The Workplace Know Your Rights Act.

Senator Reyes and a bipartisan group of legislative colleagues have put forward a measure requiring California employers to provide annual written notices informing workers of their rights under state and federal law. The Workplace Know Your Rights Act mandates that employers distribute comprehensive notices covering workplace protections ranging from wage and hour laws to constitutional rights during law enforcement interactions.

The legislation directs the Labor Commissioner to create standardized notice templates by July 2026 in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese and Korean. These notices must detail workers' rights regarding health and safety, wages, workers' compensation, paid leave, immigration-related protections, data privacy, union organizing, and emergency conditions. The Commissioner must also produce educational videos for both employees and employers explaining these rights and obligations.

Under the measure, employers must notify designated emergency contacts if an employee is arrested or detained during a workplace enforcement action. These contacts would have authority to collect any wages owed and file claims on the employee's behalf. The bill prohibits retaliation against workers who exercise their rights and establishes a $500 civil penalty per employee for each violation. Enforcement options include Labor Commissioner investigations, employee civil actions, and prosecution by public attorneys.

The legislation preserves existing local worker protection ordinances while allowing collective bargaining agreements to supersede its requirements if explicitly negotiated. Implementation would begin in mid-2026 when the Labor Commissioner completes the notice templates and educational materials.