HRCalifornia Now News and Analysis

California and federal employment law, explained in plain language by the experts who track it.

2026 Midyear Employment Law Update

HRCalifornia NowJune 25, 2026

We are halfway through 2026, which is a good time for employers to review this year’s notable employment law developments and make sure their policies and practices remain up to date.

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Drug Testing Existing Employees: What California Employers Should Know

HRCalifornia NowJuly 9, 2026

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Stay ahead of what’s changing in California employment law

Browse articles on the latest labor and employment law developments.

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Annual Reporting Form for San Francisco Employers Due May 1, 2026

San Francisco’s annual reporting season is here once again! By May 1, 2026, employers covered by San Francisco’s Health Care Security Ordinance (HCSO) and/or Fair Chance Ordinance (FCO) are required to submit their 2025 Annual Reporting Form to the San Francisco Office of Labor Standards Enforcement (OLSE), where they can also access the reporting form and instructions.

HRCaliforniaarticle

April 1, 2026

Clean Energy Leaders Unite Behind Building an Affordable California Act

A broad coalition of clean energy and climate leaders today announced their support for the Building a More Affordable California Act (Affordable CA), a statewide ballot measure designed to speed up delivery of critical infrastructure—including clean energy and climate projects—while lowering costs for Californians and keeping strong environmental protections in place.

HRCaliforniaAdvocacyarticle

March 27, 2026

Conducting Workplace Investigations Guide for Effective Workforce Management

One day, an employee approaches you and asks, “Do you have a minute to talk with me about a problem I am having here?” And just like that, without any warning, an employee may raise a workplace issue that will require your organization to respond with an impartial and timely workplace investigation.

HRCaliforniahrca-extra

March 26, 2026

Criminal Background Checks: Ensuring a Fair Chance

California has rigid rules governing the use of criminal background checks, including California’s Fair Chance Act (FCA). The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) strictly enforces those laws, which protect applicants with criminal histories from discrimination, because as their Criminal History and Employment Fact Sheet explains, these applicants need access to job opportunities to support themselves and their families, improve their community ties and create opportunities for independence.

HRCaliforniahrca-extra

March 26, 2026

From the Experts: Volunteer Firefighters: Law Provides Protected Leave, No Time Limit

I have an employee who is a volunteer firefighter. In the last few years, with the increase in California wildfires, he has been taking more and more time off from work. When he leaves, I get little or no advance notice, and I get almost no notice of when he is going to return. He has been promoted to a position with a great deal of responsibility, and these absences are putting a strain on my business. Is there any law that limits how much time away he can take for firefighting, and can I require that he give me a certain amount of advance notice when he is going to be taking the time off?

HRCaliforniaarticle

March 26, 2026

California’s Workplace Know Your Rights Act Deadline Approaching: What Employers Must Do

Remember, under California’s new Workplace Know Your Rights Act, employers have until March 30, 2026, to provide their employees with the opportunity to designate emergency contacts.

HRCaliforniaarticle

March 25, 2026

CalChamber Releases 2026 Affordability Agenda

The California Chamber of Commerce this week released its annual Affordability Agenda, highlighting legislation that will either help businesses and consumers by cutting costs or will drive up costs despite the state’s high cost of living.

HRCaliforniaAdvocacyarticle

March 20, 2026

Employers Need to Protect Workers as Heat Advisory in Effect

A heat advisory in March? This is Northern California’s first heat advisory ever issued this early. This week, in Northern California, high temperatures are expected to range between 84 and 94 degrees, while some areas in Southern California might see temperatures as high as 104. And while the calendar says it’s still technically winter, many employers will need to implement high-heat measures to protect workers from heat illness.

HRCaliforniaarticle

March 18, 2026

Costa Mesa Adopts Self-Checkout Staffing Ordinance

On February 17, 2026, the City of Costa Mesa adopted a new ordinance implementing self-service checkout staffing requirements in certain retail settings. The ordinance will take effect on April 28, 2026 — 60 days from when it was adopted.

HRCaliforniaarticle

March 17, 2026

Register Now to Confidently Navigate California Leaves of Absence Laws

In California, employees have the right to take protected leaves of absence under a complex web of leave laws. From medical and family leaves to bereavement and reproductive loss leave, managing these requests can be challenging — especially as legal requirements continue to evolve. On March 26–27, 2026, CalChamber’s Leaves of Absence virtual seminar will help employers better understand these rules and confidently manage employee leave requests.

HRCaliforniaarticle

March 16, 2026

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Workplace: Policy Considerations and Best Practices

Artificial intelligence (AI) systems are receiving a lot of attention these days — and for good reasons. These tools are intuitive, can help increase productivity and efficiency, and even facilitate creativity and innovation. With their ease of use and benefits for businesses, it’s not surprising that employers are increasingly incorporating various AI systems — including generative AI tools, automated decision systems, predictive tools and others — in the workplace.

HRCaliforniahrca-extra

March 12, 2026

Workplace Gambling, Distractions During March Madness

The 2026 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s basketball tournament, aka “March Madness,” — one of the most exciting sports events of the year that involves millions of both die-hard and casual fans — kicks off on March 17 with the “First Four” games being played.

HRCaliforniahrca-extra

March 12, 2026

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HRCalifornia Now News and Analysis

2026 Midyear Employment Law Update

Drug Testing Existing Employees: What California Employers Should Know

Stay ahead of what’s changing in California employment law

Annual Reporting Form for San Francisco Employers Due May 1, 2026

Clean Energy Leaders Unite Behind Building an Affordable California Act

Conducting Workplace Investigations Guide for Effective Workforce Management

Criminal Background Checks: Ensuring a Fair Chance

From the Experts: Volunteer Firefighters: Law Provides Protected Leave, No Time Limit

California’s Workplace Know Your Rights Act Deadline Approaching: What Employers Must Do

CalChamber Releases 2026 Affordability Agenda

Employers Need to Protect Workers as Heat Advisory in Effect

Costa Mesa Adopts Self-Checkout Staffing Ordinance

Register Now to Confidently Navigate California Leaves of Absence Laws

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Workplace: Policy Considerations and Best Practices

Workplace Gambling, Distractions During March Madness

Get new HRCalifornia Now articles in your inbox.

Expert Workplace Commentary

Ready to stop guessing?

Stay ahead of what’s changing in California employment law

Annual Reporting Form for San Francisco Employers Due May 1, 2026

Clean Energy Leaders Unite Behind Building an Affordable California Act

Conducting Workplace Investigations Guide for Effective Workforce Management

Criminal Background Checks: Ensuring a Fair Chance

From the Experts: Volunteer Firefighters: Law Provides Protected Leave, No Time Limit

California’s Workplace Know Your Rights Act Deadline Approaching: What Employers Must Do

CalChamber Releases 2026 Affordability Agenda

Employers Need to Protect Workers as Heat Advisory in Effect

Costa Mesa Adopts Self-Checkout Staffing Ordinance

Register Now to Confidently Navigate California Leaves of Absence Laws

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Workplace: Policy Considerations and Best Practices

Workplace Gambling, Distractions During March Madness