California’s Workplace “Know Your Rights Act” Introduces New Notification Requirements

California’s Workplace Know Your Rights Act (SB 294), signedinto law on October 12, 2025, introduces new company obligations designed toensure that workers understand the protections available to them in theworkplace. The law requires all California businesses to provide workers withan annual written notice outlining key rights, including:

• Access to workers’ compensation benefits such as disability pay and medical care;
• Protections related to immigration status; and
• Guidance on interactions with law enforcement

The law reinforces the state’s commitment to ensuring thatworkers have reliable access to essential information about their rights.

Mandatory Written Notice Requirements

All California companies were required to distribute astandalone written notice of these rights to every current worker by February1, 2026. Moving forward, the notice must be provided annually to allexisting workers and all new hires at the time of hire in a manner that isconsistent with the company’s existing communication practices.

Emergency ContactDesignation

SB 294 also requires businesses to give workers the optionto designate an emergency contact who must be notified if the worker isarrested or detained at work or during work hours. Businesses must give allcurrent workers the opportunity to voluntarily designate a contact before March30, 2026. New hires must be offered the same opportunity at the time ofhire.

Penalties for Noncompliance ‑Compliance

Failure to comply with these notice requirements can resultin fines of up to $500 per worker, and ongoing violations related to emergencycontact obligations can reach up to $10,000 per worker.

It’s important to note that SB 294 does not create new laboror immigration rights beyond the emergency contact provision. Instead, itreinforces existing protections and increases businesses’ responsibility for communicatingthem to workers.

How TCWGlobal Can Help

SB 294 adds another layer to California’s already dynamicemployment landscape. Navigatingevolving employment laws can be challenging, especially for organizations withworkforces spread across multiple states or operating internationally. This iswhere TCWGlobal’s services become invaluable. As a full-service Employer ofRecord, TCWGlobal supports businesses beyond payrolling and staffing, but alsoby managing compliance with state specific requirements ahead of key deadlines.‑service ‑specific requirements

With expert guidance and streamlined processes,your team can stay focused on growth while we handle the complexities ofcompliance. Let TCWGlobal help you stay ahead of regulatory changes, protectyour organization from avoidable fines, and maintain a supportive, compliantworkplace for every worker.