SB-1227 • 2026

Department of Industrial Relations: apprenticeship pilot program.

Labor

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Durazo
Last action: 2026-04-24
Official status: Set for hearing May 4.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not specify the exact nature of the staffing challenges addressed by the bill, nor does it provide details on which specific trades or jobs within DIR this program will cover.

Apprenticeship Pilot Program for DIR Staffing

This law requires the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) to create a new apprenticeship pilot program with help from other departments and employee unions by January 1, 2028.

What This Bill Does

Requires DIR and the Department of Human Resources to work together with bargaining units representing DIR employees to design an apprenticeship pilot program addressing staffing challenges by January 1, 2028.
Specifies that the program must follow rules set for fair hiring practices in government jobs.
Ensures that apprentice pay rates are determined through collective bargaining.

Who It Names or Affects

The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and its employees
Bargaining units representing DIR staff

Terms To Know

merit principle: A rule that says government jobs should be given based on who is most qualified, not just who knows someone in charge.
collective bargaining: When workers and their employers talk together to decide things like pay and working conditions.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not specify how much funding will be allocated for the program.
It is unclear which specific trades or jobs within DIR this apprenticeship pilot program will cover.

Bill History

2026-04-24 California Legislative Information
Set for hearing May 4.
2026-04-16 California Legislative Information
Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
2026-04-15 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 5. Noes 0.) (April 15).
2026-04-09 California Legislative Information
Set for hearing April 15.
2026-04-07 California Legislative Information
From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on L., P.E. & R.
2026-03-04 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on L., P.E. & R.
2026-02-20 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be acted upon on or after March 22.
2026-02-19 California Legislative Information
Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.

Official Summary Text

SB 1227, as amended, Durazo.
Department of Industrial Relations: apprenticeship pilot program.
Existing law provides for the establishment of apprenticeship programs in various trades, to be approved by the Chief of the Division of Apprenticeship Standards within the Department of Industrial Relations in any trade in the state or in a city or trade area whenever the apprentice training needs justify the establishment.
This bill would require, on or before January 1, 2028, the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and the Department of Human Resources to partner with the bargaining units representing employees of DIR to design and develop an apprenticeship pilot program that addresses DIR’s staffing challenges. The bill would require the design, development, and administration of the program to meet specified requirements, including being consistent with the constitutional merit principle applicable to civil
service employment. The bill would require the program to meet specified requirements, including that the apprenticeship program
participants’ pay
classification pay scales
be determined by the collective bargaining process. The bill would include related legislative findings and declarations.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Download Bill PDF