Employee Rights Expanded
Under Labor Code 1198.5, former and current employees have had the right once a year to inspect and receive copies of their personnel records relating to performance and grievances.
SB 513, effective January 1, 2026, expands access to include education and training documentation, to include:
(A) The employee’s name.
(B) The training provider’s name.
(C) The date and duration of the training.
(D) The core competencies of the training, including software or equipment skills
(E) Any resulting certification or qualification.
Employers must retain such records for a minimum of three years and respond to requests for inspection or copies within 30 days, with the option to extend to 35 days. Management may verify the identity of a records requester.
The statute also identifies records exempt from the production requirement, including potential criminal offense investigations, reference letters, certain ratings and others.
Failing to provide such records by the due date can subject the employer to a $750 penalty.
Take-Aways:
On receipt of a worker’s records request, management should promptly consult with a qualified attorney to ensure correct and timely compliance.
For further assistance, please contact one of our attorneys, Tim Bowles, Cindy Bamforth or Helena Kobrin.
See also:
- 2026, Fresh Year Near – Annual Virtual Seminar for Employers
- Avoiding Access Distress: California’s Employee Records Disclosure Requirements(June 3, 2022)
- Payroll Record-Keeping 101 (May 11, 2016)
Helena Kobrin
November 7, 2025