Oct. 2, 2025
Judge blocks California's 'captive meetings' law as Newsom signs new labor bill
A federal judge on Tuesday struck down much of SB 399, the so-called "captive meetings" law, siding with business groups who argued it violated free speech and federal labor law. The same day, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 288, a measure expanding California's role in enforcing workers' rights as federal protections stall.
A court halted one disputed labor law on the same day Gov. Gavin Newsom signed another.
On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta temporarily enjoined many of the key provisions of SB 399. Lawmakers often referred to it as the "captive meetings" bill because it barred companies from forcing employees to attend mandatory meetings on politics, religion, or labor matters.
Siding with a coalition of business groups led by the California Chamber of Commerc...
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