Bill > AB338

This bill provides a comprehensive workforce development response to the 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties by allocating $5 million to support affected workers and communities. The California Workforce Development Board will distribute funds to the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity to create workforce development strategies, including job training, education, and supportive services like stipends for underemployed and unemployed low- to moderate-income individuals. The department must reallocate $600,000 to the Economic Development Collaborative and will focus on employment in critical sectors such as construction, firefighting, healthcare, social services, and other areas essential to emergency response and recovery. The bill allows for subcontracting with other entities and requires quality standards for programs. Participants in these workforce programs will be provided with expedited licensing and certification opportunities, if feasible. The legislation is designed as an urgency statute, meaning it will take effect immediately to address the urgent need for workforce support and economic recovery in the fire-affected regions. The bill recognizes the unique circumstances of the 2025 wildfires and aims to create a direct pipeline for workers to rebuild and support their communities.

Budget and Finance, Labor and Employment

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB338