The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) recently released a revised 2026 version of its Healthy Workplaces/Healthy Families Act (HWHFA) poster, reflecting recent amendments to the state paid sick leave law. Affected California employers must display the latest notice where workers can access it and be informed.
Why Did the HWHFA Poster Change?
In 2024, California passed a bill that amended employees' leave rights regarding victims’ leave and attendance at court hearings and jury duty. In 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 406, which made technical changes to the state paid sick leave statute to clarify that employees could use paid sick leave during those types of leave. Since the HWHFA notice includes information on approved types of paid sick leave, the latest version of the poster was created.
What Was Updated on the Notice?
Effective January 1st, 2026, the poster now explains that employees can use paid sick leave for the following additional reasons:
- To perform jury service
- To appear in court to comply with a subpoena or other court order as a witness in a judicial proceeding
- If the employee is a victim of a qualifying act of violence and needs to obtain relief to ensure their health, safety, or welfare, or that of their child
- If the employee or their family member is a victim of certain types of violent or serious crimes, they need to attend judicial proceedings related to the crime or any proceeding where their rights are an issue
- To obtain specific victim-related treatment and services (if the employee works for an employer with 25 or more employees)
Additionally, the revised HWHFA notice informs employees of their paid sick leave entitlement and usage, including that they may use it for the diagnosis, care, or treatment of an existing health condition, or for preventive care for themselves or a family member. The poster also states that employers are prohibited from discriminating or retaliating against employees who request or use paid sick leave.
Employer Takeaways
To comply with California labor laws, affected employers must immediately post the revised 2026 Healthy Workplaces/Healthy Families Act (HWHFA) notice to inform employees of their paid sick leave rights and responsibilities. The poster should be conspicuously placed in a well-traveled employee area, such as a break room or near time clock stations. Employers can also confirm they are posting the correct notice by verifying that the date “1/2026” appears in the bottom-right corner.
Labor Law Posters Online now offers a revised 2026 California State & Federal Labor Law Poster, which includes the revised paid sick leave information. California customers who purchased an annual compliance subscription will receive this mandatory update automatically as part of their coverage