeding under or relating to their rights that are under the jurisdiction of the Labor Commissioner, made a written or oral complaint that they are owed unpaid wages, or because the employee has initiated any action or notice pursuant to Section 2699, or has testified or is about to testify in a proceeding pursuant to that section, or because of the exercise by the employee or applicant for employment on behalf of themselves or others of any rights afforded them.

(b) (1) Any employee who is discharged, threatened with discharge, demoted, suspended, retaliated against, subjected to an adverse action, or in any other manner discriminated against in the terms and conditions of their employment because the employee engaged in any conduct delineated in this chapter, including the conduct described in subdivision (k) of Section 96, and Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 1101) of Part 3 of Division 2, or because the employee has made a bona fide complaint or claim to the division pursuant to this part, or because the employee has initiated any action or notice pursuant to Section 2699 shall be entitled to reinstatement and reimbursement for lost wages and work benefits caused by those acts of the employer. If an employer engages in any action prohibited by this section within 90 days of the protected activity specified in this section, there shall be a rebuttable presumption in favor of the employee’s claim.

(2) An employer who willfully refuses to hire, promote, or otherwise restore an employee or former employee who has been determined to be eligible for rehiring or promotion by a grievance procedure, arbitration, or hearing authorized by law, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(3) In addition to other remedies available, an employer who violates this section is liable for a civil penalty not exceeding ten thousand dollars ($10,000) per employee for each violation of this section, to be awarded to the employee or employees who suffered the violation.

(c) (1) Any applicant for employment who is refused employment, who is not selected for a training program leading to employment, or who in any other manner is discriminated against in the terms and conditions of any offer of employment because the applicant engaged in any conduct delineated in this chapter, including the conduct described in subdivision (k) of Section 96, and Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 1101) of Part 3 of Division 2, or because the applicant has made a bona fide complaint or claim to the division pursuant to this part, or because the employee has initiated any action or notice pursuant to Section 2699 shall be entitled to employment and reimbursement for lost wages and work benefits caused by the acts of the prospective employer.

(2) This subdivision shall not be construed to invalidate any collective bargaining agreement that requires an applicant for a position that is subject to the collective bargaining agreement to sign a contract that protects either or both of the following as specified in subparagraphs (A) and (B), nor shall this subdivision be construed to invalidate any employer requirement of an applicant for a position that is not subject to a collective bargaining agreement to sign an employment contract that protects either or both of the following:

(A) An employer against any conduct that is actually in direct conflict with the essential enterprise-related interests of the employer and where breach of that contract would actually constitute a material and substantial disruption of the employer’s operation.

(B) A firefighter against any disease that is presumed to arise in the course and scope of employment, by limiting their consumption of tobacco products on and off the job.

(d) The provisions of this section creating new actions or remedies that are effective on January 1, 2002, to employees or applicants for employment do not apply to any state or local law enforcement agency, any religious association or corporation specified in subdivision (d) of Section 12926 of the Government Code, except as provided in Section 12926.2 of the Government Code, or any person described in Section 1070 of the Evidence Code.

(e) An employer, or a person acting on behalf of the employer, shall not retaliate against an employee because the employee is a family member of a person who has, or is perceived to have, engaged in any conduct delineated in this chapter.

(f) For purposes of this section, “employer” or “a person acting on behalf of the employer” includes, but is not limited to, a client employer as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 2810.3 and an employer listed in subdivision (b) of Section 6400.

(g) Subdivisions (e) and (f) shall not apply to claims arising under subdivision (k) of Section 96 unless the lawful conduct occurring during nonwork hours away from the employer’s premises involves the exercise of employee rights otherwise covered under subdivision (a).

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 612, Sec. 1. (SB 497) Effective January 1, 2024.)


citation: LAB § 98.7

text:
(a) (1) Any person who believes that they have been discharged or otherwise discriminated against in violation of any law under the jurisdiction of the Labor Commissioner may file a complaint with the division within one year after the occurrence of the violation. The one-year period may be extended for good cause. The complaint shall be investigated by a discrimination complaint investigator in accordance with this section. The Labor Commissioner shall establish procedures for the investigation of discrimination complaints, including, but not limited to, relief pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (b). A summary of the procedures shall be provided to each complainant and respondent at the time of initial contact. The Labor Commissioner shall inform complainants charging a violation of Section 6310 or 6311, at the time of initial contact, of the complainant’s right to file a separate, concurrent complaint with the United States Department of Labor within 30 days after the occurrence of the violation.

(2) The division may, with or without receiving a complaint, commence investigating an employer, in accordance with this section, that it suspects to have discharged or otherwise discriminated against an individual in violation of any law under the jurisdiction of the Labor Commissioner. The division may proceed without a complaint in those instances where suspected retaliation has occurred during the course of adjudicating a wage claim pursuant to Section 98, or during a field inspection pursuant to Section 90.5, in accordance with this section, or in instances of suspected immigration-related threats in violation of Section 244, 1019, or 1019.1.

(b) (1) Each complaint of unlawful discharge or discrimination shall be assigned to a discrimination complaint investigator who shall prepare and submit a report to the Labor Commissioner based on an investigation of the complaint. The Labor Commissioner or the commissioner’s designee shall receive and review the reports. The investigation shall include, where appropriate, interviews with the complainant, respondent, and any witnesses who may have information concerning the alleged violation, and a review of any documents that may be relevant to the disposition of the complaint. The identity of a witness shall remain confidential unless the identification of the witness becomes necessary to proceed with the investigation or to prosecute an action to enforce a determination. The investigation report submitted to the Labor Commissioner or designee shall include the statements and documents obtained in the investigation, and the findings of the investigator concerning whether a violation occurred. The Labor Commissioner may hold an investigative hearing whenever the Labor Commissioner determines that a hearing is necessary to fully establish the facts. In the hearing the complainant and respondent shall have the opportunity to present evidence. The Labor Commissioner shall issue, serve, and enforce any necessary subpoenas. If a complainant files an action in court against an employer based on the same or similar facts as a complaint made under this section, the Labor Commissioner may, at the commissioner’s discretion, close the investigation. If a complainant has already challenged the complainant’s discipline or discharge through the State Personnel Board, or other internal governmental procedure, or through a collective bargaining agreement grievance procedure that incorporates antiretaliation provisions under this code, the Labor Commissioner may reject the complaint.

(2) (A) The Labor Commissioner, during the course of an investigation pursuant to this section, upon finding reasonable cause to believe that any person has engaged in or is engaging in a violation, may petition the superior court in any county in which the violation in question is alleged to have occurred or in which the person resides or transacts business, for appropriate temporary or preliminary injunctive relief, or both temporary and preliminary injunctive relief.

(B) Upon filing of a petition pursuant to this paragraph, the Labor Commissioner shall cause notice of the petition to be served on the person, and the court shall have jurisdiction to grant temporary injunctive relief as the court determines to be just and proper.

(C) In addition to any harm resulting directly to an individual from a violation of any law under the jurisdiction of the Labor Commissioner, the court shall consider the chilling effect on other employees asserting their rights under those laws in determining if temporary injunctive relief is just and proper.

(D) If an employee has been discharged or faced adverse action for raising a claim of retaliation for asserting rights under any law under the jurisdiction of the Labor Commissioner, a court shall order appropriate injunctive relief on a showing that reasonable cause exists to believe that an employee has been discharged or subjected to adverse action for raising a claim of retaliation or asserting rights under any law under the jurisdiction of the Labor Commissioner.

(E) The temporary injunctive relief shall remain in effect until the Labor Commissioner issues a determination or citations, or until the completion of review pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 98.74, whichever period is longer, or at a time certain set by the court. Afterwards, the court may issue a preliminary or permanent injunction if it is shown to be just and proper. Any temporary injunctive relief shall not prohibit an employer from disciplining or terminating an employee for conduct that is unrelated to the claim of the retaliation.

