California SB 399 (captive audience meeting law)

California SB 399 (Cal. Lab. Code § 1137), effective January 1, 2025, bars employers from taking or threatening adverse action against employees who decline to attend employer-sponsored meetings or communications meant to convey the employer's opinion on religious or political matters (including decisions about joining or supporting labor organizations). Employees who are working during such a meeting must still be paid, and violations carry a $500 civil penalty per employee per violation. On October 29, 2026, the Ninth Circuit affirmed the district court's preliminary injunction blocking enforcement, holding the challengers are likely to succeed on their First Amendment claim.

1. Court ruling 2026-10-29

   “The panel affirmed the district court’s preliminary injunction preventing California from enforcing California Senate Bill (SB) 399”

   Official source ↗

• California 'captive audience' meeting ban remains enjoined2026-11-04
• 9th Circuit says California's SB 399 captive audience ban likely violates First Amendment, keeps injunction in place2026-11-02
• Ninth Circuit rules California captive audience meeting law violates employers' First Amendment rights2026-10-29