As used in this article:

(a) “Uniform” means outer garments, excluding shoes, which are required to be worn exclusively while carrying out the duties and responsibilities of the position and which are different from the design or fashion of the general population. This definition includes items that serve to identify the person, agency, functions performed, rank, or time in service.

(b) “Work clothes” means attire that is worn over, or in place of, regular clothing and is necessary to protect the employee’s clothing from damage or stains which would be present in the normal performance of his or her duties, for example, aprons, lab smocks, shop coats, or coveralls; or is necessary for the required sanitary conditions, for example, agriculture inspectors, surgery personnel, or food service.

(c) “Safety equipment” means equipment or attire worn over, in place of, or in addition to, regular clothing, which is necessary to protect the employees’ health and welfare, for example, helmets, goggles, safety harnesses, and fireman “turnout gear.”

(d) “Police protective equipment” means equipment or attire worn by law enforcement personnel for the purpose of protecting themselves or the public from overt actions of others or to assist in the carrying out of related duties, for example, handgun, baton, billy, handcuffs, flashlight, whistle, leather belt, holster and cases or attachments.

(e) “State employees” means employees of the state and its agencies, but does not include employees of the University of California or the California State University.

Except as provided in Section 19850.7, if the provisions of this article are in conflict with the provisions of a memorandum of understanding reached pursuant to Section 3517.5, the memorandum of understanding shall be controlling without further legislative action, except that if the provisions of a memorandum of understanding require the expenditure of funds, the provisions shall not become effective unless approved by the Legislature in the annual Budget Act.

(Amended by Stats. 1985, Ch. 922, Sec. 2. Effective September 24, 1985.)