Is your workplace keeping up?
Workplace compliance isn’t one-size-fits-all—especially when it comes to state training mandates. From harassment prevention to workplace violence protocols, certain states have stepped up with comprehensive requirements that demand attention from HR leaders.
Whether you’re operating in one of these states or managing teams across multiple locations, knowing what’s required—and how to meet those requirements—can save your organization time, money, and risk.
Here are the top six states leading the way with mandatory training laws that every HR professional should have on their radar in 2025.
The Gold Standard (and the strictest)
California has long been at the forefront of workplace compliance. Under SB 1343, any business with 5 or more employees must provide harassment prevention training:
What makes California unique is the broad scope of who must be trained—including temporary and seasonal workers. If you're not in full compliance, you could be exposing your business to serious fines and legal exposure.
Pro Tip: Our California-specific training includes real-world scenarios tailored to the state’s legal definitions and workplace realities.
Interactive, Annual, and Mandatory
New York’s training mandate—under NY State Labor Law Section 201-g—is one of the most comprehensive:
New York City also has additional local requirements that further raise the bar. Non-compliance risks aren’t just financial—they’re reputational.
Don’t Let the Small Size Fool You
Connecticut requires harassment prevention training for employers with 3 or more employees:
What’s unique about Connecticut is the state-provided training guidelines, making it easier to compare your program against the standard.
The Mandate You Might Have Missed
Illinois passed SB 75 as part of its Workplace Transparency Act. It requires:
The Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) provides a model training program—but customizing with interactive, scenario-based learning ensures better engagement and retention.
Small State, Big Accountability
Delaware’s HB 360 mandates sexual harassment prevention training for employers with 50 or more employees:
Employees must also receive an information sheet explaining their rights. While Delaware doesn’t get as much national attention, its requirements are strict and enforced.
The First to Act—and Still Leading
Maine was one of the first states to require harassment prevention training way back in 1991. Today, employers with 15 or more employees must:
While the law hasn’t changed much recently, enforcement has increased—especially as workplace culture continues to evolve.
These six states aren’t just checking boxes—they’re setting expectations. And with evolving workplace policies and political pressures, more states are following suit. As we move deeper into 2025, proactive compliance isn’t optional—it’s strategic.
WILL Interactive is here to help you stay ahead. Our state-specific compliance training meets the mandates listed above—while going beyond the basics to create lasting behavior change through immersive, decision-based learning.
Explore our Compliance Hub to get state-specific guides, preview training programs, and connect with our experts to make sure your organization is ready for what’s next.
Let’s make compliance effortless—and impactful.
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