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

Senate Bill 590: California’s State Paid Family Leave Extended to Cover Leave for Designated Persons

Assembly Bill 692: California Passes Prohibition Against Workers Contracting to Repay Debts

Senate Bill 294: California Requires New Annual Notice to Employees on Rights

Senate Bill 513: California Expands Personnel File Requirements

Senate Bill 642: California Revises Its Equal Pay Act

Senate Bill 53: A Move Toward Transparency and Reporting Requirements for Large Developers of AI Models

Assembly Bill 858: COVID Right of Recall Continues in California

Assembly Bill 1340: California Gives Gig Drivers the Right to Organize

Senate Bill 303: California Sets Forth Protections for Bias Training

Assembly Bill 288: Expanded Worker Rights and PERB’s New Authority

Senate Bill 617: California Expands CalWARN Notice Requirements

Legislation Grants Authority to California Labor Commissioner to Enforce Labor Code Provisions Related to Gratuities

Local Ordinances

LA County Extends COVID Era Right of Recall Permanently

Los Angeles Hotel Worker Training Ordinance: Certified Training Providers Announced

LA County Passes Hotel Worker Protection Ordinance for Unincorporated Areas of the County

City of San Diego Increases Hospitality Minimum Wage

City of Los Angeles Hotel Workers’ Minimum Wage Increase Is Back

City of Long Beach Staffing for Self-Check Out Ordinance Takes Effect September 21