AB 1544 Summary

• Creates the California Agricultural Jobs and Industry Stabilization Program to be administered by the Employment Development Department, allowing issuance of work and residency permits to undocumented workers in agricultural and service industries upon federal authorization.

• Requires applicants to be 18 or older, residing in California, have performed at least 863 hours or 150 workdays of agricultural/service industry work in the 24 months before January 25, 2012, and maintain ongoing employment of 431 hours or 75 workdays annually.

• Establishes eligibility requirements including fingerprinted criminal background checks with no felony convictions, payment of fees to the department, and evidence of ongoing English language proficiency efforts.

• Authorizes permits for immediate family members (spouse and children under 18) of approved workers who pass criminal background checks and pay fees.

• Requires annual reports beginning three years after implementation analyzing whether the program displaces legal residents, and mandates the Director of Employment Development request federal authorization by May 1, 2013 before the program can be implemented.