Working from the comfort of home might soon become a permanent fixture for California’s workforce.

On Wednesday, a bill championed by Assemblymember Alex Lee, aimed at allowing state employees to continue teleworking, successfully passed through the Committee on Public Employment and Retirement, overcoming a significant legislative challenge.

The proposed legislation, known as AB 1729, mandates that each state agency devise its own telework strategy and support the creation of remote work opportunities. However, the bill might face opposition from Governor Gavin Newsom, who could potentially veto it.

Lee, a Democratic socialist representing Fremont and parts of San Jose, alongside supporters from the SEIU Local 1000 public employee union, have been vocal advocates for extending the remote work practices established during the pandemic. They argue that telecommuting not only boosts productivity but also offers financial relief to state workers grappling with living expenses.

Additionally, proponents point out that state estimates suggest remote work could significantly reduce the need for office space, potentially saving California up to $225 million annually in real estate costs.

“This isn’t just theory; it’s real money for healthcare and schools—funds that could be used more effectively,” Lee stated during the hearing. He emphasized that commuting to the office four times a week costs state workers approximately $6,000 annually.

​Lee noted that the state had an online dashboard showing the benefits of telework from 2020 to 2024, and that AB 1729 would bring it back.

​“Remote and hybrid workplaces are becoming the standard for a wide range of jobs,” he said.

​The legislation stands in contrast to Newsom’s executive order last year, which will require all state workers to be back in the office four days a week starting in July.

​“In-person work makes us all stronger — period,” Newsom said in a statement in March 2025.

“When we work together, collaboration improves, innovation thrives, and accountability increases. That means better service, better solutions, and better results for Californians, while still allowing flexibility.”

The governor’s order, which would increase the current two-day in-office requirement to four days, has faced resistance from unions and workers, delaying full implementation.

Newsom’s office does not usually comment on pending legislation and did not immediately respond to a request for comment on AB 1729.

Lee’s legislation would effectively suspend Newsom’s directive requiring most state employees to work in person four days a week and instead allow individual state agencies to set their own telework policies.

It also calls for the development of agency-specific telework plans and a statewide dashboard to track cost savings tied to remote work.

“Since we are, of course, in a deficit situation, $225 million is nothing to joke about,” Lee said during the hearing.

Dozens of state workers testified that telework reduces commuting expenses, improves work-life balance, and allows agencies to operate efficiently without requiring daily office presence, according to a Sacramento Bee report.

Some also pushed back on the idea that employees should return to offices to support downtown Sacramento businesses.

“I hate to sound harsh but that’s not the problem of our employees,” Anica Walls, president of SEIU Local 1000, said in a report. “It’s not our job to make sure the businesses in Downtown thrive.”

The area around the Capitol is often a ghost town most days due to a lack of workers in the area, and many businesses have closed down. Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty has previously supported Newsom’s call for a return to more in-office work.

“Having more people working downtown delivers tremendous economic and social benefits to Sacramento,” McCarty said in a statement to PBS KVIE.

In a town hall Tuesday, Rep. Eric Swalwell — one of the leading Democratic candidates for California governor — told the audience that he would support ongoing telework.

“I just want you to know I support your ability to telework,” Swalwell said. “It actually saves Californians a lot of money.”

The comments led one SEIU worker in the crowd to let out a primal scream in support.

AB 1729 now heads to the Assembly floor, where it is expected to face more scrutiny.

Even if it passes both chambers of the Legislature, the bill’s ultimate fate will likely hinge on Newsom’s signature. 

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