Bill > SB294

This bill establishes the Workplace Know Your Rights Act, which requires employers to provide comprehensive written notices to employees about their workplace and constitutional rights. Starting February 1, 2026, employers must annually provide employees with a stand-alone notice covering key rights, including workers' compensation benefits, protections against immigration-related practices, union organization rights, and constitutional protections when interacting with law enforcement. The Labor Commissioner will develop a template notice in multiple languages and create informational videos for both employees and employers. Employers must also give employees the opportunity to designate an emergency contact who can be notified if the employee is arrested or detained on the worksite or during work hours. The bill prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who exercise these rights and establishes penalties of up to $500 per employee for violations, with potential maximum penalties of $10,000 per employee for emergency contact notification failures. The Labor Commissioner or a public prosecutor can enforce the bill, and employers can potentially be subject to injunctive relief, punitive damages, and attorney's fees. The legislation aims to equip workers with knowledge about their rights and provide protection during potentially disruptive workplace situations.

Budget and Finance, Justice, Labor and Employment

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB294