Governor Newsom recently signed into law SB 331 to impose a number of new restrictions on employment settlement, separation, and nondisclosure agreements. Here’s an overview of the new requirements, which apply to agreements entered into on or after January 1, 2022:
First, for settlement agreements involving claims of harassment or discrimination based on any protected class or retaliation, the new law bars confidentiality provisions that prevent an employee from disclosing information regarding the claim. This is an expansion of current law that prohibits such confidentiality clauses in settlement agreements pertaining to claims of sexual assault, sexual harassment, or sex discrimination. Consistent with existing law, employers can still prevent the disclosure of amounts paid in settlement. Also, at the employee’s request, an agreement may include a provision that shields their identity and facts that could lead to the discovery of their identity, except if a government agency or public official is a party to the settlement agreement.
Second, SB 331 prohibits confidentiality and non-disparagement provisions in employment separation and nondisclosure agreements that have the purpose or effect of restricting disclosure of information about harassment, discrimination, or other workplace conduct the employee believes is unlawful. Furthermore, employers must include the following language in a non-disparagement or other contractual provision that restricts an employee’s...
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