CA SB1044

Prohibits employers from taking or threatening adverse action against employees who refuse to report to or leave a workplace during an emergency condition if the employee has a reasonable belief the workplace is unsafe

Emergency condition includes disasters, extreme peril to safety caused by natural forces or criminal acts, or evacuation orders due to natural disaster or criminal acts, but excludes health pandemics

Carves out exceptions for first responders, disaster service workers, healthcare facility employees, utility workers, transportation employees during active evacuations, and other essential workers defined in law

Prohibits employers from preventing any employee, including public sector employees, from accessing mobile devices or communications devices during emergencies to seek help, assess safety, or confirm someone's safety

Requires employees to notify their employer of the emergency condition before leaving if feasible, or as soon as possible afterward; employees may be subject to cure procedures under the Labor Code Private Attorneys General Act