What happened?

On October 1, 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 406 (AB 406) into law, amending the labor code related to employment protections for victims of violence.

Due to its urgency clause, the law takes effect immediately.

Overview:

The new law amends Section 12945.8 and Section 246.5 of the Government Code, repeals Sections 230.2 and 230.5, and adds and repeals Sections 230 and 230.1 of the Labor Code.

• This act amends California Labor Code Section 230 to expand protections against employment discrimination for victims of violent crimes.

• Employers are prohibited from discharging, discriminating, or retaliating against employees who are victims of:
  • Domestic violence
  • Sexual assault
  • Stalking
  • Other violent crimes causing physical or mental injury.

• The bill also includes protections for employees whose immediate family member died as a direct result of a crime, regardless of arrest or conviction status.

Source References

• California AB 406 – Employment: unlawful discrimination: victims of violence

Resources

• Retaliation Complaint Investigation Unit (RCI)

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