California has some of the most thorough employment and labor laws in the nation. Workers across California have more legal rights and protections than those in many other states. One of the newest protections is the right to have an employer communicate with an emergency contact if a worker ends up detained or arrested while on the job.
With changing federal policies, workplace arrests and detentions have become much more common in recent months. In some cases, workers seemingly disappear and have no way to communicate what just happened to their families. The emergency contact law helps prevent fear and confusion and also makes it easier for detained or arrested workers to secure legal support when they need it the most.
Employers should have a record of each worker’s chosen emergency contact and should advise that contact if an arrest or detention occurs at work at the request of the affected employee. If employers fail to follow this new law, workers may have grounds to seek justice through litigation.
What does the law require?
California Senate Bill 294 (The Workplace Know Your Rights Act) is now California Labor Code sections 1550-1559. California Labor Code section 1555 is the portion of the law related to emergency contact rights.
The law requires that employers collect emergency contact information from workers and uphold an employee’s request to advise their emergency contact if an arrest or detention occurs while they are at work. Employers had through March 30, 2026, to collect emergency contact information from existing employees, and new workers likely need to provide emergency contact information after onboarding.
Employers have an obligation to communicate with workers about their rights. California employees should have received a standalone “Know Your Rights” notice by February 1, 2026, that outlined their constitutional and immigration rights. If employers failed to provide this notice, to collect emergency contact information or to communicate with an emergency contact about a worker’s arrest or detention, that failure is a violation of worker rights and state law.
Employees affected by employer misconduct may be able to take legal action to hold their employers accountable. Those with concerns about emergency contact law adherence can schedule a free consultation with Jay S. Rothman & Associates to discuss the situation by clicking here or calling 855-239-0120 to learn more.