California - General

TakeawaysCalifornia state-level enforcement is on the rise as federal policies shift.The state is reinforcing its commitment to nondiscrimination in public contracting through increased oversight and compliance certification.California contractors should assess compliance with state law and other ap

California Supreme Court Takes a Bite Out of the Rigid Application of Arbitration Fee Deadlines: Hohenshelt v. Superior Court Case Background A sanitation employee at Golden State Foods Corporation, signed an arbitration agreement governed by the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) at the start of his emp

On October 1, 2025, California’s groundbreaking regulations on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and automated decision-making systems (ADS) in employment practices go into effect. The regulations, advanced by the California Civil Rights Council, aim to prevent algorithmic discrimination again

Checkout Checkmate: Long Beach Enacts Self-Checkout Ordinance Long Beach, California is often an incubator for novel employment laws. For example, in the hospitality industry, Long Beach was one of the “early adopters” of ordinances regulating workplace standards for hotel workers, including providi

TakeawaysAs federal affirmative action policies have shifted, state-level responsibilities can be a higher and different bar.California reinforces its commitment to nondiscrimination in public contracting through various requirements.California contractors should assess compliance with state law and

TakeawaysThe new regulations apply to all employers in California and pertain to any automated decision system — not just advanced “AI” tools, but also those using selection criteria for hiring, promotions or training.Employers are prohibited from using automated decision system (ADS) or criteria th

California lawmakers are considering several new employment bills ahead of the end of the 2025 legislative session that would impose new compliance obligations on employers. Here is a status report on employment-related legislation the California Legislature is considering.

On August 21, 2025, the Mayor of Long Beach approved an ordinance requiring staffing for self-checkout at drug retail establishments and grocery stores.

The California Supreme Court’s recent decision in Hohenshelt v. Superior Court addressed whether California’s Code of Civil Procedure section

Wage and hour compliance continues to trip up even experienced HR pros—especially in California. From meal periods to bonus calculations, the rules are complex...

California Civil Rights Department (CRD) Ramps Up Enforcement of the California Fair Chance Act (CFCA) Evaluating candidates with known criminal records in compliance with the California Fair Chance Act1 (CFCA) poses a challenge for covered employers because the CFCA limits the discretion employers

On August 11, 2025, the Supreme Court of California ruled that the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) does not preempt a state statute requiring employers to timely pay arbitration fees or forfeit the right to arbitration. The court rejected a strict reading of the statute, finding that the law does not

In July 2025, the California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) Board unanimously approved new regulations pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) that specifically address the use of automated decisionmaking technologies (ADMTs), requirements for completing risk assessments, and, for b

On May 1, 2025, the California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) issued a Final Order in one of its first public enforcement actions under the California

The Trump administration continues to focus on worksite enforcement to achieve its immigration policy objectives. This includes Form I-9 audits as well as possible worksite raids. The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) recently updated its guidance page, reminding employers of impor

California Approves Landmark AI Employment Regulations On June 30, 2025, the California Civil Rights Council (“CRC” or “Council”) secured final approval for revisions to Title 2 of the California Code of Regulations, which governs administration of the California Civil Rights Department (CRD). tgelb

After much anticipation, the California Privacy Protection Agency has finalized the regulations on automated decisionmaking technologies (ADMT), risk assessments, and cybersecurity audits pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), with staggered compliance timelines for each set of requ

California employers have long been subject to the state’s Fair Chance Act, which restricts when and how they may consider an applicant’s criminal history. But in 2025, new local laws—especially in Los Angeles County—are adding

TakeawaysCalifornia exempts “the building and construction trades” from its bar on employer discrimination based on an employee’s off-duty use of marijuana.Construction employers may continue to use urine drug testing for marijuana and to take adverse employment actions against applicants and employ

In 2019, California became the first state to pass the CROWN Act —short for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair. This legislation prohibits discrimination based on natural hair textures and protective hairstyles commonly associated with race, such as braids, locs, and twists.