Insight & Commentary on California Workplace Law Issues & Developments
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…
On February 11, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order to support childcare providers impacted by the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. This order ensures that those affected are aware of their eligibility for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) and receive the necessary support to apply.
In addition to supporting individual workers, the EDD offers several…
In an era where consumers are increasingly concerned about ethical sourcing and labor practices, the California Transparency in Supply Chains Act (CTSCA) stands as a significant piece of legislation.
Enacted in 2010, the CTSCA aims to combat human trafficking and slavery in global supply chains, promoting greater transparency and accountability among businesses operating in California.…
As we wrap up 2024, here is a review of some of the changes to California employment law that will continue to affect employers in 2025.
Legislative Changes
Governor Signs Bill to Exempt Certain Businesses from Fast Food Minimum Wage
Expanded Information to Provide Regarding Workplace Injury
New Requirement for Labor Commissioner to Develop Whistleblower…
