Pursuant to Senate Bill 294 which went into effect January 1, 2026 and added a new Part 5.6 to the California Labor Code (sections 1550 – 1559), the California Department of Industrial Relations (“DIR” aka “Labor Commissioner”) has issued the anticipated “California Workplace – Know Your Rights” Notice (“Notice”).Continue Reading The New “Know Your Rights” Notice From the Department of Industrial Relations
On October 13, 2025 Governor Newsom signed into law Assembly Bill (“AB”) 692 which is another law allegedly aimed at preventing contracts deemed to be a restraint on trade. Employers should be aware of the new law as it could significantly impact their ability to enter into, and/or enforce, certain contracts with employees for the repayment of a debt.Continue Reading Employers Beware: California Has Expanded the List of Unlawful Contracts with Employees
AB 932 proposes several amendments to Government Code section 53080 relating to sex or gender discrimination in community youth athletics programs. This bill was introduced by Assembly Member Jacqui Irwin, and is sponsored by the Davis Storm Girls Basketball Club.Continue Reading AB 932: Community Youth Athletics Programs: Sex or Gender Discrimination
In Hirdman v. Charter Communication (8/4/25) 113 Cal.App.5th 376, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals was faced with the sole issue of determining the meaning of the phrase “exempt employees” as used in California Labor Code section 246(l)(3).Continue Reading The Term “Exempt Employees” Under the HWHFA Applies to More than “White Collar” Exemptions When Calculating Paid Sick Time
State Minimum Wage Increase
On January 1, 2026, California’s state minimum wage will increase by 40 cents per hour, to $16.90 per hour. This adjustment is a 2.49% increase based on federal inflation data (the U.S. Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers). Employers with workers at or near the current minimum wage should plan accordingly, to ensure wages stay above the minimum. In addition, exempt workers’ salaries must also be adjusted to at least double the state minimum wage. The minimum salary for workers classified as exempt will rise to $70,304 per year ($5,858.67 per month) on January 1. Continue Reading California Minimum Wage Set to Increase in 2026
