AB 9, also referred to as the Stop Harassment and Reporting Extension (SHARE) Act, extends the 1-year deadline to file a Department of Faith Employment and Housing (DFEH) complaint to three years. Employees who alleged employment discrimination, including harassment and retaliation under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) previously, would only have one year to file a verified complaint, the prerequisite to filing a civil lawsuit. Now, the new bill enacted in October of 2019 extends the time for California workers to file a lawsuit to three years. This extension allows the aggrieved worker ample time to file and have the DFEH investigate the claim. This process could take longer than a year if both parties elect to participate in the DFEH’s mediation program. With the new law, employees will receive a Right to Sue Notice after the conclusion of the DFEH’s investigation, allowing the employee three more years to file a potential lawsuit.
If you suspect you’ve been discriminated in the workforce, call the employment Law Offices of Garry M. Tetalman today.