CA SB828

Delays implementation of health care worker minimum wage requirements by one month, shifting all effective dates from June 1 to July 1 for each wage tier across all covered health care facility categories.

Maintains the wage schedule structure with different rates for different facility types: large employers reach $25/hour by July 2026, smaller rural/governmental facilities reach $25/hour by July 2033, and other facilities reach $25/hour by July 2028.

Applies to covered health care employees including nurses, caregivers, technicians, food service workers, housekeeping staff, and other patient care and support workers at hospitals, clinics, dialysis centers, and skilled nursing facilities.

Declares health care worker wages a matter of statewide concern and preempts local ordinances from establishing separate wage requirements for health care workers through January 1, 2034.

Takes effect immediately as an urgency statute upon Governor approval on May 31, 2024.