CA SB399

Prohibits employers from subjecting or threatening employees with discharge, discrimination, retaliation, or other adverse action if the employee declines to attend employer-sponsored meetings or communications about religious or political matters.

Requires employers to continue paying employees who refuse to attend such meetings while the meeting is held.

Imposes a civil penalty of $500 per employee for each violation, enforceable by the Labor Commissioner or through private civil action with potential punitive damages.

Exempts communications required by law, job-duty information, higher education coursework, public entity policy communications, religious organization speech on religious matters, and political party meetings from these restrictions.

Effective September 27, 2024.