Throughout October 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed multiple employment-related Bills into law. These new measures address a wide range of workplace-related matters, including regulations aimed at the use of artificial intelligence, updates on paid leave, and amendments to mediation procedures. While some of these Bills will be subject to legal challenges that delay or block their application, many took effect immediately or will become effective on January 1, 2026. Accordingly, California employers are encouraged to begin updating policies, training programs, and internal templates to ensure compliance with these requirements.
AB 692, signed into law on October 13, 2025, makes it unlawful for California employers to include specified provisions in any employment contract entered into on or after January 1, 2026. Specifically, AB 692 prohibits any term that would require the worker to pay an employer, training provider, or debt collector for a debt if the worker’s employment or work relationship terminates. Exceptions exist for certain agreements, including those involving discretionary bonuses or relocation payments, provided they meet set criteria, including: (1) repayment terms must be in a separate agreement from the primary employment contract; (2) the worker must be advised of the right to consult an attorney and given at least 5...
A page of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website was changed to include a false claim about autism and vaccines. Multiple CDC officials familiar with the situation said the change...