California, October 4, 2025
News Summary
A federal judge in California has imposed a temporary injunction on the enforcement of Senate Bill 399, which restricts employer communications about political and religious matters. The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Daniel Calabretta, supports employers’ First Amendment rights and halts SB 399’s implementation, allowing for further legal scrutiny. The decision has gained backing from various business organizations, emphasizing the importance of free speech in the workplace during ongoing labor law changes.
California – A federal judge has placed a temporary hold on the enforcement of California’s Senate Bill 399 (SB 399), reaffirming employers’ First Amendment rights. U.S. District Judge Daniel Calabretta issued a preliminary injunction on the legislation, which was established in 2024 and set to take effect in 2025. SB 399 aimed to restrict employer communications regarding religious or political matters, including topics related to unionization.
The judge ruled that SB 399 is preempted under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), affirming the rights of employers to communicate freely within their businesses. This ruling has drawn support from various business organizations, particularly the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), particularly highlighting its significance for small business owners and their free speech rights.
The injunction halts the enforcement of SB 399 while further litigation is underway. The legislation previously faced criticism and was labeled a “Job Killer” by the California Chamber of Commerce during the 2024 legislative session. In response, the California Chamber of Commerce and the California Restaurant Association filed a federal lawsuit last December, challenging the constitutionality of SB 399 on the grounds that it infringes on employers’ free speech rights and introduces potential legal liabilities for discussing important workplace issues.
One of the central goals of SB 399 was to prevent employers from mandating attendance at meetings focused on religious or political subjects, a stance particularly relevant in discussions about unionization efforts. The ongoing lawsuit contends that state-level regulations, particularly Assembly Bill 288, attempt to enforce collective bargaining rights that impinge on federal authority. Assembly Bill 288 empowers the state Public Employment Relations Board (PERS) to intervene when the NLRA does not act swiftly.
Litigation related to SB 399 occurs amid wider shifts in labor law under the current federal administration, with modifications in how the NLRA is interpreted. The temporary suspension of SB 399’s enforcement will remain in effect while the district court addresses the legal complexities involved. Depending on the case’s trajectory, a permanent injunction may be issued.
The NFIB emphasizes the importance of allowing employers the opportunity to communicate openly with their employees, unswayed by state-imposed regulations such as those found in SB 399. This legal decision marks a significant stand on the balance between state and federal rights concerning labor laws and employer communication practices.
FAQ
What is Senate Bill 399?
Senate Bill 399 (SB 399) is a legislation in California passed in 2024 that aims to limit employer communications regarding religious or political issues.
Who issued the preliminary injunction against SB 399?
U.S. District Judge Daniel Calabretta issued the preliminary injunction against SB 399.
What are the implications of the ruling?
The ruling affirms employers’ First Amendment rights and temporarily halts the enforcement of SB 399 pending further litigation.
What organizations filed the federal lawsuit against SB 399?
The plaintiffs include the California Chamber of Commerce and California Restaurant Association, who filed a federal lawsuit contesting SB 399’s constitutionality.
Key Features of SB 399 and Ruling
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Aims to limit employer communications regarding religious or political issues. |
| Date Passed | 2024 |
| Effective Date | 2025 |
| Judge’s Name | U.S. District Judge Daniel Calabretta |
| Legal Basis for Ruling | Preemption under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). |
| Affected Organizations | California Chamber of Commerce, California Restaurant Association, National Federation of Independent Business. |
| Current Status | Injunction temporarily halts enforcement pending further litigation. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- California Chamber of Commerce
- National Federation of Independent Business
- Labor & Employment Law Blog
- Daily Journal
- Wikipedia: Senate Bill 399
Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
