Bill Text: CA SB831 | 2023-2024 | Regular Session | Amended

California Senate Bill 831

NOTE: There are more recent revisions of this legislation. Read Latest Draft

Bill Title: Agricultural workers: immigration: parole.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2023-10-08 - Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 636, Statutes of 2023. [SB831 Detail]

Download: California-2023-SB831-Amended.html

Amended IN Senate March 22, 2023

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2023–2024 REGULAR SESSION

Senate Bill

No. 831

Introduced by Senator Caballero

February 17, 2023

~~An act to amend Section 17002 of the Unemployment Insurance Code, relating to CalWORKs.~~ An act to add Article 9 (commencing with Section 12092) to Chapter 1 of Part 2 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, relating to agricultural workers.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST

SB 831, as amended, Caballero. ~~CalWORKs: job creation.~~ Department of Community Services and Development: pilot program: lawful permanent residents.

Existing law sets forth the duties of the Department of Community Services and Development respecting certain community programs in the state, including administering the Naturalization Services Program that provides funding to community-based organizations to assist lawful permanent residents in obtaining citizenship.
This bill would authorize the Governor to enter into an agreement with the federal government to establish a workgroup to develop a pilot program for an agricultural employee, as defined, who meets specified eligibility criteria, including that they have lived continuously in the United States for 5 years, to be granted lawful permanent resident status. The bill would authorize the department to administer the pilot program, and establish an application process and eligibility criteria for that program, as specified.
Existing law creates the California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids Act, which is referred to as CalWORKs. Existing law requires the Employment Development Department to perform specified duties relating to job creation in connection with CalWORKs, including establishing a council of corporate executives to provide ongoing advice and assistance to the department in recruiting private employers to hire recipients of aid. Existing law requires the department, in consultation with the council, to establish a clearinghouse for information for private sector employers to obtain information about assistance and resources for hiring CalWORKs recipients.
~~This bill would make nonsubstantive changes to these provisions.~~

Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: NOYES Local Program: NO

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:

SECTION 1.

Article 9 (commencing with Section 12092) is added to Chapter 1 of Part 2 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code, to read:

Article 9. Lawful Permanent Resident Pilot Program
12092.
As used in this article, the following terms apply:
(a) “Agricultural employee” has the same meaning as that term is defined in subdivision (b) of Section 1140.4 of the Labor Code.
(b) “Department” means the Department of Community Services and Development.
(c) “Lawful permanent resident” has the same meaning as that term is defined in Section 1101(a)(20) of Title 8 of the United States Code.
(d) “Pilot program” means the pilot program for an agricultural employee to be granted lawful permanent resident status, as described in this article.
12092.1.
The Governor, on behalf of this state, may enter into an agreement with the federal government to establish a workgroup to develop a pilot program for an agricultural employee who has lived continuously in the United States for five years to be granted lawful permanent resident status.
12092.2.
(a) Upon implementation of the pilot program, the department may administer the pilot program.
(b) The department may establish an application process for the pilot program, which includes, but is not limited to, all of the following:
(1) The payment of application fees to the department and any federal entity to obtain lawful permanent resident status.
(2) A criminal history background check.
(3) A national security check.
12092.3.
The department may establish eligibility criteria for an agricultural employee to be eligible for lawful permanent resident status. An agricultural employee may be eligible for lawful permanent resident status under the pilot program if the individual meets all of the following:
(a) They have lived continuously in the United States for five years.
(b) They have demonstrated good moral character.
(c) They have not been convicted of a crime.

SECTION 1.Section 17002 of the Unemployment Insurance Code is amended to read:
17002.
~~In carrying out the provisions of this division, the department shall conduct activities, including, but not limited to, all of the following:~~
(a)Establish a council of corporate executives consisting of 13 members drawn from the business community, including, but not limited to, retired or former chief executive officers of major California corporations. Seven members shall be appointed by the Governor, three shall be appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules, and three shall be appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly. Appointments shall be made no later than January 31, 1998. This council shall provide ongoing advice and assistance to the department in recruiting private employers to hire recipients of aid.
(b)In consultation with the council described in subdivision (a), establish a clearinghouse for information on the internet or other forms of toll-free communication for private sector employers to obtain information about assistance and resources for hiring CalWORKs recipients and to register their pledges to assist the state in finding the jobs necessary to meet the local welfare-to-work goals throughout the state.
(c)In consultation with the council described in subdivision (a), provide a forum for leaders in faith-based communities, and other civic leaders, to assist the state in promoting welfare-to-work goals as part of the civic duty of their constituents.