Bill Sponsor
California Assembly Bill 1697
Session 20252026
Employment contracts: stay-or-pay provisions: contract date.
Introduced
Introduced
Introduced in Assembly on Feb 3, 2026
Sponsor
First Action
Feb 3, 2026
Latest Action
Apr 23, 2026
Origin Chamber
Assembly
Type
Bill
Bill Number
1697
State
California
Session
20252026
Sponsorship by Party
Democrat
Author
Assembly Votes (2)
Motion Text
Do pass.
Summary
Existing law generally prohibits an employment contract from requiring a worker to pay certain penalties, fees, costs, or debts related to employment or education if the worker's employment or work relationship terminates, as provided. Existing law provides that a contract that is unlawful under that prohibition is void and contrary to public policy as a restraint of engaging in a lawful profession, trade, or business. Existing law authorizes a worker, among other persons, to bring a civil action for specified civil penalties and relief for a violation of these provisions. Existing law applies these prohibitions to contracts entered into on or after January 1, 2026. This bill would instead apply those provisions to contracts entered into on or after January 1, 2027. This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.
Actions (10)
04/23/2026
Assembly
Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
04/22/2026
Assembly
From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 9. Noes 2.) (April 22).
04/14/2026
Assembly
Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
04/13/2026
Assembly
Read second time and amended.
04/09/2026
Assembly
From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 6. Noes 1.) (April 8).
03/17/2026
Assembly
Re-referred to Com. on L. & E.
03/16/2026
Assembly
From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on L. & E. Read second time and amended.
03/16/2026
Assembly
Referred to Com. on L. & E.
02/04/2026
Assembly
From printer. May be heard in committee March 6.
02/03/2026
Assembly
Read first time. To print.
Sources
Record Created
Feb 4, 2026 8:48:23 AM
Record Updated
Apr 25, 2026 8:51:23 AM