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Effective January 1, 2026, California employers must distribute a new, standalone “Know Your Rights” Notice to all employees (separate from the Labor Code section 2610.5 notice or employee handbook) no later than February 1, 2026.
The Know Your Rights Act (the “Act”) requires that the California Labor Commission create a template notice that will be available for employers to use or before January 1, 2026. Employers have until February 1, 2026, to provide the notice to all employees and provide it annually thereafter. Once the notice has been issued by the Labor Commission, all employers should update their onboarding materials immediately to include the notice in all new-hire packages.
The Act also requires that employers 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 event. This aspect of the Act must be implemented by March 30, 2026.
Employers who fail to comply with the Act may face civil penalties of up to $500 per employee for each violation, and up to $10,000 per employee for certain, more serious violations (for example, failure to notify emergency contacts if an employee is arrested or detained during work hours).
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