Insight & Commentary on California Workplace Law Issues & Developments
On January 24, 2023, the California Secretary of State completed its verification process and qualified a referendum challenging Assembly Bill (AB) 257, also known as the FAST Recovery Act for the November 2024 ballot. In the meantime, the law will not take effect unless it is approved by voters in the November 2024 election.
Governor…
While the Secretary of State continued to count signatures to determine if a potential referendum challenging the FAST Recovery Act (AB 257) will make it on the ballot, the Sacramento Superior Court has issued a preliminary injunction prohibiting the implementation or enforcement of AB 257. The injunction will remain in effect unless and until either:…
While the Secretary of State continued to count signatures to determine if a potential referendum on the FAST Recovery Act (the Act) will make it on the ballot, a lawsuit was filed by a coalition of California small business owners, restaurateurs, franchisees, and related entities seeking to enjoin the enforcement of the Act. …
As we wrap 2022, here a review of some of the changes to California employment law that will continue to affect employers in 2023.
Legislative Changes
New Year, New Minimum Wages for California
California Tightens Rules on Vehicle Tracking, Fleet Management
Cal/OSHA Mandated to Update Heat Illness and Wildfire Smoke Standard
On September 18, 2022, Governor Newsom signed California Assembly Bill (AB) 2188, which makes it unlawful for an employer to discriminate against a person in hiring, termination, or any term or condition of employment based upon: (1) a person’s use of cannabis off the job and away from the workplace, except for preemployment drug…
While the Cal/OSHA Standards Board (Board) has received much more attention in the last two years relating to the COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS) the Board is turning to some more basic issues pertaining to workplace safety. At its upcoming April 21, 2022 meeting the Board will consider revisions to first aid kit requirements both…
The Department of Industrial Relations’ (DIR) Labor Enforcement Task Force (LETF) has announced an initiative to inspect publicly funded construction sites to ensure employers provide worker’s compensation and follow labor laws, including workplace health and safety requirements.
With this new focus, construction employers who work on public works projects should review their workplace compliance to…
January 31st was the last day for the California legislature to approve bills that had been initially introduced in 2021 before they are shelved for good. The FAST Recovery Act (Assembly Bill (AB 257) was such a bill.
AB 257 would create an 11 member Fast Food Sector Council appointed by the…
Last week, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) pertaining to COVID-19. While there are already lawsuits to block the Federal ETS, California employers are wondering what is going to happen with Cal/OSHA’s current ETS?
Prior to the issuance of the Federal ETS, Cal/OSHA had released…
Historically, California has experienced the most destructive wildfires in the months of September and October. As we head into those months, employers should make sure they are familiar with California’s wildfire smoke standard. Harmful air quality from wildfire smoke can occur anywhere in the state on short notice, so it is vital that employers…
