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California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued Executive Order N-6-26, a “first-in-the-nation” order aimed at preparing workers, businesses, and communities for potential workforce disruption associated with artificial intelligence. While the order does not create immediate new compliance obligations for employers, it is an important development for California businesses because it previews where state policy, regulation…

Costa Mesa has passed an ordinance that regulates staffing for grocery and drug retailers that operate self-checkout stations. The measure requires employee staffing and supervision of self-checkout, restricts certain transactions at self-checkout, and requires customer signage. It is similar to an ordinance passed by the City of Long Beach last year.

Costa Mesa’s ordinance takes…

Effective January 1, 2026, California Assembly Bill (AB) 653, dubbed the California Abuse Mandated Entertainment Reporter Act (“CAMERA”), expanded the list of “mandated reporters” under California’s Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (“CANRA”) codified under California’s Penal Code to include any individual employed as a talent agent, talent manager, or talent coach who provide…

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…