California Governor Jerry Brown signed what officials say is a "historic" bill providing paid sick days to millions of workers. (Photo courtesy Calif. Governor's Office)

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Southland lawmakers and local workers Wednesday joined Gov. Jerry Brown for the signing of legislation that provides sick days to millions of Californians who do not currently earn the benefit.

Assembly Bill 1522, known as The Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act of 2014, requires employers to provide paid sick leave to any employee who works in California for 30 or more days within a year from the commencement of employment starting on or after July 1, 2015.

KNX 1070’s Margaret Carrero reports an estimated 40 percent of the state’s workforce will be affected by the bill, which was introduced by Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego) in March.