New 2026 Labor and Employment Laws

New 2026 Labor and Employment Laws White Paper

After a busy year, the California Legislature sent hundreds of bills to Governor Gavin Newsom to either sign into law or veto. These bills span a wide range of issues, and many new labor- and employment-related laws are taking effect next year — and employers will want to be familiar with them.

These incoming laws touch on a variety of topics, including discrimination, leaves of absence, employment contracts, notice and recordkeeping requirements, collective bargaining, enforcement and more.

Download CalChamber's free "New 2026 Labor and Employment Laws" white paper for a summary of upcoming changes for next year, including:

  • Minimum wage updates;
  • Pay equity and transparency changes;
  • Restrictions on “stay or pay” agreements;
  • Changes to California leaves, including paid sick leave, and Paid Family Leave; and
  • New and revised employee notice and recordkeeping obligations.
 
Published November 20, 2025

About CalChamber

As a not-for-profit, CalChamber is a business advocate and expert HR compliance resource for California employers. Our legislative presence at the State Capitol means we know California employment laws inside and out. We monitor, analyze and report changes as they happen, turning our expertise into products and services that help businesses more easily understand and comply with complex laws and regulations.



 

 

Free White Paper

New 2026 Employment Laws