California Worker Adjustment and Retraining Act.

Senator Arreguín's amendments to California's Worker Adjustment and Retraining Act expand the required content of employer notices for mass layoffs, relocations, and terminations. The legislation maintains the existing 60-day notice requirement while adding new specifications for what employers must communicate to affected employees and relevant agencies.

Under the amended law, employers must state in their notices whether they plan to coordinate with local workforce development boards or other entities to provide transition services. Regardless of their choice to coordinate, employers must include information about the board's rapid response activities and contact details. Those choosing to work with workforce development boards must arrange services within 30 days of issuing the notice. The notices must also contain information about CalFresh food assistance, including program descriptions, helpline numbers, and website links, along with functioning employer contact information for follow-up questions.

The legislation preserves existing provisions that align with federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act requirements and maintains exemptions for circumstances involving physical calamities or acts of war. Local workforce development boards and the Employment Development Department continue to receive copies of these notices, along with chief elected officials in affected jurisdictions.