Key Takeaways from Our Employer Brief:

Beginning January 1, 2026, SB 513 expands Labor Code section 1198.5 by expressly including education and training records maintained by employers within the scope of records that employees may request.

In this Employer Brief, Angela Rho of Medina McKelvey and Jeff Russell of Cal Comply discuss what SB 513 changes, common compliance challenges employers may face, and practical steps organizations can take to strengthen their training documentation and recordkeeping practices.

Watch the Briefing:

Summary of What Was Covered

This Employer Brief explores, at a high level:

• What SB 513 changed under Labor Code section 1198.5
• Which education and training records may be subject to disclosure
• The information employers should consider maintaining within training records
• Common documentation gaps that can create compliance challenges
• The operational difficulties created by decentralized recordkeeping
• Practical steps employers can take to improve training record management
• How organized documentation supports broader compliance efforts

For many employers, the issue is not whether training occurred. The challenge is ensuring records are organized, consistent, and readily accessible when needed.

Watch the briefing to gain practical insights and actionable next steps for strengthening your organization’s compliance infrastructure.

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Your Next Steps

1. Review Your Training Documentation Practices

Take inventory of where your training records currently reside. Many employers discover records are spread across HR systems, supervisors, third-party vendors, spreadsheets, sign-in sheets, and email folders.

A centralized approach can help reduce administrative burdens and improve readiness when personnel record requests arise.

2. Evaluate Your Compliance Infrastructure

SB 513 serves as a reminder that documentation plays an important role in California employment law compliance.

Employers should periodically review their policies, training programs, recordkeeping procedures, and compliance systems to ensure they align with current legal requirements and organizational objectives.

3. Centralize and Simplify Training Records

One of the biggest challenges discussed during this Employer Brief is managing training documentation across multiple systems and locations.

Cal Comply helps California employers centralize workforce training, track certifications, maintain training records, and create a more organized compliance infrastructure.

If you’re looking for a simpler way to manage training records and strengthen compliance documentation, learn more about Cal Comply here: https://calcomply.com/get-started/

This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. California’s meal and rest break laws are complex and vary by industry and workforce. Consult an experienced employment attorney for guidance tailored to your business. Cal Comply is a paid training provider mentioned for illustrative purposes; other compliance resources are available.