The California Labor Commissioner has granted 16 prosecutors’ offices throughout the state a total of $8.55 million in funds to investigate and prosecute labor violations of private employers.
The funds are part of the Workers’ Rights Enforcement Grants Program established in 2023 as part of an overall effort by the Labor Commissioner to address what the Commissioner has identified as statewide exploitation of workers through wage theft. $18 million was budgeted for the two-year program and this is the second round of funds to be awarded.
Public prosecutor offices could apply for up to $750,000 in grants, and the funding can only be used for the costs of personnel and annual audits required as part of the program. In 2024, 17 City Attorney and County District Attorney offices were awarded grants ranging from $100,000 to $750,000, for a total of $8.55 million awarded. In 2025, 16 of the same offices received the additional funds. The grants, and all required reporting, will be administered by the California Department of Industrial Relations.
It is unclear whether these additional funds will result in increased violations and/or fines for employers. Nonetheless, employers with California-based employees should review their wage and hour policies and confirm compliance with all regulations and wage orders in case the Labor Commissioner comes calling.
For more assistance with ensuring that your HR policies and processes are compliant with California labor laws, don’t hesitate to reach out to our California Legal Services team at CAinfo@employerscouncil.org
Mary Miller is an attorney for Employers Council.
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