California has passed the Workplace Know Your Rights Act, which expands worker protections and adds new obligations for employers. Starting February 1, 2026, all California employers must provide every current employee and all new hires with a written “Know Your Rights” notice. The notice must explain important legal protections and constitutional rights in the workplace.

The notice must include: employees’ right to workers’ compensation for work-related injuries or illnesses; advance notice of immigration inspections; protections against unfair immigration-related practices; the right to organize or participate in union activity; and constitutional rights during law enforcement interactions, including protection from unreasonable searches, due process, and the right against self-incrimination.

The California Labor Commissioner will provide a template notice by January 1, 2026, in multiple languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Korean, Hindi, Urdu, and Punjabi. Employers must give the notice in the language employees normally use for workplace communications. Notices can be delivered by email, text, or in person. By March 30, 2026, employers must also allow employees to designate an emergency contact who can be notified if the employee is arrested or detained at work or while performing job duties off-site.

The Labor Commissioner will release educational videos for employers and employees explaining the new requirements, available on the Commissioner’s website by July 1, 2026. Employers should plan ahead to comply, including distributing notices, updating emergency contact forms, training management, and keeping records for at least three years.

For questions about compliance with the Workplace Know Your Rights Act or help preparing employee notices, contact Agarwal Law Group at 703-348-1663 or administrative@agarwalimmigration.com

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