(F) Notwithstanding Section 916 of the Code of Civil Procedure, injunctive relief granted pursuant to this section shall not be stayed pending appeal.

(c) (1) If the Labor Commissioner determines a violation has occurred, the Labor Commissioner may issue a determination in accordance with this section or issue a citation in accordance with Section 98.74. If the Labor Commissioner issues a determination, the commissioner shall notify the complainant and respondent and direct the respondent to cease and desist from any violation and take any action deemed necessary to remedy the violation, including, where appropriate, rehiring or reinstatement, reimbursement of lost wages and interest thereon, payment of penalties, payment of reasonable attorney’s fees associated with any hearing held by the Labor Commissioner in investigating the complaint, and the posting of notices to employees. If the respondent does not comply with the order within 30 days following notification of the Labor Commissioner’s determination, the Labor Commissioner shall bring an action promptly in an appropriate court against the respondent. An action by the Labor Commissioner seeking injunctive relief, reimbursement of lost wages and interest thereon, payment of penalties, and any other appropriate relief, shall not accrue until a respondent fails to comply with the order for more than 30 days following notification of the commissioner’s determination. The Labor Commissioner shall commence an action within three years of its accrual, regardless of whether the commissioner seeks penalties in the action. If the Labor Commissioner fails to bring an action in court promptly, the complainant may bring an action against the Labor Commissioner in any appropriate court for a writ of mandate to compel the Labor Commissioner to bring an action in court against the respondent. If the complainant prevails in their action for a writ, the court shall award the complainant court costs and reasonable attorney’s fees, notwithstanding any other law. Regardless of any delay in bringing an action in court, the Labor Commissioner shall not be divested of jurisdiction. In any action, the court may permit the claimant to intervene as a party plaintiff to the action and shall have jurisdiction, for cause shown, to restrain the violation and to order all appropriate relief. Appropriate relief includes, but is not limited to, rehiring or reinstatement of the complainant, reimbursement of lost wages and interest thereon, and any other compensation or equitable relief as is appropriate under the circumstances of the case. The Labor Commissioner shall petition the court for appropriate temporary relief or a restraining order unless the commissioner determines good cause exists for not doing so.

(2) If the Labor Commissioner is a prevailing party in an enforcement action pursuant to this section, the court shall determine the reasonable attorney’s fees incurred by the Labor Commissioner in prosecuting the enforcement action and assess that amount as a cost upon the employer.

(3) An employer who willfully refuses to comply with an order of a court pursuant to this section to hire, promote, or otherwise restore an employee or former employee who has been determined to be eligible for such relief, or who refuses to comply with an order to post a notice to employees or otherwise cease and desist from the violation shall, in addition to any other penalties available, be subject to a penalty of one hundred dollars ($100) per day for each day the employer continues to be in noncompliance with the court order, up to a maximum of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000). Any penalty pursuant to this section shall be paid to the affected employee.

(d) (1) If the Labor Commissioner determines no violation has occurred, the commissioner shall notify the complainant and respondent and shall dismiss the complaint. The Labor Commissioner may direct the complainant to pay reasonable attorney’s fees associated with any hearing held by the Labor Commissioner if the Labor Commissioner finds the complaint was frivolous, unreasonable, groundless, and was brought in bad faith. The complainant may, after notification of the Labor Commissioner’s determination to dismiss a complaint, bring an action in an appropriate court, which shall have jurisdiction to determine whether a violation occurred, and if so, to restrain the violation and order all appropriate relief to remedy the violation. Appropriate relief includes, but is not limited to, rehiring or reinstatement of the complainant, reimbursement of lost wages and interest thereon, and other compensation or equitable relief as is appropriate under the circumstances of the case. When dismissing a complaint, the Labor Commissioner shall advise the complainant of their right to bring an action in an appropriate court if the complainant disagrees with the determination of the Labor Commissioner, and in the case of an alleged violation of Section 6310 or 6311, to file a complaint against the state program with the United States Department of Labor. Any time limitation for a complainant to bring an action in court shall be tolled from the time of filing the complaint with the division until the issuance of the Labor Commissioner’s determination.

(2) The filing of a timely complaint against the state program with the United States Department of Labor shall stay the Labor Commissioner’s dismissal of the division complaint until the United States Secretary of Labor makes a determination regarding the alleged violation. Within 15 days of receipt of that determination, the Labor Commissioner shall notify the parties whether the commissioner will reopen the complaint filed with the division or whether the dismissal will be reaffirmed.

(e) The Labor Commissioner shall notify the complainant and respondent of the commissioner’s determination under subdivision (c) or paragraph (1) of subdivision (d), not later than one year after the filing of the complaint. Determinations by the Labor Commissioner under subdivision (c) or (d) shall be final and not subject to administrative appeal except for cases arising under Sections 6310 and 6311, which may be appealed by the complainant to the Director of Industrial Relations pursuant to an appeal process, including time limitations, that is consistent with the mandates of the United States Department of Labor. The appeal from a determination for cases arising under Sections 6310 and 6311 shall set forth specifically and in full detail the grounds upon which the complainant considers the Labor Commissioner’s determination to be unjust or unlawful, and every issue to be considered by the director. The director may consider any issue relating to the initial determination and may modify, affirm, or reverse the Labor Commissioner’s determination. The director’s determination shall be the determination of the Labor Commissioner for cases arising under Sections 6310 and 6311 that are appealed to the director. The director shall notify the complainant and respondent of the director’s determination within 10 days of receipt of the appeal.

(f) The rights and remedies provided by this section do not preclude an employee from pursuing any other rights and remedies under any other law.

(g) In the enforcement of this section, there is no requirement that an individual exhaust administrative remedies or procedures.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2020, Ch. 344, Sec. 1. (AB 1947) Effective January 1, 2021.)


citation: LAB § 98.8

text: The Labor Commissioner shall promulgate all regulations and rules of practice and procedure necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter.


citation: LAB § 98.9

text: Upon a finding by the Labor Commissioner that a willful or deliberate violation of any of the provisions of the Labor Code, within the jurisdiction of the Labor Commissioner, has been committed by a person licensed as a contractor pursuant to Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 7000) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code, in the course of such licensed activity, the Labor Commissioner shall immediately, upon expiration of the period for review specified in Section 98.2, or other applicable section, deliver a certified copy of the finding of the violation to the registrar of the Contractors’ State License Board.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1978, Ch. 1247.)


text:
(a) On or before June 1, 2017, the Labor Commissioner shall develop a model notice pertaining to workplace rights and wage and hour laws for employees of establishments licensed under Chapter 10 (commencing with Section 7301) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code. The model posting notice shall be developed using plain language, and in all languages listed in subdivision (c), and be accessible on the Labor Commissioner’s Internet Web site so that it is reasonably accessible to an establishment that must comply with Section 7353.4 of the Business and Professions Code.

(b) The model notice shall include information, including, but not limited to, all of the following:

(1) Misclassification of an employee as an independent contractor.

(2) Wage and hour laws, including, but not limited to, minimum wage, overtime compensation, meal periods, and rest periods.

(3) Tip or gratuity distribution.

(4) How to report violations of the law.

(5) Business expense reimbursement.

(6) Protection from retaliation.

