In anticipation of the upcoming year, California employers may face a host of new regulations governing the workplace in 2024. Governor Newsom had until October 14, 2023, to approve or veto a wide variety of legislation. Unless such bills were vetoed by Governor Newsom, these proposed laws are set to take effect on January 1, 2024.
Employers are advised to familiarize themselves with these potential laws to ensure preparedness for compliance. Key highlights include expansions in leaves and accommodations, amendments to the Fair Employment and Housing Act, changes in wage and hour regulations, and additional employee protections. Noteworthy proposals encompass increased Paid Family Leave eligibility, extended Paid Sick Leave, new leave for “reproductive loss,” protections for family caregivers, Cal-WARN notice requirement adjustments, expanded rehiring rights for laid-off employees, a rebuttable presumption of retaliation, public prosecution for labor code violations, minimum wage increases for health care workers, workplace violence prevention measures, and the prohibition of noncompete agreements.
Additionally, protections for cannabis use have been expanded to restrict employers from inquiring about prior cannabis use by applicants or employees. The proposed legislation is subject to further updates pending Governor Newsom’s decisions.
The regulatory compliance for employers in California is complex. Employers should consult with and obtain proper guidance from an employment law attorney.
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Oberman Law Firm represents clients in a wide range of practice areas, including private equity, M&A, healthcare, corporate transactions, intellectual property, data privacy and security, regulatory compliance and governance, cross-border transactions, labor and employment, construction law, litigation, private clients’ services, corporate restructuring, and white-collar and governmental disputes.
As a firm, we offer the highest quality legal advice coupled with extraordinary and tailored service to deliver exceptional results to our clients. Our philosophy is to invest deeply in the brightest legal talent and build dynamic teams that operate at the pinnacle of respective practice areas. We believe in empowering our attorneys, encouraging entrepreneurialism, operating ethically and with integrity, and collaborating to bring the very best to every client engagement. These principles have guided us in building extraordinary and successful long-term partnerships with our clients.
