California Workforce Development Board: port automation.

Senator Richardson's proposal to examine automation impacts at California seaports would reinstate and expand a recently expired stakeholder process through 2029. The legislation directs the Labor and Workforce Development Agency and California Workforce Development Board to evaluate national security vulnerabilities, cybersecurity risks, and economic effects of automated port operations.

The bill establishes a 17-member industry panel to guide this assessment, including representatives from labor unions, marine cargo employers, port executives, and security experts. Six members would represent dock worker unions from the Ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Oakland, while six others would come from marine cargo employers at these facilities. The panel would also include the executive directors from each port and two appointed members with expertise in national security, cybersecurity, and workforce development.

Under the proposal, the stakeholder group would meet monthly beginning 90 days after funding becomes available. The University of California, Los Angeles Labor Center may provide research support and expert testimony to inform the process. The agency and workforce board must submit findings and recommendations by July 1, 2027 on methods to address security vulnerabilities and economic impacts from port automation. The provisions would take effect only upon specific legislative appropriation and would sunset on January 1, 2029.