Assembly committee advances bill to require employers to provide worker training records

Sen. María Elena Durazo presented SB 513 to the Assembly Labor and Employment Committee, arguing the bill would ensure workers can access and use workplace training and education records when seeking new jobs.

Durazo told the committee that some employers withhold workers’ training records until after an employee’s separation, citing specific examples at the Phillips 66 refinery and the Marathon refinery in Martinez where laid-off workers faced delays or obstacles obtaining documentation of certifications and training. Regina Fleming, a United Steelworkers process safety representative with 17 years at Phillips 66, said workers have had training records withheld or made available only for limited periods during bargaining and that this hinders workers’ ability to find new employment.

Supporters including the United Steelworkers, California Federation of Teachers, California Federation of Labor Unions, California Nurses Association and California Teamsters said the bill is a straightforward protection that helps workers document their skills and preserve marketability. No witnesses registered opposition. Committee members spoke in favor; one asked to be added as a coauthor and moved the bill.

The committee voted to pass SB 513 and re-refer it to the Committee on Appropriations. The reported committee tally was 5–0.

Why it matters: witnesses said access to training records helps workers who face layoffs—especially in hazardous industries—secure new jobs and avoid starting over if employers withhold documentation. The bill seeks to make training documentation promptly available to employees rather than subject to post-employment bargaining or delay.