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Newsom Vetoes AB 1729, Preserving California Return Mandate

By Drooid · Sep 19, 2026, 10:59 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed Assembly Bill 1729, preserving California’s return-to-office mandate.
The bill would have required agencies to justify in-office work and launch a telework cost-effectiveness dashboard.
A 2025 audit projected the state could save $225 million annually by expanding telework.
Service Employees International Union Local 1000 is seeking strike authorization over pay and remote-work rules.
Senator Catherine Blakespear argued that making telework the default “goes too far” and harms mental health.

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Story summary

Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed Assembly Bill 1729, preserving California’s return-to-office mandate.
The bill would have required agencies to justify in-office work and launch a telework cost-effectiveness dashboard.
A 2025 audit projected the state could save $225 million annually by expanding telework.
Service Employees International Union Local 1000 is seeking strike authorization over pay and remote-work rules.
Senator Catherine Blakespear argued that making telework the default “goes too far” and harms mental health.