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:
- A statement of whether the employer either (a) plans to coordinate services, such as rapid response orientation, through the local workforce development board, (b) plans to coordinate services through a different entity, or (c) does not plan to coordinate services with any entity.
- A functioning email and telephone number of the local workforce development board and the following description (must be included regardless of whether the employer plans to coordinate services through the board or through a different entity): “Local Workforce Development Boards and their partners help laid off workers find new jobs. Visit an America’s Job Center of California location near you. You can get help with your resume, practice interviewing, search for jobs, and more. You can also learn about training programs to help start a new career.”
- A description of CalFresh (the statewide food assistance program), the CalFresh benefits helpline, and a link to the CalFresh internet website.
- A functioning email and telephone number of the employer for contact.
If the employer chooses to coordinate services with the local workforce development board or another entity, the employer must arrange services within 30 days from the date of the written notice.
Any business that is considering conducting mass layoffs, relocations, or terminations in California should consult with counsel, including the author of this article or their favorite CDF attorney, for guidance on how to comply with this new notice requirement.
