California § 15562.5

§ 15562.5.

(a) (1) On or before July 1, 2023, the agency shall establish an advisory committee to study and evaluate the effects of heat on California’s workers, businesses, and the economy. (2) The advisory committee shall meet to recommend the scope of a study to the agency. The committee shall meet at least once after the study is complete. (3) In considering the effects of heat on California’s workers, businesses, and the economy, the advisory committee shall recommend a study that addresses some or all of the following topics: (A) How to improve data collection regarding worker injuries, illnesses, or deaths as well as losses to businesses and the economy to more accurately capture those traceable to heat. (B) Time away from work and lost wages due to heat. (C) The frequency at which different types of occupational injuries and illnesses occur at given temperatures and humidity levels, including injuries and illnesses not directly attributable to heat exposure. (D) Underreporting of heat illnesses and injuries covered by workers’ compensation, especially among low-income employees, including the underreporting of occupational heat exposure with effects on workers after their shifts. (E) Evidence-based methods of minimizing the effect of heat on workers. (4) The committee shall be composed of the following members: (A) The Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development, or their designee. (B) One representative from, and appointed by, the Department of Industrial Relations. (C) One representative from, and appointed by, the Division of Occupational Safety and Health. (D) One representative from, and appointed by, the Employment Development Department. (E) One representative from, and appointed by, the California Housing and Homelessness Agency. (F) One representative from, and appointed by, the Division of Workers’ Compensation. (G) One representative from the Climate Change and Health Equity Section, within and appointed by the State Department of Public Health. (H) One representative appointed by the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, from a labor union, who has demonstrated expertise in high heat-related exposure. (I) One representative appointed by the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, from a business, who has demonstrated expertise in high heat-related exposure. (J) Three scholars, including at least one economist, appointed by the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, who have demonstrated expertise in high heat-related exposure. (K) One representative from, and appointed by, the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. (b) The advisory committee may contract with academic institutions or other researchers to complete its work. (c) (1) The advisory committee shall issue and submit a report of its findings to the Legislature, including, but not limited to, the Assembly Labor and Employment Committee and the Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee, no later than January 1, 2026. (2) The report required pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795. (d) This section shall become operative on July 1, 2026. (e) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2027, and as of that date is repealed.