(c) The model notice shall include full text translations in Spanish, Vietnamese, and Korean.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2016, Ch. 357, Sec. 2. (AB 2437) Effective January 1, 2017.)


text: The Labor Commissioner shall develop a model list of employees’ rights and responsibilities under the whistleblower laws that complies with the requirements of subdivision (a) of Section 1102.8. The model list shall be accessible on the Labor Commissioner’s internet website so that it is reasonably accessible to an employer.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 105, Sec. 1. (AB 2299) Effective January 1, 2025.)


text:
(a) If the Labor Commissioner determines, after an investigation of a retaliation or discrimination complaint filed in accordance with Section 98.7, that a violation has occurred and the Labor Commissioner proceeds with a citation, the Labor Commissioner shall issue, with reasonable promptness, a citation to the person who has been determined to be responsible for the violation. The citation shall be in writing, shall describe the nature of the violation and the amount of wages and penalties due, and shall include any and all appropriate relief. Appropriate relief includes directing the person cited to cease and desist from the violation and take any action necessary to remedy the violation, including, where appropriate, rehiring or reinstatement, reimbursement of lost wages and interest thereon, and posting notices to employees. Service of the citation shall be completed pursuant to Section 1013 of the Code of Civil Procedure by first-class and certified mail to the person cited. The citation shall advise the person cited of the procedure for obtaining review of the citation.

(b) (1) A person issued a citation pursuant to this section may obtain review of the citation by transmitting a written request for an informal hearing to the office of the Labor Commissioner at the address that appears on the citation within 30 days after service of the citation. If no hearing is requested within 30 days after service of the citation, the citation shall become final.

(2) The Labor Commissioner shall file, within 10 days of the citation becoming final pursuant to this section, a certified copy of the final citation with the clerk of the superior court in the county in which the person assessed has or had a place of business, accompanied by a declaration that all prerequisites for issuing a judgment have been met. Judgment in favor of the state and against the person being assessed shall be entered immediately by the court clerk in conformity therewith for the total monetary amount shown on the citation. The Labor Commissioner may also file a petition in superior court seeking an order to show cause why any injunctive and other nonmonetary relief determined by the Labor Commissioner or their designee in a citation that has become final should not be ordered. After filing the petition, the Labor Commissioner may file an application for an order to show cause and serve it upon the respondent. Promptly after the Labor Commissioner files the application for an order to show cause, the court shall issue an order to show cause why any injunctive and other nonmonetary relief should not be ordered and schedule a hearing. Absent a showing of an abuse of discretion, the court shall enter judgment for the state against the respondent for the injunctive and other nonmonetary relief.

(3) A person to whom a citation has been issued shall, in lieu of contesting a citation pursuant to this section, transmit, within 30 days after service of the citation, to the office of the Labor Commissioner designated on the citation, both the amount specified for the violation and a certification of compliance with any other remedies ordered.

(c) Upon receipt of a timely request, an informal hearing shall be commenced within 90 days before a hearing officer for the Labor Commissioner. Within 90 days of the conclusion of the hearing, the hearing officer shall issue a written decision. The decision shall consist of a statement of findings, conclusions of law, and an order. This decision shall be served on all parties pursuant to Section 1013 of the Code of Civil Procedure by first-class mail at the last known address of the party on file with the Labor Commissioner. Any amount found due by the Labor Commissioner as a result of a hearing shall become due and payable 45 days after the written decision and order have been mailed to the person who requested the hearing. The Labor Commissioner shall adopt regulations setting forth procedures for hearings under this subdivision.

(d) (1) A person issued a citation pursuant to this section may obtain review of the written decision and order of the Labor Commissioner by filing a petition for a writ of mandate to the appropriate superior court pursuant to Section 1094.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure within 45 days after service of the Labor Commissioner’s decision.

(2) As a condition to filing a petition for a writ of mandate, the petitioner seeking the writ shall first post a bond with the Labor Commissioner equal to the total amount of any penalties, lost wages and interest thereon, liquidated damages, and any other monetary relief that are due and owing as determined pursuant to subdivision (c). The bond shall be issued by a surety duly authorized to do business in this state and shall be issued in favor of the employee or employees who suffered the violation or violations.

(3) If no petition for writ of mandate is filed within 45 days after service of the decision, the order shall become final. If it is claimed in a petition for writ of mandate that the findings are not supported by the evidence, abuse of discretion is established if the court determines that the findings are not supported by substantial evidence in the light of the whole record.

(4) If the bond is not filed pursuant to paragraph (2), or if no petition for writ of mandate is filed pursuant to paragraph (1), or if the petition is dismissed or withdrawn without entry of judgment, a certified copy of the written decision and order may be entered by the Labor Commissioner in the office of the clerk of the superior court in any county in which the person assessed has property or in which the person assessed has or had a place of business. The clerk, immediately upon the filing, shall enter judgment for the state against the person assessed in the total monetary amount shown on the certified order. The Labor Commissioner may also file a petition in superior court for judicial enforcement of any injunctive and other nonmonetary relief determined by the Labor Commissioner or their designee. After filing the petition, the Labor Commissioner may file an application for an order to show cause and serve it upon the respondent. Within 60 days of the date the Labor Commissioner filed the order to show cause, the court shall hold a hearing and, absent a showing of an abuse of discretion, shall issue an order for the injunctive and other nonmonetary relief.

(5) If the employer fails to pay the amount of penalties, lost wages and interest thereon, and liquidated damages owed within 10 days of the entry of judgment, dismissal, or withdrawal of writ, or the execution of a settlement agreement, a portion of the undertaking, described in paragraph (2), equal to the amount owed, or the entire undertaking if the amount owed exceeds the undertaking, shall be forfeited to the Labor Commissioner for appropriate distribution.

(e) In addition to any other appropriate relief, an employer who willfully refuses to comply with a final order pursuant to this section to hire, promote, or otherwise restore an employee or former employee who has been determined to be eligible for relief, or who refuses to comply with an order to post a notice to employees or otherwise cease and desist from the violation, in addition to any other penalties available, shall be subject to a penalty of one hundred dollars ($100) per day for each day the employer continues to be in noncompliance with the order, up to a maximum of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000). Any penalty pursuant to this subdivision shall be paid to the affected employee.

(f) The procedure for assessing, contesting, and enforcing the penalties pursuant to subdivision (e) shall be the same procedures set forth in subdivisions (a) to (d), inclusive.

(g) A judgment entered pursuant to this section shall bear the same rate of interest and shall have the same effect as other judgments and be given the same preference allowed by the law on other judgments rendered for claims for taxes. The clerk shall make no charge for the service provided by this section to be performed by them.

(h) The provisions contained in subdivisions (b), (c), (d), (e), and (g) that pertain to enforcement of the citation, enforcement of the written decision and order, interest accrual, and to the bond posting, shall apply to all existing citations issued pursuant to subdivisions (a) and (e) at the time of enactment.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 721, Sec. 1. (SB 229) Effective January 1, 2020.)


text:
The Labor Commissioner shall submit a report to the Legislature by February 15, 1987, and annually thereafter by February 15, providing the following information with respect to discrimination complaints for the previous calendar year:

(a) The number of complaints filed pursuant to Section 98.7 or 1197.5, grouped according to the section of the Labor Code allegedly violated.

(b) The number of determinations issued, the number of investigative hearings held, the number of complaints dismissed, and the number of complaints found to be valid, grouped by the year in which the complaints were filed.

