AB 605: Employment: refineries: task force.

Official summary

Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.

Existing law establishes an accidental release prevention program for the state. Under that law, stationary sources subject to the accidental release prevention program may be required to prepare and submit a risk management plan (RMP) to prevent accidental releases of certain substances. Existing law imposes criminal penalties upon a stationary source that knowingly violates the requirements of the accidental release prevention program.

This bill would state findings and declarations concerning refinery closures in California. The bill would establish the Refinery Safe Staffing Task Force to develop potential methods and strategies for ensuring maximum employee retention at refineries and addressing employment dislocations associated with oil, gas, and related industries, with membership, as specified, appointed and commencing service no later than January 1, 2028. The bill would require the task force, no later than June 1, 2029, to present to the Legislature and make available online to the public a report documenting a wide range of potential methods and strategies for ensuring maximum employee retention in the time period preceding refinery closure or long-term idling of a refinery, for ensuring safe operation in the event of understaffing, and for transitioning oil and gas workers into sectors that match their skills and experience. The bill would repeal the task force provisions on January 1, 2030.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. September 20, 2026Vetoed by Governor.
2. September 14, 2026Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 1:30 p.m.
3. August 31, 2026Senate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. (Ayes 51. Noes 18. Page 6962.).
4. August 30, 2026Joint Rule 62(a), file notice suspended. (Page 6844.)
5. August 30, 2026Re-referred to Com. on L. & E. pursuant to Assembly Rule 77.2.
6. August 30, 2026From committee: That the Senate amendments be concurred in. (Ayes 4. Noes 2.) (August 30).
7. August 28, 2026In Assembly. Concurrence in Senate amendments pending.
8. August 28, 2026Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. (Ayes 29. Noes 11.).
9. August 24, 2026Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
10. August 21, 2026Read third time and amended. Ordered to second reading.
11. August 17, 2026Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
12. August 13, 2026Read second time and amended. Ordered returned to second reading.