Brown Vetoes California Workplace Lead Exposure Bill

Gov. Jerry Brown (D) vetoed legislation Sept. 27 that aimed to ensure California workplace safety regulators are made aware of dangerous lead exposure among workers.

Brown rejected the bill (AB 2963) that would have required the state’s public health agency to notify its workplace safety counterpart of blood tests showing high lead levels.

In his veto message, Brown said the Department of Public Health already works with employers to reduce worker exposure to lead. He said the bill would “erode that collaborative approach” and require the Division of Occupational Safety and Health to take immediate enforcement ...