(c) The number of cases in which the respondent complied with the Labor Commissioner’s order to remedy unlawful discrimination, the number of these orders with which respondents failed to comply, the number of court actions brought by the Labor Commissioner to remedy unlawful discrimination, and the results of those court actions. If the Labor Commissioner did not bring an action in court within 10 days against a respondent who failed to comply with his or her order, the report shall specify the reasons for not bringing action in court.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 1985, Ch. 1479, Sec. 3.)


citation: LAB § 99

text: The division may file preferred claims, mechanics’ liens, and other liens of employees in the name of the Labor Commissioner, his deputy or representative or in the names of the employees, whenever the facts have been investigated and found to support the claims. A statement that such facts have been found shall be alleged in the preferred claim or lien if it is filed in the name of the Labor Commissioner, his deputy or representative.

history: (History: Enacted by Stats. 1937, Ch. 90.)


citation: LAB § 100

text: The division may join various claimants in one preferred claim or lien as well as list them with the data regarding their claims in an exhibit and join them, in case of suit, in one cause of action in cases where no valid reason exists for making separate causes of action for each individual employee.


text: Preferred claims for work performed or personal services rendered are provided for in Sections 1204, 1205, 1206, 1207, and 1208 of the Code of Civil Procedure, and Part 9 (commencing with Section 11400) of Division 7 of the Probate Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1988, Ch. 1199, Sec. 22.5. Operative July 1, 1989, by Sec. 119 of Ch. 1199.)


citation: LAB § 101

text: No court costs of any nature shall be payable by the division, in any civil action to which the division is a party. Any sheriff or marshal requested by the Labor Commissioner or a deputy or representative of the Labor Commissioner shall serve the summons in the action upon any person within the jurisdiction of the sheriff or marshal or levy under a writ of attachment or execution in the action upon the property of any defendant without cost to the division except for keeper’s fees, service fees, and storage charges.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 872, Sec. 103. Effective January 1, 1997.)


text: No fees shall be payable for the filing or recording of any document or paper in the performance of any official service by the Labor Commissioner. The amount ordinarily charged for such filing or recording shall be made a part of any judgment recovered by the Labor Commissioner and shall be paid by the Labor Commissioner if sufficient money is collected over and above the wages, penalties, or demands actually due the claimants.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1976, Ch. 1190.)


citation: LAB § 102

text: The sheriff or marshal shall specify when the summons or process is returned, what costs he or she would ordinarily have been entitled to for such service, and those costs and the other regular court costs that would have accrued if the action was not by the Labor Commissioner shall be made a part of any judgment recovered by the Labor Commissioner and shall be paid by the Labor Commissioner if sufficient money is collected over and above the wages, penalties, or demands actually due the claimants.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 872, Sec. 104. Effective January 1, 1997.)


citation: LAB § 103

text: The Labor Commissioner shall, to the extent provided for by any reciprocal agreement entered into pursuant to Section 64, or by the laws of any other state, maintain actions in the courts of the other state for the collection of the claims for wages, judgments, and other demands and may assign the claims, judgments, and demands to the labor department or agency of the other state for collection to the extent that they may be permitted or provided for by the laws of that state or by reciprocal agreement.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1983, Ch. 142, Sec. 98.)


citation: LAB § 104

text: The Labor Commissioner shall, upon the written request of the labor department or other corresponding agency of any other state or of any person, board, officer or commission of such state authorized to act for and on behalf of such labor department or corresponding agency, maintain actions in the courts of this state upon assigned claims for wages, judgments and demands arising in such other state in the same manner and to the same extent that such actions by the Labor Commissioner are authorized when arising in this state; provided, however, that such actions may be commenced and maintained only in those cases where such other state by appropriate legislation or by reciprocal agreement extends a like comity to cases arising in this state.


citation: LAB § 105

text:
(a) The Labor Commissioner shall provide qualified bilingual persons in public contact positions or as interpreters to assist those in such positions to provide information and services in the language of a limited- or non-English-speaking person, with the primary effort being exerted towards the largest segments of the non-English-speaking persons in this state.

(b) The Labor Commissioner shall provide that an interpreter be present at all hearings and interviews where appropriate.

(c) The Labor Commissioner shall prepare and distribute to the public, through its local offices, materials explaining services available in non-English languages, as well as in English. In addition, the commissioner shall prepare and use written materials in non-English languages as well as in English for use by local offices if the local office serves a substantial number of non-English-speaking people, as defined in Section 7296.2 of the Government Code. The commissioner shall prepare and use such complaint processing forms and form letters in the language of non-English speaking people as the commissioner deems necessary and appropriate for the filing, investigation, and resolution of wage claims, giving due consideration to the rights and obligations of all parties. The commissioner may, from time to time, at his or her discretion, eliminate, modify, amend, or add to the complaint processing forms and form letters which are the subject of bilingual or multilingual treatment or application.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1984, Ch. 1089, Sec. 2.)


citation: LAB § 106

text:
(a) The Labor Commissioner may authorize an employee of any of the agencies that participate in the Joint Enforcement Strike Force on the Underground Economy, as defined in Section 329 of the Unemployment Insurance Code, to issue citations pursuant to Sections 226.4 and 1022 and issue and serve a penalty assessment order pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 3722.

(b) No employees shall issue citations or penalty assessment orders pursuant to this section unless they have been specifically designated, authorized, and trained by the Labor Commissioner for this purpose. Appeals of all citations or penalty assessment orders shall follow the procedures prescribed in Section 226.5, 1023, or 3725, whichever is applicable.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 685, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2005.)


citation: LAB § 107

text:
(a) The enforcement of Section 14110.65 of the Welfare and Institutions Code is vested with the State Department of Health Services.

(b) Any claim made under Section 14110.65 of the Welfare and Institutions Code shall not constitute a wage claim as provided in subdivision (a) of Section 96, and shall not be subject to this chapter.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 898, Sec. 18. Effective January 1, 2003.)


text:
(a) The Division of Labor Standards Enforcement shall develop recommendations for an industry-specific harassment and discrimination prevention policy and training standard for use by employers in the construction industry. For purposes of this subdivision, “in the construction industry” means performing work associated with construction, including work involving alteration, demolition, building, excavation, renovation, remodeling, maintenance, improvement, repair work, and any other work as described by Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 7000) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code. The training standard shall focus on preventing harassment and discrimination in the construction industry on the basis of sex, race, and national origin, in addition to the other categories protected under Section 12940 of the Government Code.

(b) To assist in developing this standard, the Director of Industrial Relations shall convene an advisory committee to recommend minimum standards for a harassment and discrimination prevention policy and training program specific to the construction industry. The advisory committee shall be composed of representatives from recognized or certified collective bargaining agents that represent construction workers, construction industry employers or employer associations, labor-management groups in the construction industry, nonprofit organizations that represent women in the construction industry, and other related subject matter experts, and shall also include representatives of the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, the Division of Occupational Safety and Health, and the Civil Rights Department. The director shall convene the advisory committee no later than March 1, 2020. The advisory committee shall consider the requirements of Section 12950.1 of the Government Code when developing the recommended minimum standard.

(c) The Division of Labor Standards Enforcement shall provide a report to the Legislature by no later than January 1, 2021, in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code, with recommendations for an industry-specific harassment and discrimination prevention policy and training standard for use by employers in the construction industry and recommendations for legislation that would need to be enacted to implement such a standard.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 48, Sec. 58. (SB 189) Effective June 30, 2022.)

path: 1. DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS > 4.3. Discrimination and Harassment Prevention in the Construction Industry


text:
For purposes of this chapter, all of the following definitions shall apply:

(a) “Department” means the Department of Industrial Relations.

(b) “Director” means the Director of Industrial Relations.

(c) “Unit” means the Women in Construction Priority Unit.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2022, Ch. 67, Sec. 7. (SB 191) Effective June 30, 2022.)

path: 1. DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS > 4.4. Women in Construction Priority Unit


text:
(a) Upon appropriation by the Legislature, the department shall establish a Women in Construction Priority Unit, overseen by the director, to coordinate and help ensure collaboration across the department’s divisions, and maximize state and federal funding to support women and nonbinary individuals in the construction workforce.

(b) (1) Upon appropriation by the Legislature, to assist with the establishment of the unit, the director shall, by July 1, 2023, convene an advisory committee to make recommendations to advance the unit’s objectives.

