CA AB1729

Replaces the term "telecommuting" with "telework" throughout California Government Code and renames the program the "State Of California Flexible Telework Policy to Ensure Cost-Effective and Efficient Government Act"

Requires the Department of General Services to establish a telework dashboard displaying cost-effectiveness metrics, including annual savings from reduced office space, cuts in emissions and energy use, and decrease in vehicle miles traveled

Mandates that state agencies requiring employees to report to a workplace must provide detailed written justification to the department and affected employees, with exemptions for Highway Patrol, Forestry and Fire Protection, and Corrections and Rehabilitation

Requires each state agency to evaluate its telework program every 10 years to ensure alignment with operational needs and workforce recruitment and retention goals

Declares the bill an urgency statute taking effect immediately, citing projected state budget deficits and potential savings of up to $225 million annually through approximately 30% reduction in state office space