CA AB179

Establishes fingerprint background check requirements for employees, contractors, and volunteers of multiple state agencies (Cannabis Control, Financial Protection and Innovation, Consumer Affairs, Developmental Services, General Services, Health Care Access and Information, Public Employees' Retirement System, Public Health, and Social Services) who access sensitive information or records.

Expands California Horse Racing Board licensing requirements to include fingerprint submissions for prospective and current license holders, defines "person" under track operator licenses to include officers, directors, partners, and those holding 5% or more of shares, and adds specific licensed occupations in horse racing.

Extends deadlines for the Forced or Involuntary Sterilization Compensation Program to January 1, 2025 for appeals and additional reviews, and to January 1, 2026 for program conclusion; requires the California Victim Compensation Board to report on a related study by January 1, 2025.

Extends the Flexible Assistance for Survivors (FAS) pilot grant program timeline to July 1, 2028 (from July 1, 2027) and authorizes distribution of cash assistance directly to survivors, their guardians, or third parties on their behalf; clarifies that FAS payments do not reduce California Victim Compensation Board benefits except for duplicate expense coverage.

Authorizes the Department of General Services to conduct job order contracting for public works with maximum initial contract value of $10,000,000, up to four one-year extensions at $5,000,000 per year, single job orders capped at $1,000,000, and requires skilled and trained workforce commitments and prevailing wage compliance.