Legislative Update on SB 513 – Employee Personnel Records

California has amended the Labor Code allowing current and former employees, or their representative to review their personnel files and adding new requirements for employers.

What’s new?

Training and education records are now personnel records. Employers must now include education and training information obtain on the job in the employee’s personnel file. Each record must include:

• Employee’s name

• Training provider

• Duration and date of training

• Skills or competencies covered

• Any certificates or qualifications earned

Employee access rights include current /former employees or employees authorized representatives; to inspect or receive a copy of their personnel records, including training records. Employers must respond within 30 days of a written request or 35 days if agreed in writing. Employers must maintain personnel records, including training documents, for at least 3 years after employment ends.

As with every bill there are some penalties for non-compliances. If records are not provided on time, employers can receive a penalty of $750. As well as recover cost and attorney’s fees if failed to provided personnel records within the time frame of request.

It is a good time to review your recordkeeping system to make sure is includes the update changes. SB 513 will go into effect January 1, 2026. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the office (559) 455-9272.