CA SB477

Requires foreign labor contractors to register with the Labor Commissioner on and after July 1, 2016, and maintain registration through payment of fees and a surety bond ranging from $50,000 to $150,000 based on annual gross receipts.

Prohibits persons from knowingly using an unregistered foreign labor contractor to procure foreign workers, and requires those using foreign labor contractor services to disclose this information to the Labor Commissioner.

Mandates that foreign labor contractors provide written disclosure to foreign workers in English and their primary language regarding employer identity, work contracts, visa information, itemized costs, and protections under law, with filing required within seven business days.

Prohibits foreign labor contractors from charging fees to foreign workers for contracting activities, requiring prepayment of costs, or charging expenses not customarily assessed to similarly situated workers; limits housing costs to market rate.

Establishes civil penalties of $1,000 to $25,000 per violation and allows the Labor Commissioner or aggrieved persons to pursue injunctive relief and damages of at least $500 per employee per initial violation, or $1,000 per subsequent violation, with recovery of costs and attorney's fees.