California Assembly Bill AB1336

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/25
• Refer: 3/17/25
• Report Pass: 4/23/25
• Refer: 4/23/25
• Refer: 5/14/25
• Report Pass: 5/23/25
• Engrossed: 6/3/25
• Refer: 6/4/25
• Refer: 6/18/25
• Report Pass: 6/25/25
• Refer: 6/25/25
• Refer: 7/7/25
• Report Pass: 8/29/25
• Enrolled: 9/11/25
• Vetoed: 10/13/25

Caption

An act to amend, repeal, and add Section 62.5 of, and to add and repeal Section 3212.81 of, the Labor Code, relating to workers’ compensation.

Impact

This bill significantly impacts the existing framework of workers compensation laws in California, specifically enhancing protections for vulnerable farmworker populations who are at risk of heat-related illnesses. It establishes a new fund, the Farmworker Climate Change Heat Injury and Death Fund, aimed at supporting administrative costs associated with the new presumption in favor of workers. The introduction of such presumption is anticipated to empower farmworkers facing workplace hazards related to excessive heat, thereby potentially increasing their access to compensation and care when injured as a result of employer negligence.

Summary

AB 1336, introduced by Assembly Member Addis, targets heat-related injuries among farmworkers by establishing a disputable presumption that such injuries arise in the course of employment if the employer fails to comply with heat illness prevention standards. The intent of this legislation is to enhance protections for agricultural workers, particularly as extreme heat becomes more prevalent due to climate change. The bill requires the Workers Compensation Appeals Board to favor the employee in cases where evidence against the presumption is not provided by employers. The legislation is valid until January 1, 2031, aiming to increase accountability among employers in the agriculture sector regarding the treatment of their employees under rising environmental stressors.

Sentiment

The sentiment around AB 1336 appears to be generally positive among advocacy groups that represent farmworkers and address labor rights, viewing the bill as a step forward in protecting the health and safety of one of the most vulnerable labor forces in the state. Conversely, there are concerns regarding the implications for employers in the agricultural sector, many of whom may perceive this legislation as adding complexity and risk to their operational responsibilities. The bill has sparked discussions about balancing workplace safety with the economic realities faced by agricultural businesses, especially those operating under tight margins.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential burden placed on agricultural employers to comply with the newly defined presumption and the associated costs that may arise from increased claims of heat-related injuries. Furthermore, legislative opponents have raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of the fund and the administration of claims, questioning whether it could lead to increased litigation or operational challenges for farms. The debate highlights broader themes of labor rights in the context of climate change and economic viability within the agricultural industry.