California's New Employment Laws for 2016

LEAVES OF ABSENCE

1. School Activities Leave (SB 579): employees have more flexibility to take time off for school or child care related activities

2. National Guard Leave and Protections (AB 583): affects members of the National Guard, of other states, ordered to leave California private employment

DISCRIMINATION AND RETALIATION PROTECTIONS

1. Gender Wage Equality SB 358 (Fair Pay Act): Self explanatory

2. Whistleblower and Anti-Retaliation Protections (AB 1509): extends provisions preventing retaliation against whistleblowing

3. Reasonable Accommodation and Retaliation (AB 987): prohibits retaliation or discriminating against employees requesting accommodation for disability or religious beliefs

4. State Contracts (SB 703): state agencies cannot enter into contracts above $100,000 with contractors who discriminate in benefits based on an employee’s gender identity

WAGE AND HOUR

1. Piece-Rate Employees (AB 1513): new rules for employers with piece-rate employees

2. Wage Garnishment Restrictions (SB 501): reduces prohibited weekly disposable earning amounts garnished pursuant to a withholding order

HIRING

1. Unlawful Use of E-Verify (AB 622): employers cannot improperly use E-Verify systems

2. Grocery Workers (AB 359): when stores change hands, new owners must hire eligible first employer's workers for a 90-day transition period

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION (SB 623): cannot exclude injured workers from benefits based on citizenship or immigration status.