Bill protects immigrants from employer retaliation

Gov. Jerry Brown will consider a bill that would make it illegal for employers to report workers to immigration authorities as retaliation for complaining about their working conditions.

SB666 by Democratic Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg of Sacramento would let the state suspend or revoke an employer’s business license if they attempt to have workers deported for complaining about conditions. They could be fined up to $10,000 per violation.

Republican Sen. Joel Anderson of Alpine objected that other state laws already protect workers no matter their status. Workers can complain to state authorities if they are underpaid or experience unsafe work conditions.

Senators sent the bill to Brown’s desk Tuesday on a 32-2 vote. Five Republicans supported it and two opposed it, while five did not vote.