Senate Bill No. 1254 aims to enhance protections for warehouse workers by establishing regulations regarding employee quotas and workplace safety, effective October 1, 2025, with specific quota-related requirements commencing on July 1, 2026. The bill defines key terms such as "employee," "employer," "quota," "work speed data," and "warehouse distribution center," and applies to employers with at least 250 employees at a single warehouse or 1,000 across multiple centers. Key provisions include the requirement for employers to provide written descriptions of quotas, including potential adverse actions for failing to meet them, and the prohibition of quotas that interfere with meal periods or bathroom breaks. Employers must also maintain accurate records of work speed data and quota descriptions for three years and provide this information to employees upon request.
Furthermore, the bill includes protections against retaliation for employees who request quota records or file civil actions, establishing a rebuttable presumption of violation if adverse actions occur within 90 days of such requests. Employees or the Attorney General can pursue civil actions for violations, with penalties ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 for repeated offenses. The Workers' Compensation Commission is tasked with monitoring injury rates at warehouse distribution centers, and if rates exceed a specified threshold, the Labor Commissioner may investigate potential violations. Overall, SB 1254 seeks to improve transparency, accountability, and safety for warehouse workers in the state.