AB 1729, introduced by Assemblymember Alex Lee (D-Fremont), would protect state workers’ right to telework. California’s hybrid telework program is a proven success: it keeps cars off the road, reduces carbon emissions, saves money, supports family-friendly working conditions for state employees. It also helps California achieve our climate goals by attracting and retaining great staff in our environmental and public health programs . 

But telework is under threat from Governor Gavin Newsom’s Return to Office order, currently scheduled to go into effect on July 1. AB 1729 gives state agencies the authority to formulate their own telework policies while also implementing important accountability and transparency measures. AB 1729 has passed out of the Assembly Public Employment and Retirement Committee and the Appropriations Committee. Now it’s headed to the Assembly floor, where it needs a two-thirds majority.

This is a great opportunity for the environmental movement to show true solidarity with workers AND support a concrete emissions reduction policy. Common-sense telework protections will reduce traffic and carbon emissions, save money, and keep great people working for the State of California to clean up our air and water, protect our wildlife, and support public health–a win for everyone!

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