Regulatory Watch
Compliance Corner
Stay current with HR compliance changes, new regulations, and legal updates affecting employers.
California Pay Data Reporting Deadline: What Employers Need to File by May 14, 2025
California employers with 100+ employees must file annual pay data reports with the Civil Rights Department by May 14, 2025, under SB 1162. Non-compliance carries penalties up to $200 per employee.
By Joel Riley
California Introduces Health Care Worker Minimum Wage Supplement Under SB 525
California's SB 525 establishes a separate minimum wage for covered health care employees starting at $21/hour on October 16, 2024, rising to $25/hour over several years. Employers must post a new IWC supplement.
By Joel Riley
California Requires Workplace Violence Prevention Plans by July 2024
California SB 553 requires employers to develop and implement workplace violence prevention plans, including annual training and record-keeping. Effective July 1, 2024.
By Joel Riley
California Non-Compete Agreements Void Under AB 1076 and SB 699: Employer Notice Required by February 14, 2024
California AB 1076 and SB 699 void virtually all non-compete agreements. Employers must send written notice to affected current and former employees that their non-compete clauses are void by February 14, 2024.
By Joel Riley
Cal/OSHA Updates Occupational Safety and Health Posting Requirements for 2024
Cal/OSHA updated its mandatory occupational safety and health poster for 2024 to reflect additional requirements for OSHA violations. Employers must post the updated version at all California worksites.
By Joel Riley
California Adds Anti-Discrimination Protections for Off-Duty Cannabis Use and Bereavement Leave
California AB 2188 prohibits employment discrimination based on off-duty cannabis use, and SB 848 requires reproductive loss bereavement leave. Both took effect January 1, 2024.
By Joel Riley
California Minimum Wage Increases to $16.00 Per Hour Effective January 1, 2024
California's statewide minimum wage increased to $16.00 per hour effective January 1, 2024. All employers regardless of size must comply with the new rate.
By Joel Riley
California Updates Wage Theft Notice to Reflect Expanded Paid Sick Leave
California's Wage Theft Prevention Act notice must be updated to reflect SB 616's expanded paid sick leave — now 40 hours/5 days for use and 80 hours/10 days maximum accrual. Effective January 1, 2024.
By Joel Riley
California Voids Out-of-State Non-Competes and Requires Employee Notice
California SB 699 voids non-competes even if signed in other states, and AB 1076 requires employers to notify current and certain former employees that non-competes are void. Notice due by February 14, 2024.
By Joel Riley
California Increases Paid Sick Leave to Five Days Annually
California SB 616 increases paid sick leave from 3 to 5 days (or 40 hours) per year and raises maximum accrual from 6 to 10 days. Changes take effect January 1, 2024.
By Joel Riley
California Expands Bereavement Leave to Cover Reproductive Loss
California SB 848 expands bereavement leave to include reproductive loss events such as miscarriage, stillbirth, and failed adoption. Employees may take up to 5 days of unpaid leave per event, effective January 1, 2024.
By Joel Riley
California Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP): Employer Requirements and Compliance
All California employers with at least one employee must maintain a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP). Penalties for non-compliance range up to $25,000.
By Joel Riley
Wage Transparency Laws: What Employers Need to Know Across Multiple States and Localities
A comprehensive guide to wage transparency and pay disclosure laws enacted across California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maryland, Nevada, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, and several cities.
By Joel Riley