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HomeGovernment CodeDiv. 3Pt. 2.8Ch. 6Art. 1§ 12946 Employment Records Retention

§ 12946 Employment Records Retention

Government Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 12946 Employment Records Retention

Key Takeaways

  • •Employers must keep job application and employee records for at least 4 years.
  • •If someone complains about unfair treatment, the employer must keep those records until the problem is fully solved.
  • •The government can make rules to enforce this and can take legal action if needed.

Example

You apply for a job but don’t get hired. Later, you think it’s because of unfair reasons.

The company must keep your job application for 4 years. If you complain, they must keep it until your complaint is fully resolved.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 12946 Employment Records Retention

(a) It shall be an unlawful practice for employers, labor organizations, and employment agencies subject to the provisions of this part to fail to maintain and preserve any and all applications, personnel, membership, or employment referral records and files for a minimum period of four years after the records and files are initially created or received, or for employers to fail to retain personnel files of applicants or terminated employees for a minimum period of four years after the date of the employment action taken. (b) Upon notice that a verified complaint against it has been filed under this part, any such employer, labor organization, or employment agency shall maintain and preserve any and all records and files until the later of the following: (1) The first date after the period of time for filing a civil action has expired. (2) The first date after the complaint has been fully and finally disposed of and all administrative proceedings, civil actions, appeals, or related proceedings have terminated. (c) The council shall adopt suitable rules, regulations, and standards to carry out the purposes of this section. (d) Where necessary, the department, pursuant to its powers under Section 12974, may seek temporary or preliminary judicial relief to enforce this section. (Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 278, Sec. 2. (SB 807) Effective January 1, 2022.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

unlawful practiceverified complaintrecords and filesjudicial relief

Related Statutes

  • § 12947 Child Care Assistance Exception
  • § 12948 Denial Of Civil Rights
  • § 12960 Employment Discrimination Complaints
  • § 12962 Complaint Service Requirements
  • § 11550 State Executive Salaries

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Government Code. Section 12946.
View Official Source