Assemblymember Alex Lee has introduced legislation aimed at expanding transparency around telework policies for state employees, citing potential cost savings and environmental benefits, his office announced.
The bill, AB 1729, would require state agencies to provide written justification for in-person work requirements and create a public dashboard detailing telework impacts, including annual cost savings, reduced commutes and cuts in emissions and energy use, a press release issued Thursday noted.
“AB 1729 empowers and supports our state workers by ensuring transparency about their agency’s telework policy,” said Assemblymember Lee. “The State Auditor has shown that telework could save upwards of $225 million annually, while significantly reducing carbon emissions. These environmental benefits and cost savings directly benefit the public.”
Supporters say expanded telework could lower office space needs by roughly 30%.
The measure is backed by a coalition of labor unions representing state workers, including SEIU Local 1000, which said the proposal would ensure state policy reflects evidence of telework’s benefits for workers and taxpayers.
The bill has been introduced for consideration in the state Legislature.