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In general, once approved by both the state legislature and the state governor, a new bill in California becomes effective on Jan. 1 of the following year (some exceptions are possible for emergency measures and when the bills specifically appoint a different effective date).

This Compliance Bulletin provides an overview of labor and employment laws California adopted throughout 2021. Specific labor and employment updates include the following topics:

• Anti-harassment protections

• Electronic posters and notifications • Employee leave

• Employee wage payment

• Independent contractor classification

• Personal information protections

• Prohibited Discrimination

• Warehousing quotas

• Workplace safety

Important Updates

Electronic Posters and Notices

Employers required to physically post notices may also distribute that information to employees by email with the document or documents attached.

Wage Payment Enforcement

The intentional theft of wages, including gratuities, in an amount greater than $950 from any one employee, or $2,350 in the aggregate from two or more employees, by an employer in any consecutive 12-month period is punishable as grand theft.

Warehousing Quotas

Specified employers are required to provide to each employee defined as a nonexempt employee who works at a warehouse distribution center upon hire or within 30 days of the effective date of these provisions with a written description of each quota to which the employee is subject.

Action Steps

Employers should review these laws and update their employment policies, practices and procedures to remain in compliance. Employers should seek the advice of a knowledgeable legal professional for specific situations and counsel on how to implement required changes. Employers should also continue to monitor California’s Department of Industrial Relations communications for updates on these and additional labor and employment topics.

Please contact Coffman Benefits for more information on these updates and other labor and employment issues at info@coffmanbenefits.com or (949) 409-4411