(a) It is the intent of the Legislature to codify certain labor protections that should be afforded to goat herders. The provisions of this section are in addition to, and are entirely independent from, any other statutory or legal protections, rights, or remedies that are or may be available under this code or any other state law or regulation to goat herders either as individuals, employees, or persons.

(b) All terms used in this section and in Section 2695.4 have the meanings assigned to them by this code or any other state law or regulation.

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(c) On or before January 1, 2026, the Department of Industrial Relations, in consultation with the Employment Development Department, shall issue a report, pursuant to § 9795 of the Government Code, to the Legislature on employment of sheepherders and goat herders in California. In preparing the report, the agency shall consult with stakeholders, including, but limited to, sheepherder and goat herder employers and employees. The report shall, at a minimum, cover the following information:

(1) The results of the consultations with stakeholders, including sheepherder and goat herder employers and employees.

(2) Wage violations, including minimum wage and overtime, and compliance with the labor standards in Sections 2695.2 and 2695.4.

(3) Demographic information on the employment of sheepherders and goat herders, including the number of employers and number of employees.

(4) The use of H-2A visas in sheepherding and goat herding.

(d) For purposes of this section and Section 2695.4, “goat herder” means an individual who is employed to do any of the following, including with the use of trained dogs:

(1) Tend herds of goats grazing or browsing on range or pasture.

(2) Move goats to and about an area assigned for grazing or browsing.

(3) Prevent goats from wandering or becoming lost.

(4) Protect goats against predators and the eating of poisonous plants.

(5) Assist in the kidding of goats.

(6) Provide water or feed supplementary rations to goats.

(e) This section shall remain in effect only until July 1, 2026, and as of that date is repealed.

(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 196, Sec. 19. (SB 143) Effective September 13, 2023. Repealed as of July 1, 2026, by its own provisions.)