New “California Workplace – Know Your Rights” Model Notice Published by Labor Commissioner

The Labor Commissioner has published a model California Workplace “Know Your Rights” Notice pursuant to Senate Bill 294. The new law requires employers in California to provide a stand-alone written notice of worker rights to each new employee when hired, and annually to all current employees, and introduced new rules related to employee arrests or detentions.

Employers can find a copy of the model notice here. Employers have until February 1, 2026, to provide this notice to employees and thereafter are required to provide it annually. Importantly, this model notice will be updated annually, so employers should confirm they are using the most current version every year.

The notice must also be provided in a language the employer normally uses to communicate with employees and that employees understand. Currently, this template is available in English and Spanish, but additional languages are expected to be available in the future.

California employers must also allow employees to designate an emergency contact to be notified if the employee is arrested or detained at work or during work hours, and the employer has actual knowledge of the arrest or detention. This part of the law must be implemented with all current employees by March 30, 2026. 

Employers who fail to comply with these requirements may face civil penalties of up to $500 per employee for each violation, and up to $10,000 per employee for certain violations (e.g., failure to notify emergency contacts).

Please reach out to your Stradling attorney if you have any questions, or need assistance with your businesses’ compliance with the ever changing California employment laws.