(2) The advisory committee shall be composed of representatives from recognized or certified collective bargaining agents who represent construction workers, construction industry employers or employer associations, labor-management groups in the construction industry, nonprofit organizations that represent women in the construction industry, and other related subject matter experts. The advisory committee shall also include representatives of the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, the Division of Occupational Safety and Health, and the Department of Fair Employment and Housing.

chapter: 4.4. Women in Construction Priority Unit


text:
The unit shall do all of the following:

(a) Assist and provide resources to women and nonbinary individuals, including, but not limited to, apprentices and journeypersons in the construction industry, including developing materials for employers and unions to promote the recruitment and retention of women and nonbinary individuals in construction, maintaining an internet website listing workers’ rights, developing training materials specific to women and nonbinary individuals to navigate health and safety and wage and hour laws, and leadership training to increase the upward mobility of women and nonbinary individuals in construction careers.

(b) Provide resources for employers and project owners, including public agencies, to improve construction worksite culture, address barriers to employment, develop training and materials for workforce pipeline professionals specific to women and nonbinary individuals in construction, and interagency training.

(c) Upon request by a state agency and approval by the Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development, establish interagency agreements that shall include the requirements in subdivisions (a) and (b) to promote the recruitment and retention of women and nonbinary individuals in construction.

(d) Notwithstanding Section 3100, preapprenticeship programs shall be eligible for resources provided under this chapter.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 196, Sec. 17. (SB 143) Effective September 13, 2023.)


citation: LAB § 108

text:
(a) The Division of Labor Standards Enforcement shall do all of the following:

(1) Maintain minimum standards for the competency and training of electricians through a system of testing and certification.

(2) Maintain an advisory committee and panels as necessary to carry out the functions under this section. There shall be contractor representation from both joint apprenticeship programs and unilateral nonunion programs in the electrical contracting industry.

(3) Establish and collect fees necessary to implement this section.

(4) Carry out the responsibilities of the Division of Apprenticeship Standards that are specified in Subchapter 4 (commencing with Section 290) of Chapter 2 of Division 1 of Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations. The Labor Commissioner may amend or repeal existing regulations or adopt new regulations as necessary to enforce this section. Pending amendments to conform to this section, any reference within the Subchapter 4 regulations to the Chief of the Division of Apprenticeship Standards is deemed a reference to the Labor Commissioner, and references to prior statutory sections are deemed to refer to current statutory language as follows:

(A) References to former Section 3099 refer to current Section 108.

(B) References to former Section 3099.2 refer to current Section 108.2.

(C) References to former Section 3099.3 refer to current Section 108.3.

(D) References to former Section 3099.4 refer to current Section 108.4.

(E) References to former Section 3099.5 refer to current Section 108.5.

(5) Issue certification cards to electricians who have been certified pursuant to this section. Notwithstanding Section 13340 of the Government Code, fees collected pursuant to paragraph (3) are continuously appropriated in an amount sufficient to pay the costs of issuing certification cards, and that amount may be expended for that purpose by the division.

(6) Maintain an electrical certification curriculum committee comprised of representatives of the State Department of Education, the California Community Colleges, and the division. The electrical certification curriculum committee shall do all of the following:

(A) Establish written educational curriculum standards for enrollees in training programs established pursuant to Section 108.4.

(B) If an educational provider’s curriculum meets the written educational curriculum standards established in accordance with subparagraph (A), designate that curriculum as an approved curriculum of classroom instruction.

(C) At the committee’s discretion, review the approved curriculum of classroom instruction of any designated educational provider. The committee may withdraw its approval of the curriculum if the educational provider does not continue to meet the established written educational curriculum standards.

(D) Require each designated educational provider to submit an annual notice to the committee stating whether the educational provider is continuing to offer the approved curriculum of classroom instruction and whether any material changes have been made to the curriculum since its approval.

(b) There shall be no discrimination for or against any person based on membership or nonmembership in a union.

(c) As used in this section, “electricians” includes all persons who engage in the connection of electrical devices for electrical contractors licensed pursuant to Section 7058 of the Business and Professions Code, specifically, contractors classified as electrical contractors in the Contractors’ State License Board Rules and Regulations. This section does not apply to electrical connections under 100 volt-amperes. This section does not apply to persons performing work to which Section 7042.5 of the Business and Professions Code is applicable, or to electrical work ordinarily and customarily performed by stationary engineers. This section does not apply to electrical work in connection with the installation, operation, or maintenance of temporary or portable electrical equipment performed by technicians in the theatrical, motion picture production, television, hotel, exhibition, or trade show industries.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 46, Sec. 79. (SB 1038) Effective June 27, 2012.)

chapter: 4.5. Electrician Certification

path: 1. DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS > 4.5. Electrician Certification


text:
(a) Persons who perform work as electricians shall become certified pursuant to Section 108. Uncertified persons shall not perform electrical work for which certification is required.

(b) (1) Certification is required only for those persons who perform work as electricians for contractors licensed as class C-10 electrical contractors under the Contractors’ State License Board Rules and Regulations.

(2) Certification is not required for persons performing work for contractors licensed as class C-7 low voltage systems or class C-45 electric sign contractors as long as the work performed is within the scope of the class C-7 or class C-45 license, including incidental and supplemental work as defined in Section 7059 of the Business and Professions Code, and regardless of whether the same contractor is also licensed as a class C-10 contractor.

(3) Certification is not required for work performed by a worker on a high-voltage electrical transmission or distribution system owned by a local publicly owned electric utility, as defined in Section 224.3 of the Public Utilities Code; an electrical corporation, as defined in Section 218 of the Public Utilities Code; a person, as defined in Section 205 of the Public Utilities Code; or a corporation, as defined in Section 204 of the Public Utilities Code; when the worker is employed by the utility or a licensed contractor principally engaged in installing or maintaining transmission or distribution systems.

(4) Individuals desiring to be certified shall submit an application for certification and examination that includes an employment history report from the Social Security Administration. The individual may redact his or her social security number from the employment history report before it is submitted.

(c) The division shall maintain separate certifications for general electrician, fire/life safety technician, residential electrician, voice data video technician, and nonresidential lighting technician.

(d) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), certification is not required for registered apprentices performing electrical work as part of an apprenticeship program approved under Chapter 4 of Division 3 (commencing with Section 3070), a federal Office of Apprenticeship program, or a state apprenticeship program authorized by the federal Office of Apprenticeship. An apprentice who is within one year of completion of his or her term of apprenticeship shall be permitted to take the certification examination and, upon passing the examination, shall be certified immediately upon completion of the term of apprenticeship.

(e) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), certification is not required for any person employed pursuant to Section 108.4.

(f) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), certification is not required for a nonresidential lighting trainee (1) who is enrolled in an on-the-job instructional training program approved by the Chief of the Division of Apprenticeship Standards pursuant to Section 3090, and (2) who is under the onsite supervision of a nonresidential lighting technician certified pursuant to Section 108.

(g) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), the qualifying person for a class C-10 electrical contractor license issued by the Contractors’ State License Board need not also be certified pursuant to Section 108 to perform electrical work for that licensed contractor or to supervise an uncertified person employed by that licensed contractor pursuant to Section 108.4.

(h) The following shall constitute additional grounds for disciplinary proceedings, including suspension or revocation of the license of a class C-10 electrical contractor pursuant to Article 7 (commencing with Section 7090) of Chapter 9 of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code:

(1) The contractor willfully employs one or more uncertified persons to perform work as electricians in violation of this section.

(2) The contractor willfully fails to provide the adequate supervision of uncertified workers required by paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 108.4.

(3) The contractor willfully fails to provide adequate supervision of apprentices performing work pursuant to subdivision (d).

(i) The Labor Commissioner shall maintain a process for referring cases to the Contractors’ State License Board when it has been determined that a violation of this section has likely occurred. The Labor Commissioner shall have a memorandum of understanding with the Registrar of Contractors in furtherance of this section.

(j) Upon receipt of a referral by the Labor Commissioner alleging a violation under this section, the Registrar of Contractors shall open an investigation. Any disciplinary action against the licensee shall be initiated within 60 days of the receipt of the referral. The Registrar of Contractors may initiate disciplinary action against any licensee upon his or her own investigation, the filing of any complaint, or any finding that results from a referral from the Labor Commissioner alleging a violation under this section. Failure of the employer or employee to provide evidence of certification or trainee status shall create a rebuttable presumption of violation of this provision.

(k) For the purposes of this section, “electricians” has the same meaning as the definition set forth in Section 108.


text:
The Division of Labor Standards Enforcement shall do all of the following:

(a) Make information about electrician certification available in non-English languages spoken by a substantial number of construction workers, as defined in Section 7296.2 of the Government Code.

(b) Provide for the administration of certification tests in Spanish and, to the extent practicable, other non-English languages spoken by a substantial number of applicants, as defined in Section 7296.2 of the Government Code, except insofar as the ability to understand warning signs, instructions, and certain other information in English is necessary for safety reasons.

(c) Ensure, in conjunction with the California Apprenticeship Council, that all electrician apprenticeship programs approved under Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 3070) of Division 3 that impose minimum formal education requirements as a condition of entry provide for reasonable alternative means of satisfying those requirements.

(d) Ensure, in conjunction with the California Apprenticeship Council, that all electrician apprenticeship programs approved under Chapter 4 (commencing with Section 3070) of Division 3 have adopted reasonable procedures for granting credit toward a term of apprenticeship for other vocational training and on-the-job training experience.


text:
(a) An uncertified person may perform electrical work for which certification is required under Section 108 in order to acquire the necessary on-the-job experience for certification, if all of the following requirements are met:

(1) The person is registered with the Labor Commissioner. A list of current registrants shall be maintained by the division and made available to the public upon request.

(2) The person either has completed or is enrolled in an approved curriculum of classroom instruction.

(3) The employer attests that the person shall be under the direct supervision of an electrician certified pursuant to Section 108 who is responsible for supervising no more than one uncertified person. An employer who is found by the division to have failed to provide adequate supervision may be barred by the division from employing uncertified individuals pursuant to this section in the future.

(b) For purposes of this section, “an approved curriculum of classroom instruction” means a curriculum of classroom instruction approved by the electrician certification curriculum committee established pursuant to paragraph (6) of subdivision (a) of Section 108 and provided under the jurisdiction of the State Department of Education, the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges, or the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education.

(c) The curriculum committee may grant approval to an educational provider that presently offers only a partial curriculum if the educational provider intends in the future to offer, or to cooperate with other educational providers to offer, a complete curriculum for the type of certification involved. The curriculum committee may require an educational provider receiving approval for a partial curriculum to periodically renew its approval with the curriculum committee until a complete curriculum is offered and approved. A partial curriculum means a combination of classes that does not include all classroom educational components of the complete curriculum for one of the categories of certification established in accordance with subdivision (c) of Section 108.2.

(d) An educational provider that receives approval for a partial curriculum must disclose in all communications to students and to the public that the educational provider has only received approval for a partial curriculum and shall not make any representations that the provider offers a complete approved curriculum of classroom instruction as established by subparagraph (A) of paragraph (6) of subdivision (a) of Section 108.

(e) For purposes of this section, a person is enrolled in an approved curriculum of classroom instruction if the person is attending classes on a full-time or part-time basis toward the completion of an approved curriculum.

(f) Registration under this section shall be renewed annually and the registrant shall provide to the division certification of the classwork completed and on-the-job experience acquired since the prior registration.

(g) For purposes of verifying the information provided by a person registered with the division, an educational provider of an approved curriculum of classroom instruction shall, upon the division’s request, provide the division with information regarding the enrollment status and instruction completed by a person registered. By registering with the division in accordance with this section, a person consents to the release of this information.

(h) The division shall establish registration fees necessary to implement this section, not to exceed twenty-five dollars ($25) for the initial registration. There shall be no fee for annual renewal of registration. Notwithstanding Section 13340 of the Government Code, fees collected are continuously appropriated in an amount sufficient to administer this section and that amount may be expended by the division for this purpose.

(i) The division shall issue regulations to implement this section.

(j) For purposes of Section 1773, persons employed pursuant to this section do not constitute a separate craft, classification, or type of worker.

(k) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an uncertified person who has completed an approved curriculum of classroom instruction and is currently registered with the division may take the certification examination. The person shall be certified upon passing the examination and satisfactorily completing the requisite number of on-the-job hours required for certification. A person who passes the examination prior to completing the requisite hours of on-the-job experience shall continue to comply with subdivision (f).


text:
(a) The Electrician Certification Fund is established as a special account in the State Treasury. Proceeds of the fund may be expended by the department, upon appropriation by the Legislature, for the costs of the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement program to validate and certify electricians as provided by Section 108, and shall not be used for any other purpose.

(b) The fund shall consist of the fees collected pursuant to Section 108.


citation: LAB § 110

text:
As used in this chapter:

(a) “Appeals board” means the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board. The title of a member of the board is “commissioner.”

(b) “Administrative director” means the Administrative Director of the Division of Workers’ Compensation.

(c) “Division” means the Division of Workers’ Compensation.

(d) “Medical director” means the physician appointed by the administrative director pursuant to Section 122.

(e) “Qualified medical evaluator” means physicians appointed by the administrative director pursuant to Section 139.2.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 559, Sec. 2. (AB 1426) Effective October 7, 2011.)

chapter: 5. Division of Workers’ Compensation

path: 1. DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS > 5. Division of Workers’ Compensation


text: For the purpose of this chapter and subject to restrictions or requirements that may be adopted by the administrative director or the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board, documents that require a signature, including the signature of a notary on an acknowledgment, may be filed with an “electronic signature,” defined as an electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to or logically associated with an electronic record and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the electronic record, where the electronic signature is attributable to a person per the requirements of Title 2.5 (commencing with Section 1633.1) of Part 2 of Division 3 of the Civil Code or Section 16.5 of the Government Code.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2024, Ch. 392, Sec. 1. (AB 2337) Effective January 1, 2025.)


citation: LAB § 111

text: The Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board, consisting of seven members, shall exercise all judicial powers vested in it under this code. In all other respects, the Division of Workers’ Compensation is under the control of the administrative director and, except as to those duties, powers, jurisdiction, responsibilities, and purposes as are specifically vested in the appeals board, the administrative director shall exercise the powers of the head of a department within the meaning of Article 1 (commencing with Section 11150) of Chapter 2 of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code with respect to the Division of Workers’ Compensation which shall include supervision of, and responsibility for, personnel, and the coordination of the work of the division, except personnel of the appeals board.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 728, Sec. 117. (SB 71) Effective January 1, 2013.)


citation: LAB § 112

text:
The members of the appeals board shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The term of office of the members appointed prior to January 1, 1990, shall be four years, and the term of office of members appointed on or after January 1, 1990, shall be six years and they shall hold office until the appointment and qualification of their successors.

Five of the members of the appeals board shall be experienced attorneys at law admitted to practice in the State of California. The other two members need not be attorneys at law. All members shall be selected with due consideration of their judicial temperament and abilities. Each member shall receive the salary provided for by Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 11550) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1990, Ch. 1550, Sec. 8.5.)


citation: LAB § 113

text:
The Governor shall designate the chairman of the appeals board from the membership of the appeals board. The person so designated shall hold the office of chairman at the pleasure of the Governor.

