CA AB2176

Exempts commercial drivers operating vehicles required to display hazardous materials placards under Vehicle Code Section 27903 from meal period requirements if they hold a valid commercial driver's license with required endorsements.

Expands existing exemptions from meal period requirements to include employees in construction occupations, commercial drivers, security officers, and utility company employees who are covered by collective bargaining agreements meeting specified standards.

Maintains existing requirements that employers provide meal periods of at least 30 minutes for work periods exceeding 5 hours per day, and a second 30-minute meal period for work periods exceeding 10 hours per day.

Allows meal periods to be waived by mutual consent under limited circumstances: for work periods of 6 hours or less, or for a second meal period if total work hours do not exceed 12 hours and the first meal period was not waived.