Charter

Following is the text from Bill Number SCR 40, which established the California Task Force on Youth and Workplace Wellness and discusses the activities to be undertaken by the Task Force.

BILL NUMBER: SCR 40

INTRODUCED BY: Senators Torlakson, Ortiz, and Vasconcellos (Coauthor: Assembly Member Keeley) AUGUST 22, 2001 Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 40--Relative to the California Task Force on Youth and Workplace Wellness.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST SCR 40, as introduced, Torlakson. California Task Force on Youth and Workplace Wellness. This measure would establish the California Task Force on Youth and Workplace Wellness to perform specified duties to promote fitness and health in schools and workplaces. It would provide that the task force shall consist of Members of the Legislature and experts appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly and the Senate Committee on Rules. It would provide that members of the task force shall conduct task force business on a volunteer basis, would permit the task force to accept private funds and in-kind donations, would require the task force to submit a report on its work to the Legislature on or before June 30, 2004, and provide that the task force shall cease to exist on July 1, 2004, unless a later enacted resolution deletes or extends that date. Fiscal committee: no.

WHEREAS, Exercise and fitness activities can increase self-esteem, boost energy, strengthen the heart muscles, burn calories, and improve cholesterol levels; and

WHEREAS, Nearly all American youths from 12 to 21 years of age are not vigorously active on a regular basis; and

WHEREAS, A healthy, fit workplace can greatly enhance the quality of life for California workers and their families, prevent burnout and illness, and enhance productivity of California businesses; and

WHEREAS, Corporate America traditionally overlooks the importance of employee well-being in relation to the work environment. A task force is necessary to provide a framework and support to help California companies evolve to a more holistic, long-term approach to employees and working conditions; and

WHEREAS, Technological advancements in the modern economy have drastically increased both the pace of work and stress levels faced by workers. More attention must be paid to the fallout that occurs in the areas of physical health and emotional well-being of employees when a balanced lifestyle is ignored in favor of business success; and

WHEREAS, Work often impedes efforts to attain health and fitness. A task force can help the California workplace be more supportive to the health and fitness efforts of California employees; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the California Task Force on Youth and Workplace Wellness is hereby established to promote fitness and health in schools and workplaces; and be it further

Resolved, That the task force shall be comprised of Members of the Legislature and experts as follows:

(a) The task force shall have 12 voting members, with additional advisory members as requested or needed.

(b) The Speaker of the Assembly shall appoint two Members from the Assembly, and the Senate Committee on Rules shall appoint two Members from the Senate. Additionally, both the Speaker of the Assembly and the Senate Committee on Rules shall each appoint one member, from each of the following categories:

(1) One member from the field of education.

(2) One member from the field of industry or business.

(3) One member from the field of health.

(4) One member from the field of fitness; and be it further

Resolved, That the Members of the Legislature who serve on the task force shall serve only to the extent that their service is consistent with their duties as Members of the Legislature; and be it further

Resolved, That the Senate Committee on Rules shall name the chair of the task force; and be it further Resolved, That members of the task force shall be at-will appointees serving at the pleasure of the Senate Committee on Rules and the Speaker of the Assembly and shall be appointed before July 1, 2002; and be it further

Resolved, That the task force shall convene at the call of the chair and establish procedures before December 31, 2002; and be it further

Resolved, That the members of the task force shall conduct the business of the task force on a volunteer basis and shall not receive a salary for services nor be reimbursed for travel and other expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as task force members; and be it further

Resolved, That the task force shall have all of the following duties:

(a) To meet twice a year to discuss strategies. The task force shall strive to generate media and public interest in the activities of the task force and its annual meeting in a manner that elevates the importance of healthy and fit schools and workplaces in the minds of all Californians.

(b) To produce a Web site before December 31, 2003, and to publicize the task force mission statement and inform visitors of resources available to California citizens, schools, and companies. Features shall include a library of wellness tips, a downloadable wellness handbook, case studies of successful school and corporate wellness programs, including individual success stories, and biographies of task force members.

(c) To publish a wellness handbook before December 31, 2003, that offers step-by-step instructions for implementing fitness wellness programs. The handbook shall be made available in booklet form and downloadable pdf form.

(d) To generate media attention for the task force to increase awareness of wellness issues.

(e) To submit a report on the work of the task force to the Legislature on or before June 30, 2004; and be it further

Resolved, That the task force shall create two subcommittees, one on youth wellness, and another on corporate wellness, to specialize work and expertise. Other subcommittees may be created as the members of the task force deem appropriate. Each subcommittee shall report on its work and findings to the entire task force; and be it further

Resolved, That the task force is authorized to accept private funds and in-kind donations to pay expenses incurred in conducting its business. These expenses include, but are not limited to, staff, administrative, meeting, and publication expenses; and be it further

Resolved, That the task force shall cease to exist on July 1, 2004, unless a later enacted resolution that is enacted before that date deletes or extends that date.