Effective January 1, 2026, employers conducting mass layoffs, relocations, and terminations will be required to provide additional information in their written notice to employees under the California Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (“Cal-WARN”). Starting in 2026, employers will be required to include in the notice whether they plan to coordinate services through the local workforce development board or another entity, and information regarding the statewide food assistance program known as CalFresh.
Existing Law
Prior to conducting a mass layoff, relocation, or termination, existing law requires employers to provide written notice 60 days in advance to affected employees and to the Employment Development Department, the local workforce development board, and the chief elected official of each city and county government where the termination, relocation, or mass layoff occurs.
New Notice Requirements for Mass Layoffs, Relocations, or Terminations
On October 1, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 617 into law, amending employers’ written notice requirements under Cal-WARN (Labor Code section 1401).
Under the amended law (effective January 1, 2026), employers are also required to include the following information in the written notice of mass layoff, relocation, or termination:
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