Newsom Maintains In-Office Rule, Vetoes Telework Expansion for State Workers

Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed Assembly Bill 1729, which would have let agencies justify in-office work and require a cost-benefit telework dashboard, preserving the state’s four-day-in-person policy. He argued that in-person collaboration is essential, while backers contended telework saves money and aids recruitment. A 2025 audit estimated telework could save about $225 million annually. The veto comes amid union and lawmaker opposition and ongoing tensions with SEIU Local 1000 over pay and remote-work terms.