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 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.
Latest from California Workplace Law Blog - Page 2
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…
California Expands Definition of Family for Purposes of Bereavement Leave
Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill (SB) 1149, which adds “designated person” to the definition of family member for the purpose of taking bereavement leave. In 2022, the state amended the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) to require covered employers…
Cal/OSHA Publishes Proposed Heat Illness Rules for Stakeholder Comment
Cal/OSHA recently released a discussion draft proposing major amendments to its heat illness prevention standards under Assembly Bill (AB) 2243, affecting both outdoor workplaces (Title 8, Section 3395) and indoor workplaces (Section 3396).
If adopted, these changes would expand…
LWDA Reworks Proposed PAGA Regulations
On August 3, 2026, the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA) released modified proposed regulatory text as part of its ongoing rulemaking under the Labor Code Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA). The modifications follow a public comment period that…
California Announces State Minimum Wage Increase to Come in 2027
California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced that California’s statewide minimum wage will increase from $16.90 to $17.40 per hour effective January 1, 2027. The new rate, announced on July 31, 2026, reflects the annual inflation-based adjustment required under California law.…
Backpacks, Bell Schedules, and Leave Requests
As children head back to school, California employees may need time away from work for school activities, childcare emergencies, disciplinary meetings, or to care for a sick child. Employers should keep the following California leave protections in mind for the…
Amendments to San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance Coming in August
Recently, San Francisco amended its Fair Chance Ordinance (FCO) to further differentiate it from the State of California’s Fair Chance Act. The amendments take effect on August 10, 2026.
The FCO applies to employers located or doing business in…
California Employers Take Note of the Recent IRS Mileage Rate Increase
California Labor Code section 2802 requires employers to reimburse employees for necessary expenses incurred in performing their job duties, which may include an employee’s use of their personal vehicle for work purposes, such as for work-related travel or driving between…