State Assembly advances bills to help immigrants, ranchers
SACRAMENTO -- The state Assembly passed and sent the Senate a bill aimed at protecting immigrant workers, who complain about pay and working conditions.
The measure, AB 263 by Assemblyman Roger Hernandez, passed on a 52-22 vote on Thursday.
‘Better burger’ chains beef up
Hernandez said the legislation is needed to prevent bosses from threatening or actually calling federal agents after a worker, who entered the country illegally, has filed a complaint.
“Those that are greatly affected come from the most vulnerable sectors, such as in agriculture, construction, manufacturing and service industries,” he said.
Opponents of the bill had argued that it was overly broad and could impact law-abiding businesses.
In other action, the Assembly unanimously passed a proposal by Republican rancher Frank Bigelow to boost fines to as much as $5,000 for anyone convicted of stealing cattle and other livestock.
“With the passage of AB 924, California is one step closer to ensuring that people convicted of crimes are properly punished,” said Bigelow (R-O’Neals).
Also:
Workers sue car wash over labor practices
