California Senate Bill 294 (SB 294) is slated to take effect on February 1, 2026, affecting all employers in the state. This legislation mandates employers to provide a “Know Your Rights” notice to every employee. This written notice must be separate from the employee handbook and must explain the following rights:
- The opportunity to name/change an emergency contact
- Whether the emergency contact should be notified if an employee is detained or arrested while working, during work hours, or on the worksite
Additionally, this notice outlines other details about labor protections, immigration-related rights, and workplace-based constitutional protections. The legislation prohibits employers from discharging, threatening to discharge, demoting, suspending, or otherwise discriminating against or retaliating against an employee for exercising or attempting to exercise their rights.
Employers may need to update or draft the notice to comply with this requirement. A template is available through the California Labor Commission.
Review additional details here.
This article is informational and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with an employment lawyer or accountant for additional clarification on how these changes impact your company.
