Ensuring fair treatment for workers in agriculture is imperative to me. There will now be enhanced oversight and accountability in our agriculture industry. The H-2A Temporary Agricultural Worker Visa Program allows agricultural employers to hire foreign workers on temporary visas when qualified domestic workers are insufficient. This new law mandates ESD to collect data during field checks, including H-2A worker numbers and living locations, and requires comprehensive wage surveys of non-H-2A hand harvesters. By collecting accurate data and conducting surveys, we can ensure that all workers are fairly compensated for their labor, promoting fairness and integrity in our agricultural workforce.

Every worker deserves dignity and respect. That’s why I introduced this bill to ensure that strippers, like all workers, are protected from exploitation, trafficking, and abuse. This new law mandates professional training on preventing sexual harassment and identifying human trafficking. It also requires panic buttons and security personnel in establishments for safety. The law improves working conditions, prohibits unfair financial burdens, and ties new liquor licenses to safety compliance. It’s crucial to change how we think about adult entertainment and recognize the humanity of those involved. Ignoring their vulnerabilities perpetuates injustice. I’m committed to respecting all workers’ rights to ensure their well-being.

With this new law, family members include not only those who live with you but also anyone you care for and who regularly stays in your home, like children, grandchildren, and grandparents. This change means more workers can use their earned sick days when they or their dependents are unwell. This is especially important for LGBTQ workers, single parents, and working caretakers. Sometimes, the people who depend on us don’t live under the same roof, for various reasons. By expanding the definition of family, we acknowledge the diverse caregiving responsibilities many employees have.

During the 2024 legislative session, we reached a significant milestone in ensuring fairness and protection for transportation network company (TNC) drivers, like those working for Uber or Lyft. This new law ensures that TNC drivers are eligible for death benefits under the workers’ compensation system, even when they’re logged into the TNC’s digital network but not actively transporting passengers. This provision addresses the unique challenges TNC drivers face while waiting for rides or traveling between them. This legislation is deeply personal to me because it was inspired by one of our constituents who tragically passed away, prompting action.