On October 11, 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Senate Bill (SB 513) expanding the definition of “personnel records” under Labor Code section 1198.5 to include detailed training and education records beginning January 1, 2026.

Current and former employees, or their representatives, have long had the right to inspect and receive a copy of personnel records maintained by the employer relating to the employee’s performance or to any grievance concerning the employee. Employers are required to make the records available for inspection within thirty days (30) from the date an employer receives a written request.

The training and education records now required to be provided under the amendment must include the following:

• Name of the employee;
• Name of the training provider;
• Duration and date of the training;
• Core competencies of the training; and
• Resulting certification or qualification.

Liability for failure to produce complete personnel records within the required time results in a $750 penalty. An employee may also bring an action for injunctive relief to obtain compliance and may recover attorneys’ fees. The new amendment does not provide for an increase in penalties.

Employers should update their recordkeeping policies to reflect the new amendment, and if possible, ensure that training and educational records are stored in the employee’s personnel file, and not a separate file. This would ensure that training and education records are not missed when responding to a personnel records request.

Stokes Wagner will continue to monitor updates and will provide additional updates as they become available. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact a Stokes Wagner attorney.

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THIS DOCUMENT PROVIDES A GENERAL SUMMARY AND IS FOR INFORMATIONAL/EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO BE COMPREHENSIVE, NOR DOES IT CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE. PLEASE CONSULT WITH COUNSEL BEFORE TAKING OR REFRAINING FROM TAKING ANY ACTION.