On May 31, 2024, the Governor of California signed into law (Senate Bill 828) which delays the implementation of California's health care worker minimum wage law by one month from June 1, 2024 to July 1, 2024. The original law required covered health care employees to be paid a minimum of between $18 and $23 per hour depending on the type of facility between June 1, 2024 and May 31, 2025.

Los Angeles County, California has enacted an ordinance that will impose various obligations on covered employers regarding the criminal histories of applicants and employees. The ordinance applies to only the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County and takes effect Sept.  3, 2024.

Effective April 1, 2024, fast food restaurant workers in California working at a “national fast-food chain” establishment must be paid a minimum of $20 per hour. The change is a result of legislation (Assembly Bill 1228) that was enacted in 2023.

California’s Civil Rights Division (CRD) has released updated frequently asked questions, templates, and a user guide for the 2023 pay data reporting period for employers with 100 or more employees. Employers must use the CRD’s online pay data reporting portal to submit their annual reports. The portal is open. The reporting deadline for 2023 is May 8, 2024.

California has enacted legislation that requires employers with 5 or more employees to provide time off to employees who experience a covered reproductive loss event. The requirement takes effect Jan. 1, 2024, and is separate and distinct from the state’s bereavement leave and other leave requirements.

The California Department of Industrial Relations has released an updated model wage theft notice to reflect changes that take effect Jan. 1, 2024.