CA AB20

Requires the Labor and Workforce Development Agency and Department of Food and Agriculture to convene a working group by February 1, 2017 to consult with federal agencies about creating a program providing work and residency permits to undocumented agricultural workers in California.

Directs the Governor by August 1, 2017 to either make a formal request to the federal government to implement the program or explain why not and provide recommendations to the Legislature.

Establishes a model framework for the program requiring applicants to be at least 18 years old, live in California, have performed at least 863 hours of agricultural work in the prior 24 months, pass a criminal background check, and pay an administrative fee.

Extends program eligibility to immediate family members (spouses and children under 18, or older children enrolled in school) who meet criminal background check requirements and residency criteria.

Mandates that permitted workers receive equal wage and working condition protections as legal residents, prohibits single-employer restrictions, and requires employers to maintain comparable wages and benefits to legal workers.