Plain English Breakdown
The official summary confirms the bill passed both chambers but does not show if the Governor has signed it yet, so the effective date depends on that final action.
State Telework Program Updates
AB-1729 changes the name of state remote work programs from telecommuting to telework and requires a new dashboard to track savings along with regular program reviews.
What This Bill Does
- Replaces the word 'telecommuting' with 'telework' in existing laws about working remotely.
- Requires the Department of General Services to create a dashboard showing cost-effectiveness and efficiency benefits, including annual savings from reduced office space and operating costs.
- Mandates that every state agency review its telework program once every 10 years.
- Ensures these reviews check if the program helps the agency meet its mission needs and recruit or keep qualified staff.
Who It Names or Affects
- State agencies
- The Department of General Services
Terms To Know
- Telework
- Working from a location other than the main office, replacing the old term 'telecommuting'.
- Urgency statute
- A law that takes effect immediately after being passed instead of waiting for the usual start date.
Limits and Unknowns
- The bill does not specify how much money must be saved to meet the new requirements.
- It is unclear if agencies can choose different review schedules than every 10 years based on their needs.
- The text does not list specific penalties for agencies that do not follow these rules.