Senate Bill No. 829 aims to amend the definition of "hours worked" in the state’s labor laws. The bill specifies that "hours worked" now includes time spent by employees in security screenings mandated by their employer, in addition to the existing provisions that cover time spent on the employer's premises or on duty. The bill also clarifies that employees waiting on the premises without work provided by the employer are considered to be working during that time. Furthermore, it outlines conditions under which employees on call for emergency service are compensated for their time, and it includes specific provisions for individuals providing companionship services under certain circumstances.

The bill repeals the previous definition of "hours worked" and replaces it with a more comprehensive one, effective October 1, 2025. Notably, it retains the exclusion of meal times unless work is performed during those periods. The changes are not expected to have any fiscal impact, as the Department of Labor already recognizes time spent in security screenings as hours worked. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance clarity and fairness in the treatment of employee work hours, particularly concerning pre and post-shift activities.