CA AB2078

Creates a meal period exemption for stationary engineers who perform building maintenance work and are covered by a valid collective bargaining agreement meeting specific conditions

Stationary engineers are defined as skilled tradespeople in fixed facilities who operate, maintain, monitor, and repair mechanical equipment including boilers, chillers, HVAC systems, pumps, compressors, and power generation equipment

Qualifying collective bargaining agreements must provide wages, hours, working conditions, meal period provisions, binding arbitration for meal period disputes, premium overtime rates, and hourly pay at least 30% above state minimum wage

Adds stationary engineers to existing exemptions that already include construction workers, commercial drivers, security officers, and utility company employees

Introduced by Assembly Member Rogers on February 18, 2026; requires majority vote and fiscal committee review