CA SB978

Authorizes the Labor Commissioner to issue exemptions allowing minors aged 16-17 to work up to 10 hours per day and 48-60 hours per week during peak harvest season at agricultural packing plants, with prior written approval from the local county office of education.

Requires the Labor Commissioner to inspect affected agricultural packing plants before issuing or renewing exemptions under this section.

Mandates employers receiving exemptions to file annual written reports to the Labor Commissioner by October 1 documenting the number of minors employed and weekly hours worked for each minor.

Requires the Labor Commissioner to submit a comprehensive report to the Legislature by November 1, 2025, covering employment conditions, exemptions issued, inspections conducted, workplace injuries, and labor law violations at agricultural packing plants from January 1, 2017 through October 1, 2025.

Repeals this exemption provision on January 1, 2027, making these temporary statewide provisions apply only through 2026.