California’s Private Attorneys General Act of 2004 (PAGA) has served as a critical enforcement tool, designed to address the shortcomings of state labor agencies. PAGA enables employees to act as private attorneys general, pursuing penalties for labor code violations that might otherwise go unchecked. 

Yet, as with any well-intentioned legislation, PAGA is not perfect and has not been immune to misuse. In fact, the last two decades have shed light on a number of serious flaws within the law. Businesses (particularly small enterprises and nonprofits) in my district and throughout the state have reported significant challenges highlighted by the actions of an enterprising few to exploit the system. These challenges have prompted a years’-long critical reassessment of PAGA’s framework by stakeholders and lawmakers. 

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