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AB 406

Employment: unlawful discrimination: victims of violence.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Pilar Schiavo

California prohibits employment discrimination against victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking, effective immediately upon Governor's approval.

Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 148, Statutes of 2025.
#employment #unlawfuldiscrimination #victimsofviolence
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Bill Summary · AB 406

Legislative bill overview

AB 406 adds protections for victims of violence under California's employment discrimination laws, making it unlawful for employers to discriminate against employees or job applicants based on their status as victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking. The bill was passed with an urgency clause, indicating lawmakers deemed it critical to implement immediately rather than waiting for the standard January 1 effective date.

Why is this important

Victims of violence often face employment barriers when employers learn of their status—experiencing termination, denial of hire, or harassment. This law creates explicit legal recourse for such discrimination and allows victims to seek damages, potentially enabling them to maintain economic stability while rebuilding their lives. The urgency clause means these protections took effect upon the Governor's signature rather than at year's end.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation burden on employers: Businesses must train HR personnel on recognizing and preventing discrimination based on victim status, with potential liability for violations
  • Privacy concerns: The law may inadvertently incentivize victims to disclose their status to receive protections, raising questions about when and how such information should be shared
  • Definitional scope: Determining what constitutes "victim of violence" status and whether it includes individuals whose cases haven't been formally prosecuted could create litigation uncertainty

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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