Every new year brings with it many new legal obligations for California employers, and 2026 has been no exception.  Among the new laws for 2026 is the “Workplace Know Your Rights Act” that requires employers to distribute a new annual notice to their employees with information about several topics including workers’ compensation, immigration protections, the right to engage in concerted activity, and constitutional rights when interacting with law enforcement. Among other things, the new law:

• Requires that employers provide their employees with a standalone written “Know Your Rights” notice. Employers have until February 1, 2026, to provide the notice to their employees, and the notice must be provided annually thereafter. Employers must also provide new hires with this notice. Employers must deliver the notice in the language that is ordinarily used to communicate with employees if the template is available in that language.  The California labor commissioner has provided a template notice in English and Spanish, with plans to offer additional translations in several other languages soon.
• Requires that employers keep proof of notice delivery for at least three years, including the date that each written notice is provided or sent.
• Requires employers to notify an employee’s designated emergency contact if the employee is arrested or detained on their worksite, but only if the employee has designated an emergency contact for this purpose, and the employer has actual knowledge of the arrest. The law requires employers to provide existing employees with the opportunity to choose an emergency contact by March 30, 2026, and at the time of hire for new employees hired after that date.

If you have any questions regarding your company’s compliance with California’s ever-changing employment laws, please do not hesitate to give us a call. We’re happy to provide you with any guidance that you may need.