California Assembly Bill AB2137

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/18/26
• Refer: 3/19/26
• Report Pass: 3/19/26
• Refer: 3/23/26
• Report Pass: 4/15/26
• Refer: 4/16/26
• Report Pass: 4/23/26
• Refer: 4/23/26
• Refer: 5/6/26

Caption

An act to amend Section 6359.1 of, and to add Sections 6359.6, 6359.6.5, 6359.7, 6359.7.5, and 6359.8 to, the Labor Code, relating to occupational safety and health.

Impact

The bill establishes a framework for oversight of fabrication shops, ensuring they maintain safety protocols and comply with health standards. It empowers the Department of Industrial Relations to enforce compliance through penalties and allows for the creation of a Slab Fabrication Activity Account to manage funds related to the enforcement of these new regulations. This transition is viewed as a critical step toward better protecting workers in the fabrication industry from health hazards while also providing a regulatory structure that ensures business operations are carried out safely.

Summary

Assembly Bill 2137, introduced by Assembly Member Chen, addresses the occupational safety and health regulations specifically related to fabrication activities involving slab solid surface products. The bill mandates the creation of an application and certification process for fabrication shops to operate legally concerning these activities. By 2028, the Department of Industrial Relations is required to issue certifications to those fabrication shops that meet established safety and compliance standards, designed to protect the health of workers in environments where exposure to harmful airborne contaminants occurs, particularly silicosis from artificial stone dust.

Sentiment

The sentiment around AB 2137 appears generally supportive, particularly among labor advocates and health safety organizations, who emphasize the importance of regulatory measures in preventing occupational diseases. However, there may be concerns from some business owners about the potential costs and bureaucratic processes associated with compliance and certification. Overall, the sentiment is positive among those prioritizing workplace safety over the interests of businesses that would have to navigate these new regulations.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise surrounding the implementation of the certification process, such as the financial burdens placed on small fabrication shops and the potential penalties for non-compliance. There is concern that these regulations may inhibit industry growth or add substantial operational costs. Additionally, while the bill preempts local regulations by providing a state-level standard, some stakeholders may argue this undermines local governance and the ability to adapt safety measures to specific community needs.