We’re excited to launch our new weekly series delivering the latest Regulation Compliance updates—starting strong with a crucial new law impacting all California employers:

Workplace Know Your Rights Act — Senate Bill 294 (SB 294)

Status: Adopted
Regulatory Agency: California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR)
Effective Date: January 1, 2026

What Employers Need to Know:
SB 294 requires all employers to provide a stand-alone written notice to every new and current employee outlining their key employment rights, including:

• Workers’ compensation
• Immigration inspection rights
• Protection against unfair immigration-related practices
• Union and organizing rights
• Certain constitutional protections

This notice must be given at hiring and annually thereafter.

The California Labor Commissioner will post a template notice by January 1, 2026 to assist employers in compliance.

Additional Requirement:
Employers must also allow employees to designate an emergency contact. Notice of this requirement must be provided by March 30, 2026.