Section 2675.

(a) For purposes of enforcing this part and Sections 204, 209, 212, 221, 222, 222.5, 223, 226, 227, and 227.5, Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 300) and Article 2 (commencing with Section 400) of Chapter 3 of Part 1 of this division, Sections 1195.5, 1197, 1197.5, and 1198, Division 4 (commencing with Section 3200) and Division 4.7 (commencing with Section 6200), every person engaged in the business of garment manufacturing, shall register with the commissioner.

The commissioner shall not permit any person to register, nor shall the commissioner allow any person to renew registration, until all the following conditions are satisfied:

(1) The person has executed a written application therefor in a form prescribed by the commissioner, subscribed and sworn by the person, and containing:

(A) A statement by the person of all facts required by the commissioner concerning the applicant's character, competency, responsibility, and the manner and method by which the person proposes to engage in the business of garment manufacturing if the registration is issued.

(B) The names and addresses of all persons, except bona fide employees on stated salaries, financially interested, either as partners, associates, or profit sharers, in the proposed business of garment manufacturing together with the amount of their respective interests, except that in the case of a publicly traded corporation a listing of principal officers shall suffice.

(2) The commissioner, after investigation, is satisfied as to the character, competency, and responsibility of the person.

(3) In the case of a person who has been cited and penalized within the prior three years under this part, the person has deposited or has on file a surety bond in the sum and form that the commissioner deems sufficient and adequate to ensure future compliance, not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000). The bond shall be payable to the people of California and shall be for the benefit of any employee of a registrant damaged by the registrant's failure to pay wages and fringe benefits, or for the benefit of any employee of a registrant damaged by a violation of Section 2677.5.

(4) The person has documented that a current workers' compensation insurance policy is in effect for the employees of the person seeking registration.

(5) The person has paid an initial or renewal registration fee to the commissioner. The fee for initial registration and for each registration renewal shall be established in an amount determined by the Labor Commissioner to be sufficient to defray the costs of administering this part and shall be based on the applicant's annual volume, but shall be not less than two hundred fifty dollars ($250) and shall be not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) for contractors and two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) for all other registrants.

(b) At the time a certificate of registration is originally issued or renewed, the commissioner shall provide related and supplemental information regarding business administration and applicable labor laws. This related and supplemental information, as much as reasonably possible, shall be provided in the primary language of the garment manufacturer. The information shall include all subject matter on which persons seeking registration are examined pursuant to subdivision (c), and shall be available to persons seeking registration prior to taking this examination.

(c) Effective January 1, 1991, persons seeking registration under this section for the first time, and persons seeking to renew their registration pursuant to subdivision (f), shall comply with all of the following requirements:

(1) Demonstrate, by an oral or written examination, or both, knowledge of the pertinent laws and administrative regulations concerning garment manufacturing as the commissioner deems necessary for the safety and protection of garment workers.

(2) Demonstrate, by an oral or written examination, or both, knowledge of state laws and regulations relating to occupational safety and health which shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(A) Section 3203 of Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations (Injury Prevention Program).

(B) Section 3220 of Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations (Emergency Action Plan).

(C) Section 3221 of Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations (Fire Prevention Plan).

(D) Section 6151 of Title 8 of the California Code of Regulations which provides for the placement, use, maintenance, and testing of portable fire extinguishers provided for the use of employees.

(3) Sign a statement which provides that he or she shall do all of the following:

(A) Comply with those regulations specified in paragraph (2) which establish minimum standards for securing safety in all places of employment.

(B) Ensure that all employees are made aware of the existence of these regulations and any other applicable laws and are instructed in how to implement the Injury Prevention Program, Emergency Action Plan, and Fire Prevention Plan, specified in paragraph (2), in the workplace.

(C) Ensure that all employees are instructed in the use of portable fire extinguishers.

(D) Post the Injury Prevention Program, Emergency Action Plan, and Fire Prevention Plan, specified in paragraph (2), in a prominent location in the workplace.

(d) The Division of Occupational Safety and Health shall assist the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement in developing the examination which shall include, but not be limited to, the state's occupational safety and health laws specified in paragraph (2) of subdivision (c).

(e) The commissioner shall charge a fee to persons taking the examinations required by subdivision (c) which is sufficient to pay for costs incurred in administering the examinations.

(f) A person seeking renewal of registration shall be required to take both of the examinations, and sign the statement, specified in subdivision (c). However, once a renewal of registration has been granted based on these examinations, subsequent examinations shall only be required at the discretion of the commissioner if, in the preceding year, the registrant has been found to be in violation of subdivision (a) or any of the sections enumerated in that subdivision.

(g) Proof of registration shall be by an official Division of Labor Standards Enforcement registration form. Every person, as set forth in Section 2671, shall post the registration form where it may be read by employees during the workday.

(h) At least 90 days prior to the expiration of each registrant's registration, the commissioner shall mail a renewal notice to the last known address of the registrant. The notice shall include all necessary application forms and complete instructions for registration renewal. However, omission of the commissioner to provide notice in accordance with this subdivision shall not excuse a registrant from making timely application for renewal of registration, shall not be a defense in any action or proceeding involving failure to renew registration, and shall not subject the commissioner to any legal liability under this section.

(Amended by Stats. 1999, Ch. 554, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2000.)