The chairman may designate in writing one of the other members of the appeals board to act as chairman during such time as he may be absent from the state on official business, on vacation, or absent due to illness.

history: (History: Repealed and added by Stats. 1965, Ch. 1513.)


citation: LAB § 115

text:
Actions of the appeals board shall be taken by decision of a majority of the appeals board except as otherwise expressly provided.

The chairman shall assign pending cases in which reconsideration is sought to any three members thereof for hearing, consideration and decision. Assignments by the chairman of members to such cases shall be rotated on a case-by-case basis with the composition of the members so assigned being varied and changed to assure that there shall never be a fixed and continued composition of members. Any such case assigned to any three members in which the finding, order, decision or award is made and filed by any two or more of such members shall be the action of the appeals board unless reconsideration is had in accordance with the provisions of Article 1 (commencing with Section 5900), Chapter 7, Part 4, Division 4 of this code. Any case assigned to three members shall be heard and decided only by them, unless the matter has been reassigned by the chairman on a majority vote of the appeals board to the appeals board as a whole in order to achieve uniformity of decision, or in cases presenting novel issues.


citation: LAB § 116

text: The seal of the appeals board bearing the inscription “Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board, Seal” shall be affixed to all writs and authentications of copies of records and to such other instruments as the appeals board directs.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1981, Ch. 21, Sec. 4. Effective April 18, 1981.)


citation: LAB § 117

text: The administrative director may appoint an attorney licensed to practice law in the state as counsel to the division.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1989, Ch. 892, Sec. 13.)


citation: LAB § 119

text:
The attorney shall:

(a) Represent and appear for the state and the Division of Workers’ Compensation and the appeals board in all actions and proceedings arising under any provision of this code administered by the division or under any order or act of the division or the appeals board and, if directed so to do, intervene, if possible, in any action or proceeding in which any such question is involved.

(b) Commence, prosecute, and expedite the final determination of all actions or proceedings, directed or authorized by the administrative director or the appeals board.

(c) Advise the administrative director and the appeals board and each member thereof, upon request, in regard to the jurisdiction, powers or duties of the administrative director, the appeals board and each member thereof.

(d) Generally perform the duties and services as attorney to the Division of Workers’ Compensation and the appeals board which are required of him or her.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 1097, Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 1995.)


citation: LAB § 120

text: The administrative director and the chairman of the appeals board may each respectively appoint a secretary and assistant secretaries to perform such services as shall be prescribed.


citation: LAB § 121

text: The chairman of the appeals board may authorize its secretary and any two assistant secretaries to act as deputy appeals board members and may delegate authority and duties to these deputies. Not more than three deputies may act as appeals board members at any one time. No act of any deputy shall be valid unless it is concurred in by at least one member of the appeals board.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1981, Ch. 1150, Sec. 1.)


citation: LAB § 122

text: The administrative director shall appoint a medical director who shall possess a physician’s and surgeon’s certificate granted under Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 2000) of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code. The medical director shall employ medical assistants who shall also possess physicians’ and surgeons’ certificates and other staff necessary to the performance of his or her duties. The salaries for the medical director and his or her assistants shall be fixed by the Department of Human Resources, commensurate with the salaries paid by private industry to medical directors and assistant medical directors.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 665, Sec. 176. (SB 1308) Effective January 1, 2013.)


citation: LAB § 123

text: The administrative director may employ necessary assistants, officers, experts, statisticians, actuaries, accountants, workers’ compensation administrative law judges, stenographic shorthand reporters, legal secretaries, disability evaluation raters, program technicians, and other employees to implement new, efficient court management systems. The salaries of the workers’ compensation administrative law judges shall be fixed by the Department of Human Resources for a class of positions which perform judicial functions.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2012, Ch. 665, Sec. 177. (SB 1308) Effective January 1, 2013.)


text: Any official reporter employed by the administrative director shall render stenographic or clerical assistance as directed by the presiding workers’ compensation administrative law judge of the office to which the reporter is assigned, when the presiding workers’ compensation administrative law judge determines that the reporter is not engaged in the performance of any other duty imposed by law.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 6, Sec. 26. Effective January 1, 2003.)


text:
(a) Workers’ compensation administrative law judges employed by the administrative director shall be taken from an eligible list of attorneys licensed to practice law in this state, who have the qualifications prescribed by the State Personnel Board. In establishing eligible lists for this purpose, state civil service examinations shall be conducted in accordance with the State Civil Service Act (Part 2 (commencing with Section 18500) of Division 5 of Title 2 of the Government Code). Every workers’ compensation judge shall maintain membership in the State Bar of California during his or her tenure.

A workers’ compensation administrative law judge may not receive his or her salary as a workers’ compensation administrative law judge while any cause before the workers’ compensation administrative law judge remains pending and undetermined for 90 days after it has been submitted for decision.

(b) All workers’ compensation administrative law judges appointed on or after January 1, 2003, shall be attorneys licensed to practice law in California for five or more years prior to their appointment and shall have experience in workers’ compensation law.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 559, Sec. 3. (AB 1426) Effective October 7, 2011.)


text:
(a) All workers’ compensation administrative law judges employed by the administrative director shall subscribe to the Code of Judicial Ethics adopted by the Supreme Court pursuant to subdivision (m) of Section 18 of Article VI of the California Constitution for the conduct of judges and shall not otherwise, directly or indirectly, engage in conduct contrary to that code or to the commentary to the Code of Judicial Ethics.

In consultation with the Commission on Judicial Performance, the administrative director shall adopt regulations to enforce this section. To the extent possible, the rules shall be consistent with the procedures established by the Commission on Judicial Performance for regulating the activities of state judges, and, to the extent possible, with the gift, honoraria, and travel restrictions on legislators contained in the Political Reform Act of 1974 (Title 9 (commencing with Section 81000) of the Government Code).

(b) Honoraria or travel allowed by the administrative director, and not otherwise prohibited by this section in connection with any public or private conference, convention, meeting, social event, or like gathering, the cost of which is significantly paid for by attorneys who practice before the board, may not be accepted unless the administrative director has provided prior approval in writing to the workers’ compensation administrative law judge allowing him or her to accept those payments.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 559, Sec. 4. (AB 1426) Effective October 7, 2011.)


text: The appeals board may, by rule or regulation, establish procedures whereby attorneys who are either certified specialists in workers’ compensation by the California State Bar, or are eligible for this certification, may be appointed by the presiding workers’ compensation judge of each board office to serve as a pro tempore workers’ compensation judge in a particular case, upon the stipulation of the employee or his or her representative, and the employer or the insurance carrier. Service in this capacity by an attorney shall be voluntary and without pay. It is the intent of the Legislature that the use of pro tempore workers’ compensation judges pursuant to this section shall not result in a reduction of the number of permanent civil service employees or the number of authorized full-time equivalent positions.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1985, Ch. 326, Sec. 6.)


citation: LAB § 124

text:
(a) In administering and enforcing this division and Division 4 (commencing with Section 3200), the division shall protect the interests of injured workers who are entitled to the timely provision of compensation.

(b) Forms and notices required to be given to employees by the division shall be in English and Spanish.

(c) In addition to the requirement in subdivision (b), no later than January 1, 2018, the department and the division shall make at least the following forms, notices, and materials available in Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, and Vietnamese:

(1) The workers’ compensation claim form required pursuant to Section 5401.

(2) The application for the Return-to-Work Supplement Program authorized pursuant to Section 139.48.

(3) Supplemental Job Displacement Non-Transferable Voucher.

