As we reach the midpoint of 2024, it’s essential for California employers to take note of a few key legal updates that could impact their businesses. From increased minimum wages to new workplace safety requirements, the first half of the year has introduced important legal updates that require attention. This mid-year review offers five reminders
California Legislation Update
Deal Reached To Reform California’s Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA)
On June 18, 2024, Governor Newsom announced that a compromise had been reached to reform California’s Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA). The negotiations were brought about by a ballot measure to repeal PAGA this November. PAGA cases have been increasing astronomically against California employers, exposing them to huge penalties, and on average PAGA cases…
California Attorney General’s Office Finally Publishes FAQs on Junk Fee Law – As Expected, It Attacks Restaurant Surcharges
As reported last week, the California Attorney General’s office announced that the new state law banning “junk fees” will extend to surcharges at restaurants, marking a significant shift in billing practices in the food industry. Today, the Attorney General finally released the FAQs which were promised last week. Under this interpretation of the Attorney…
California’s New Law on Junk Fees: A Blow to Restaurant Surcharges
The California Attorney General’s office yesterday announced that the new state law banning “junk fees” will extend to surcharges at restaurants, marking a significant shift in billing practices in the food industry. Under Senate Bill 478, effective starting July 1, 2024, California restaurants will be prohibited from adding service fees to bills—a practice that…
California Proposed “Right To Disconnect” Bill Creates Right to Refuse to Work Overtime
California is the first state to propose restrictions on an employer’s ability to communicate with employees after work hours. AB 2751, currently making its way through the California legislature, would give employees the “right to disconnect.” While this right has been adopted in other countries, such as France, Spain, and Mexico, no state in…
February 2024 California Employment Law Roundup
February is off to a fast start for employers on a state and on the Los Angeles local level. This Friday’s Five covers updates on California pay data reporting site, and LA City and County minimum wage announcements, deadline for employers to provide notices to employees who have noncompetition agreements, and updates to the required…
Action Items for California Employers To Prepare for 2024
With new legal requirements facing California employers in 2024, this Friday’s Five article focuses on five initial steps that employers can begin implementing now and other employment law deadlines in 2024:
1. Minimum wage and exempt employees salary threshold: Adjust pay levels for increasing minimum wage and ensure exempt employees are paid minimum threshold salaries…
AB 497 and the At-Will Doctrine In California
Nearly every state in the U.S. recognizes the at-will employment doctrine, except for Montana. However, a new law taking effect in California on January 1, 2024, erodes the at-will doctrine even more, and when coupled with the ever increasing list of protected activities that employers may not rely upon for employment decisions (which in 2024…
California’s Employment Horizon: Navigating New Laws for Employers in 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of California’s labor and employment regulations, the upcoming year promises to bring a fresh set of challenges for employers throughout the state. As we begin to close 2023, it’s imperative for businesses to familiarize themselves with the newest legal mandates and adjustments set to shape the way they operate, hire, and…
Understanding the Shift: California’s Ban on Employer Cannabis Inquiries and Testing
Governor Newsom signed a new law this week restricting employers from asking about marijuana use and conducting certain drug tests for applicants and employees. This Friday’s Five covers what the new law means for employers in the context of existing law governing employer’s ability to ask, test, and regulate employee’s use of marijuana in the…