Governor Jerry Brown has signed into law Assembly Bill 2338 which requires talent agencies licensed by the California Labor Commissioner to provide materials related to sexual harassment prevention, retaliation, among others, to its artists. Additionally, the bill requires that prior to receiving a permit to employ a minor in the entertainment industry, the minor’s parent or legal guardian must participate in trainings related to sexual harassment prevention, retaliation, and reporting resources.

Assembly Bill 2338 amends the Labor Code to add several new statutory provisions. Under the statute, a talent agency must provide training and educational materials, where applicable, on sexual harassment prevention, retaliation, nutrition, and eating disorders to its employees and artists.  The statute provides that the materials be made available to artists in a language in which the artists understands, within 90 days of agreeing to representation by the agency or “agency procurement of an engagement, meeting, or interview, whichever comes first.” The agency also shall keep records of its compliance for three years.

Further, prior to issuance of a permit to employ a minor in the entertainment industry, an age-eligible minor and minor’s parent or legal guardian must receive and complete training in sexual harassment prevention.

Please contact Jackson Lewis with any questions about this new law and compliance with its provisions.