The California Department of Industrial Relations has announced an increase to the pay rates that computer software employees and physicians must receive in order to be exempt from overtime. Additionally, the minimum salary required for the administrative, professional, and executive overtime exemptions will also increase. These new rates take effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

California has enacted legislation that expressly prohibits an employer from requesting information from an applicant relating to the applicant’s prior use of cannabis. The legislation (Senate Bill 700) takes effect Jan. 1, 2024.

Oregon has enacted legislation (House Bill 3028), which adds protections for an employee that is appointed to a board, commission, council, or committee. House Bill 3028 is effective immediately.

Maine has enacted legislation that will create a paid family and medical leave program in the state. Contributions to the program will begin Jan. 1, 2025, and employees will be entitled to begin using the job-protected leave on May 1, 2026.

California has enacted Assembly Bill 1228 (AB 1228), which increases the minimum wage of fast food restaurant workers working at a national fast food chain establishment.

California has enacted legislation that will expand the amount of paid sick leave to which employees are entitled, extends some protections to employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement and partially pre-empts local paid sick leave laws.  The legislation (Senate Bill 616) takes effect Jan. 1, 2024.

New Jersey has enacted legislation (Assembly Bill 4682), which creates various employment protections for service employees during changes of ownership. Assembly Bill 4682 takes effect on Oct.22, 2023.