State Senator Dr. Aisha Wahab's Ban on Captive Audience Meetings Signed into Law

Sacramento, CA — State Senator Dr. Aisha Wahab’s (D-Silicon Valley) SB 399, ban on captive audience meetings, was signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom.

“SB 399 is about fairness and equity in the workplace. Captive audience meetings disrupt the balance of power by forcing workers to attend meetings unrelated to their jobs, often under threat of retaliation,” said Dr. Wahab. “We live in highly polarized times where political discussions occur more frequently in the workplace. This bill ensures employees can focus on their work without coercion, creating a fairer and more respectful environment. By signing SB 399, we protect the rights of workers while promoting a more balanced and productive workforce for California’s businesses.”

SB 399 was sponsored by the California Federation of Labor Unions. The bill was held in Assembly Appropriations last year at the request of the author to ensure the final legislation was legally sound, and continued advancing through the legislature this past June.

SB 399 will take effect January 1, 2025.