California: immigration-related retaliation ban expands
AB 2495 widens Labor Code 1019's ban on unfair immigration-related practices to cover retaliation for using rights under federal, state or local laws
Status: Effective Jan 1, 2027
Jurisdiction: California · Topic: Retaliation
Source: California Legislature, September 29, 2026 (signed)
What changed
AB 2495 widens Labor Code 1019’s ban on unfair immigration-related practices to cover retaliation for using rights under federal, state or local laws that protect employees, and conduct tied to perceived immigration status that would reasonably tend to dissuade people from using them. It adds a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per employee or other person for each violation.
Who this affects
All California employers. The expanded protection covers applicants, current employees and former employees.
What to do
Train supervisors that threats or other actions tied to a worker’s immigration status, including after a pay or safety complaint, can bring penalties.
Primary source: California Legislature, September 29, 2026 (signed). Part of Compliance Watch, Issue 04 (November 2, 2026). Last reviewed November 2, 2026.
Questions employers ask
When does this take effect?
Where is the official source?
Questions about this update?
Every “What to do” line above is a task for someone at your company. Our clients hand the payroll and tax pieces to us and get an HR advisor for the rest.
Get help with California rules All 7 updates in Issue 04
General information from VertiSource HR, not legal or tax advice. How a rule applies depends on your company and your state. Check with us or your attorney before acting.
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