What Happened?

As a reminder for California employers, the Labor Commissioner’s Office (DLSE) has issued a revised paid sick leave (HWHFA) poster; employers must post the January 2026 version now.

Overview

• DLSE released a new Paid Sick Leave poster reflecting recent legal updates; replace older versions immediately.

• The update aligns with AB 2499 (1/1/2025) and AB 406 (10/2025, clarifications into 2026), expanding when employees may use paid sick leave (e.g., jury duty, court appearances as a subpoenaed witness, and “safe time” when the employee or a family member is a victim of qualifying violent acts).

• Core entitlements remain (diagnosis, treatment, preventive care for self/family; anti‑retaliation).

• Employers must post the January 2026 poster in a conspicuous place and share electronically with remote staff.

Why this matters: Timely posting and updated policies reduce compliance risk, ensure employees receive accurate rights information, and prevent retaliation or interference claims tied to sick leave use for court/victim‑related reasons.

Key Risks for Employers

• Failure to post the January 2026 poster or provide it to remote workers.
• Outdated policies that exclude jury/witness or expanded victim/safe‑time uses.
• Inconsistent practices (e.g., denying leave, requesting improper proof), leading to retaliation or interference claims.
• Missing employee notices (e.g., not updating §2810.5/Wage Theft Prevention Act notices where needed).
• Local ordinance conflicts not reconciled to the most generous standard for employees.

For additional details:

• California – Healthy Workplaces/Healthy Families Act (HWHFA) poster
• California – DLSE PSL FAQs

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