Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 1883, establishing new restrictions on how employers may use surveillance tools in the workplace, particularly those powered by artificial intelligence. A trend may be emerging as other states, such as Maine and Connecticut
California Workplace Law Blog
Insight & Commentary on California Workplace Law Issues & Developments
The California Workplace Law Blog, published by Jackson Lewis P.C., focuses on legal developments and practical guidance related to employment and labor law in California. It covers topics such as wage and hour compliance, arbitration agreements, employee classification, workplace safety, employee training requirements, and local ordinances affecting employers, including those in Los Angeles County. The blog also addresses litigation trends, regulatory updates, and employer obligations under state and local laws, including protections for hotel and janitorial workers, recall rights, and compensation structures. It serves as a resource for employers and HR professionals navigating California's complex workplace legal landscape.
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Latest from California Workplace Law Blog
California Expands and Modernizes Workplace Violence Restraining Orders
Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 1961 and AB 2179 on September 30, 2026. The companion measures amend Section 527.8 of the Code of Civil Procedure to expand when employers may seek workplace violence restraining orders (WVROs) and to modernize…
California’s New Workplace Surveillance Law in Employee Bathroom
Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill (AB) 1331, which takes effect January 1, 2027, and adds Part 5.8 to the California Labor Code (beginning at Section 1560). The law imposes new limits on workplace surveillance tools, requiring employers…
California Raises the Stakes on Pay Data Reporting Failures
Governor Newsom has signed Senate Bill (SB) 1237, significantly increasing the penalties for employers who repeatedly fail to file California’s required pay data reports.
Under the new law, first-time failures remain subject to penalties of up to $100 per…
California Expands Cal-WARN Notice Requirements for AI-Related Workforce Reductions
California has enacted Senate Bill (SB) 951, expanding the information employers must provide when a workforce reduction covered by the California Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (Cal-WARN) results from artificial intelligence or other automated technology. The new requirements…
California Revises Stay-or-Pay Provisions Under AB 1697
In 2025, Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 692, which made it unlawful to include in any employment contract or requirement that a worker execute, as a condition of employment, a contract that includes terms that require the worker…
California Passes No Robo Bosses Act
Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill (SB) 947, adding new requirements to the California Labor Code for employers that use automated decision systems in the workplace for disciplinary and termination decisions. The law takes effect July 1, 2027.…
California Expands Protections Against Immigration-Related Workplace Retaliation
Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Assembly Bill (AB) 2495, expanding California’s protections against retaliation and other workplace conduct involving a person’s perceived immigration status. The new law amends Labor Code section 1019 and will take effect January 1, 2027.…
California Expands What Is Covered by Paid Family Leave Benefits
California has passed Assembly Bill (AB) 2054, which expands the definition of “covered active duty” under Section 3302.1 of the Unemployment Insurance Code for purposes of eligibility for Paid Family Leave (PFL) benefits from the state.
Under existing law,…
California Expands Harassment Prevention Training to Address Hate Speech
On September 27, 2026, the Governor signed Assembly Bill (AB) 1803, which adds a component of anti-hate speech to harassment prevention training requirements.
Existing California Training Requirements
California employers with five or more employees must provide at least two…