(4) Division of Workers’ Compensation fact sheets distributed to injured workers, including, but not limited to, those addressing the following topics:

(A) Temporary disability.

(B) Permanent disability.

(C) Qualified medical evaluators.

(D) Uninsured Employers Benefits Trust Fund.

(E) Utilization review.

(F) Basic facts on workers’ compensation.

(G) Glossary of terms in workers’ compensation.

(d) (1) Commencing January 1, 2018, the Administrative Director shall annually review the forms, notices, and materials that are published and distributed by the division to injured workers and recommend to the division any other documents that should be translated into languages other than English pursuant to subdivisions (b) and (c).

(2) Commencing January 1, 2018, and annually thereafter, the department and the division shall submit the recommendations and any translated documents to the Legislature.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 515, Sec. 1. (AB 438) Effective January 1, 2016.)


citation: LAB § 125

text: The administrative director shall cause to be printed and furnished free of charge to any person blank forms that may facilitate or promote the efficient performance of the duties of the Division of Workers’ Compensation.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 146, Sec. 139. Effective January 1, 1995.)


citation: LAB § 126

text: The Division of Workers’ Compensation, including the administrative director and the appeals board, shall keep minutes of all their proceedings and other books or records requisite for proper and efficient administration. All records shall be kept in their respective offices.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 146, Sec. 140. Effective January 1, 1995.)


citation: LAB § 127

text:
The administrative director may do all of the following:

(a) Charge and collect fees for copies of papers and records, for certified copies of official documents and orders or of the evidence taken or proceedings had, for transcripts of testimony, and for inspection of case files not stored in the place where the inspection is requested. The administrative director shall fix those fees in an amount sufficient to recover the actual costs of furnishing the services. No fees for inspection of case files shall be charged to an injured employee or his or her representative.

(b) Publish and distribute from time to time, in addition to the reports to the Governor, further reports and pamphlets covering the operations, proceedings, and matters relative to the work of the division.

(c) Prepare, publish, and distribute an office manual, for which a reasonable fee may be charged, and to which additions, deletions, amendments, and other changes from time to time may be adopted, published, and distributed, for which a reasonable fee may be charged for the revision, or for which a reasonable fee may be fixed on an annual subscription basis.

(d) Fix and collect reasonable charges for publications issued.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 559, Sec. 5. (AB 1426) Effective October 7, 2011.)


text:
(a) The administrative director, with input from the Commission on Health and Safety and Workers’ Compensation, shall issue a report to the Legislature, on or before January 1, 2023, comparing potential payment alternatives for providers to the official medical fee schedule, including, but not limited to, capitation, bundled payments, quality incentives, and value-based payment systems.

(b) The report shall address advantages and disadvantages of each alternative payment system to the official medical fee schedule and make recommendations to the Legislature on alternative payment pilot programs.

(c) The report shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code. The requirement for submitting a report imposed by this section shall be inoperative on January 1, 2024, pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code.

history: (History: Added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 647, Sec. 1. (SB 537) Effective January 1, 2020.)


citation: LAB § 128

text: The appeals board may accept appointment as deputy commissioner under, or any delegation of authority to enforce, the United States Longshoremen’s and Harbor Worker’s Compensation Act. The appeals board may enter into arrangements with the United States, subject to the approval of the Department of Finance, for the payment of any expenses incurred in the performance of services under said act. In the performance of any duties under said act, appointment, or authority, the appeals board may, subject to the provisions thereof, exercise any authority conferred upon the appeals board by the laws of this state.

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 1965, Ch. 1513.)


citation: LAB § 129

text:
(a) To make certain that injured workers, and their dependents in the event of their death, receive promptly and accurately the full measure of compensation to which they are entitled, the administrative director shall audit insurers, self-insured employers, and third-party administrators to determine if they have met their obligations under this code. Each audit subject shall be audited at least once every five years. The audit subjects shall be selected and the audits conducted pursuant to subdivision (b). The results of audits of insurers shall be provided to the Insurance Commissioner, and the results of audits of self-insurers and third-party administrators shall be provided to the Director of Industrial Relations. Nothing in this section shall restrict the authority of the Director of Industrial Relations or the Insurance Commissioner to audit their licensees.

(b) The administrative director shall schedule and conduct audits as follows:

(1) A profile audit review of every audit subject shall be conducted once every five years and on additional occasions indicated by target audit criteria. The administrative director shall annually establish a profile audit review performance standard that will identify the poorest performing audit subjects.

(2) A full compliance audit shall be conducted of each profile audited subject failing to meet or exceed the profile audit review performance standard. The full compliance audit shall be a comprehensive and detailed evaluation of the audit subject’s performance. The administrative director shall annually establish a full compliance audit performance standard that will identify the audit subjects that are performing satisfactorily. Any full compliance audit subject that fails to meet or exceed the full compliance audit performance standard shall be audited again within two years.

(3) A targeted profile audit review or a full compliance audit may be conducted at any time in accordance with target audit criteria adopted by the administrative director. The target audit criteria shall be based on information obtained from benefit notices, from information and assistance officers, and from other reliable sources providing factual information that indicates an insurer, self-insured employer, or third-party administrator is failing to meet its obligations under this division or Division 4 (commencing with Section 3200) or the regulations of the administrative director.

(c) If, as a result of a profile audit review or a full compliance audit, the administrative director determines that any compensation, interest, or penalty is due and unpaid to an employee or dependent, the administrative director shall issue and cause to be served upon the insurer, self-insured employer, or third-party administrator a notice of assessment detailing the amounts due and unpaid in each case, and shall order the amounts paid to the person entitled thereto. The notice of assessment shall be served personally or by registered mail in accordance with subdivision (c) of Section 11505 of the Government Code. A copy of the notice of assessment shall also be sent to the affected employee or dependent.

If the amounts are not paid within 30 days after service of the notice of assessment, the employer shall also be liable for reasonable attorney’s fees necessarily incurred by the employee or dependent to obtain amounts due. The administrative director shall advise each employee or dependent still owed compensation after this 30-day period of his or her rights with respect to the commencement of proceedings to collect the compensation owed. Amounts unpaid because the person entitled thereto cannot be located shall be paid to the Workers’ Compensation Administration Revolving Fund. The Director of Industrial Relations shall promulgate rules and regulations establishing standards and procedures for the payment of compensation from moneys deposited in the Workers’ Compensation Administration Revolving Fund whenever the person entitled thereto applies for compensation.

(d) A determination by the administrative director that an amount is or is not due to an employee or dependent shall not in any manner limit the jurisdiction or authority of the appeals board to determine the issue.

(e) Annually, commencing on April 1, 1991, the administrative director shall publish a report detailing the results of audits conducted pursuant to this section during the preceding calendar year. The report shall include the name of each insurer, self-insured employer, and third-party administrator audited during that period. For each insurer, self-insured employer, and third-party administrator audited, the report shall specify the total number of files audited, the number of violations found by type and amount of compensation, interest and penalties payable, and the amount collected for each violation. The administrative director shall also publish and make available to the public on request a list ranking all insurers, self-insured employers, and third-party administrators audited during the period according to their performance measured by the profile audit review and full compliance audit performance standards.

These reports shall not identify the particular claim file that resulted in a particular violation or penalty. Except as required by this subdivision or other provisions of law, the contents of individual claim files and auditor’s working papers shall be confidential. Disclosure of claim information to the administrative director pursuant to an audit shall not waive the provisions of the Evidence Code relating to privilege.

(f) A profile audit review of the adjustment of claims against the Uninsured Employers Fund by the claims and collections unit of the Division of Workers’ Compensation shall be conducted at least every five years. The results of this profile audit review shall be included in the report required by subdivision (e).

history: (History: Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 6, Sec. 33. Effective January 1, 2003.)