CA SB1227

Requires the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and Department of Human Resources to partner with employee bargaining units to design an apprenticeship pilot program addressing DIR's staffing challenges

DIR has experienced vacancy rates exceeding 25% with hundreds of positions in labor law enforcement divisions remaining vacant for extended periods

California State Auditor investigations found inadequate staffing at the Division of Occupational Safety and Health and Division of Labor Standards Enforcement weakens enforcement of worker protection statutes

Program must use collective bargaining and joint apprenticeship committees while remaining consistent with California's constitutional merit principle for civil service employment

Introduced by Senator Durazo on February 19, 2026; requires fiscal committee review but no appropriation