CalChamber, Western Growers Assn., and California Restaurant Assn. Issue Statement on Appeals Court Ruling on Senate Bill 399
For Immediate Release
Contact: John Myers
john.myers@calchamber.com | press@calchamber.com
(Oct. 29, 2026) Sacramento, CA - The California Chamber of Commerce, along with the Western Growers Association and the California Restaurant Association, issued the following statement on Thursday after the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the lower court ruling blocking the enforcement of Senate Bill 399 that would limit employer communications with workers on a variety of issues, including possible union representation:
“The Ninth Circuit got it right: SB 399 violates an employer's First Amendment rights to free speech by dictating what kinds of meetings can, and cannot, be considered mandatory for employees to attend.
“The state cannot limit the speech of any business owner simply because the contents of that speech might differ from the political viewpoint of elected officials or outside interest groups.
“By upholding the ruling of the district court, the Ninth Circuit has ensured those in the agriculture and restaurant industries — along with all California businesses — can communicate openly with their employees about any issue that might affect a company.
“Today's ruling serves as a reminder that free speech, unrestrained by government overreach, is an essential part of our American democracy.”
About CalChamber: The California Chamber of Commerce (CalChamber) is the largest broad-based business advocate to government in California. Membership represents one-quarter of the private sector jobs in California and includes firms of all sizes and companies from every industry within the state. Leveraging our front-line knowledge of laws and regulations, we provide products and services to help businesses comply with both federal and state law. CalChamber, a not-for-profit organization with roots dating to 1890, promotes international trade and investment in order to stimulate California’s economy and create jobs. Please visit our website at www.calchamber.com.
About the California Restaurant Association: Founded in 1906, the California Restaurant Association provides comprehensive support and advocacy for California’s restaurant industry, representing thousands of owners, operators, and industry professionals statewide.
About Western Growers: Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in California, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. Western Growers’ members and their workers provide over half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including half of America’s fresh organic produce.