California Employment Law Update- Bills Signed by the Governor

California is on the cusp of sweeping and transformative changes in state Employment Law, with Governor Gavin Newsom facing a critical deadline of September 30, 2024, to sign or veto a range of legislative proposals passed by the California State Assembly and Senate.

These bills represent some of the most impactful legal reforms the state has seen in years, addressing issues such as employee rights, workplace safety, paid leave, and worker classification. As California continues to lead the nation in progressive employment standards, the outcome of this legislation will undoubtedly shape the future of workplaces across the state.

In this timely and informative webinar, taking place just after Governor Newsom's decisions are finalized, we will provide a deep dive into each of the proposed laws on the Governor’s desk, analyzing their intent, scope, and the practical implications they carry for both employers and employees. We’ll take a comprehensive look at which bills were signed into law and which, if any, were vetoed-giving you the full picture of the evolving legal landscape in real time.

Why should you Attend:
Stay ahead of the curve with expert insights into the latest California Employment Law developments. Learn what changes may be coming and how to prepare your organization to ensure compliance.

In this training, you will learn:

• Overview of the pending legislation
• Which pieces of legislation the Governor signed into law (and which he didn't)
• Key changes affecting California employers
• Compliance strategies for HR and legal teams
• Potential legal risks and how to mitigate them
• Practical guidance on adapting workplace policies

• June 18, 2024 "PAGA Reform Agreement," aimed at fundamentally reforming PAGA
• Assembly Bill ("AB") 1034 - extends PAGA exemption for some construction employers covered by an existing collective bargaining agreement until 2038
• AB 2586 - Requires the University of California system to hire undocumented immigrant students who cannot acquire work permits
• Senate Bill ("SB") 277 - requires state's Employment Development Department to establish a system to provide undocumented people unemployment benefits if they lose their job
• AB 1815 - Prohibits hair discrimination in sports
• SB 1089 - Requires grocery stores and pharmacies to provide workers and the community with at least 45 days' notice if the store is closing
• SB 135- expands the definition of "employment" to additionally include household domestic service performed on a permanent or temporary basis, with exceptions
• SB 2602- forbids employers from using AI-generated digital replicas of performers' work without permission
• AB 2286 - blocks the use of AI in state agency call centers to eliminate jobs
• AB 1777- requires autonomous vehicle (AV) companies to staff emergency phone lines with a human operator to address incidents where AVs are involved in a traffic emergency
• SB 399 - generally limits "captive audience meetings
• AB 2499 - expands employment accommodations for victims of qualifying acts of violence
• SB 1100 - prohibits employers from advertising a position of employment as requiring driver's license unless driving is an essential function of the position
• AB 3234 - requires employers that voluntarily undertake "social compliance audits" for child labor law compliance
• SB 988 - requires employers who hire "freelance workers" to provide a written agreement that sets forth certain terms and requires compensation be paid by certain deadlines
• SB 1022 - extends the statute of limitations to seven (7) years for the California Civil Rights Department to bring "group or class complaints"
• SB 1340 - authorizes local jurisdictions to enforce local employment discrimination laws that are as effective as state law
• SB 1299 - creates a rebuttable presumption that heat-illness is work-related if an agricultural employer fails to comply with existing Cal/OSHA requirements regarding heat illness prevention

• Whether you are an Employer, Human Resources Professional, Supervisor or in-house counsel seeking to create a supportive Workplace culture or an Employee Navigating the Dynamics of all the recent changes to Labor & Employment Law, this class will provide valuable insights and practical guidance