In 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom signed more than a dozen bills that significantly expand and reform employer obligations in California. These new laws create additional workplace rights notices, broaden leave and rehiring protections, expand personnel file and pay reporting requirements, and alter wage and hour, independent contractor, website, and labor relations rules—most taking effect in 2026, with some provisions extending into 2027 and beyond.
Below is a high-level summary of the key 2026 developments affecting California employers. For a more comprehensive review of these new statutes and recent court decisions taking effect in the new year, we encourage you to register for our complimentary December 10 webinar, “New California Employment Laws & Developments for 2026,” presented by CDF partners Todd Wulffson and Alessandra Whipple. Register HERE to reserve your spot.
Starting on February 1, 2026, employers must provide employees with an annual written Workplace Know Your Rights Act Notice. A template notice will be released by the Labor Commissioner by January 1, 2026 with educational videos to be published by July 1, 2026.
Required Notice Content
The notice must clearly explain workers’ rights related to:
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