California Governor Signs ‘Right to Return’ Hotel Worker Bill

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a bill requiring hotels, convention centers, and other hospitality venues to prioritize the rehiring of former workers laid off during the Covid-19 pandemic, a reversal from his decision last year to reject a similar bill.

Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (D), a supporter of the measure, said on Twitter that Newsom (D) unexpectedly signed the bill Friday during a meeting with the Legislature’s Latino Caucus.

The budget measure (S.B. 93) provides $6 million to the Labor Commissioner’s Office to implement and enforce the new policy, which goes into effect immediately. The California Legislature passed ...