Workplace Know Your Rights Act (SB 294) Addresses Immigration & Workers Comp Concerns

California employers face new compliance requirements in 2026, including written employee notices and emergency-contact procedures tied to significant fines.

By February 1, 2026, employers must provide a written notice to each employee of certain workplace rights, including, among other things, workers compensation and notice requirements related to inspections conducted by immigration authorities. The Labor Commissioner has posted a template notice on its website that employers can use to be compliant.

Employers are required to provide the notice to employees upon hire and annually. An employer’s failure to comply will lead to a $500 fine per employee, per violation.

Additionally, on or before March 30, 2026, employers must provide employees an opportunity to designate an emergency contact. The employer must inform the emergency contact if the employee is arrested or detained on site. Failure to comply will lead to a fine of $500 per employee, per day the violation occurs, up to a maximum of $10,000 per employee.

Early review and updates to onboarding and notice practices can help avoid costly penalties in 2026. If you have questions or need assistance, contact us.

For a summary of all new labor and employment laws California employers should know, download a copy of our new 2026 Employment Law Legal Update.