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AB-1961 • 2026

Civil actions: protective orders: workplace violence.

Civil actions: protective orders: workplace violence.

Labor
Active

The official status still shows this bill as active or still awaiting another formal step.

Sponsor
Ahrens
Last action
Official status
Senate - Appropriations
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official text confirms the bill passed both chambers but does not provide an effective date.

Workplace Violence Restraining Orders for All Employees at a Location

This law allows employers to ask courts for protection orders covering all employees at a specific work location facing violence or threats, without needing to list each worker's name.

What This Bill Does

  • Allows an employer to seek a workplace violence restraining order on behalf of every employee at one work site if that place faces harassment, unlawful violence, or credible threats.
  • Removes the requirement for employers to list individual names when asking for protection for all workers at a specific location where they perform their primary job duties.
  • Requires the Judicial Council to create or update court forms by January 1, 2028, to handle these new types of orders.
  • Keeps existing rules that let employers protect one employee and other staff members if violence is directed at them.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Employers who want to seek legal protection for their workers against workplace violence or threats.
  • Employees working at a specific location where harassment, unlawful violence, or credible threats occur.
  • The Judicial Council, which must update official court forms by the set deadline.

Terms To Know

Workplace Violence Restraining Order
A legal order from a judge that stops someone from committing violence or threats against workers at a job site.
Credible Threat of Violence
A serious warning or action by an individual showing they might hurt people in the future, as defined under existing law for workplace protection orders.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not state when it will officially become effective because no date is listed.
  • Protection applies only if harassment, unlawful violence, or credible threats are directed at the specific workplace location where employees perform their primary job duties.

Bill History

  1. California Legislative Information

    Senate - Appropriations

Official Summary Text

Civil actions: protective orders: workplace violence.