December 18, 2024
On January 1, 2025, employers need to prepare for significant changes to take effect. The latest new laws require updates to handbooks, ensuring that employers are compliant with these regulations.
On September 27, 2024, Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill (“SB”) 1137, which amends the FEHA, Unruh Act, and Education Code to bring to attention that discrimination based on intersectionality (e.g., combination) of two or more protected characteristics is prohibited. As a result, SB 1137 affirms the decision of Lam v. University Hawai’I (9th Cir. 1994) 40 F.3d 1551, where the Ninth Circuit found that discrimination and harassment may be based upon the combination of protected characteristics.
On September 26, 2024, Governor Newsom signed SB 1815, which broadens the definition of “race” to include hairstyles tied to racial identity. Hair textures and protective styles, such as braids, locs, and twists, are now protected. As a result, employers should not enforce grooming policies that unfairly target these hairstyles.
On September 29, 2024, Governor Newsom signed AB 2499, which broadens the list of crimes for which employees can take time off under the Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act, and allow employees to take time off to assist family members who are victims of specified crimes.
• The definition of victim includes “qualifying act of violence” (QAV), which is now includes domestic violence, sexual assault, and conduct involving threats or use of force.
• Employers with twenty-five (25) or more employees cannot discriminate or retaliate against employees who take leave to support certain family members who are victims of crime.
*It’s important to notify employees of these rights annually and upon hire.
On September 29, 2024, Governor Newsom signed AB 2123, which removes the requirement that employees use up accrued vacation before receiving Paid Family Leave benefits.
It’s important to stay up to date on these changes and be proactive with their employee handbooks. Seek employment counsel to ensure compliance with these new and amended laws.
January 15, 2025
California's New Employment Laws for 2025Learn about the statewide minimum wage increase, the ban on captive audience meetings, updates to independent contractor requirements, expanded leave rights, new sick leave policies for agricultural workers, and significant amendments to PAGA. Ensure your business remains compliant and informed.
December 18, 2024
Update Your Employee Handbooks: California’s 2024 Labor Law ChangesDiscover the latest changes to California labor laws taking effect in 2025 and learn how to update your employee handbooks to ensure compliance. This guide covers critical updates from SB 1137, SB 1815, AB 2499, and AB 2123, providing employers with essential insights to maintain legal standards.
November 15, 2024
The Sunsetting of the Estate Tax Exemption: What It Means for YouDiscover key strategies to adapt to the significant estate tax exemption changes set for 2025. Learn how the reduction from $13.61 million to about $6 million could affect your estate planning and explore proactive measures to optimize your plans.
