Cheerleaders for professional sports teams based in California would have to be paid at least minimum wage under a bill moving through the state Legislature.
A bill approved by the state Assembly on Monday would make it clear that the cheerleaders are team employees. AB202 says they would have to be paid for overtime and sick leave, the same as other employees.
Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez says many teams currently treat their cheerleaders like glorified volunteers.
The San Diego Democrat's bill responds to recent lawsuits filed by cheerleaders for the Oakland Raiders and Buffalo Bills.
There was no spoken opposition and her bill was approved on a 52-21 vote.
It now heads to the state Senate.
