Insight & Commentary on California Workplace Law Issues & Developments
The Labor Commissioner has published a model Workplace “Know Your Rights” Notice pursuant to Senate Bill 294 (SB 294), also known as the Workplace Know Your Rights Act. This Act introduces annual notice requirements and new rules related to employee arrests or detentions.
Beginning February 1, 2026, and every year thereafter, all California…
As we wind down 2025, here are some of the changes California employers need to be aware of to be prepared in 2026.
State Law
California SB 596: Increases Penalties for Healthcare Staffing Ratio Violations
Senate Bill 20: California Expands Worker Protections Against Silica Dust Exposure
Senate Bill 464: California Mandates Tougher Pay Data Reporting…
Several employment-related cases are currently pending before the California Supreme Court, and their outcomes could have a significant impact on workplace policies and risk management for employers and HR professionals.
Fuentes v. Empire Nissan, Inc.
This case addresses whether a form arbitration agreement required as a condition of employment is unenforceable due to unconscionability.
The…
Senate Bill (SB) 596 represents asignificant development for California general acute care hospitals, acute psychiatric hospitals, and special hospitals. Governor Newsom signed SB 596 into law on October 13, 2025, amending California’s Health and Safety Code § 1280.3 to expand civil penalties for certain licensed health facilities that fail to maintain mandated staffing ratios.
While…
On October 12, 2025, Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill (SB) 294, which requires employers in California to provide a stand-alone written notice of worker rights to each new employee when hired, and annually to all current employees. It also tasks the Labor Commissioner with developing and annually updating a template notice and related educational…
Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill (SB) 513, which expands the scope of personnel documents employers must allow current and former employees to inspect.
Previously, under the California labor code, employers were required to allow current and former employees to inspect and receive a copy of personnel records the employer maintains relating to the employee’s…
California and federal laws require lactation accommodations for breastfeeding employees. The federal lactation accommodation law called the PUMP Act has many of the same requirements as the state law, however there are some details of state law that California employers should take note of.
Here are the key points employers need to know.
California’s lactation…
The purchase or sale of a business in California involves intricate legal considerations, particularly regarding the rights of and responsibilities to employees. Both the buyer and seller need to consider employment ramifications.
For Buyers:
As the new employer, the buyer will need to comply with a host of California requirements and disclosures. Employers new to…
Current and former employees have the right to inspect their personnel files upon request within a timeframe set by statute. When an employment-related claim arises, these individuals typically request a copy of their personnel file. However, if the employer has not properly maintained these files, it is impossible to recreate them retroactively.
Here’s an overview…
