California Expands Personnel File Access to Include Training Records

Effective January 1, 2026, California employers will be required to include employee training and education records in personnel files accessible to current and former employees under Senate Bill 513(SB 513).  This legislation amends Labor Code § 1198.5, which previously granted employees the right to inspect records related only to performance and grievances. Now, that right extends to any education or training provided by the employer. If an employer maintains such records, they must include the employee’s name, the training provider’s name, the date and duration of the training, the core competencies covered (e.g., such as equipment or software skills) and any resulting certifications or qualifications. While SB 513 does not mandate the creation or retention of training records, it does require that any existing records be made available upon request.