Public Employment Relations Board: powers and duties.

Senator Cortese's proposal to expand the Public Employment Relations Board's research authority would enable the agency to study how net-zero carbon emissions initiatives affect public employees in California. The measure adds environmental impact analysis to PERB's existing mandate to collect and examine data on wages, benefits, and employment practices.

The bill maintains PERB's current structure and operations while adding authorization to gather and analyze data specifically related to how carbon reduction policies intersect with public sector employment. Under the measure, PERB would incorporate findings about net-zero initiatives into its annual legislative report, due each October 15th, alongside other employer-employee relations research. The board would continue using its existing funding and resources to conduct these additional studies.

This addition to PERB's research scope occurs within the board's established role of examining workplace conditions and recommending relevant legislation. The measure preserves all of PERB's current authorities regarding unit determinations, elections, mediation, and enforcement of public sector labor relations while creating a new focus area for data collection and analysis.