Economy and Employment

AB 5 - Worker status: employees and independent contractors

The law reclassified some independent contractors as employees in an attempt to provide new protections and benefits for gig-economy workers. However, the ride-sharing service Uber has stated they will not adhere to the change.

SB 3 - Minimum wage: in-home supportive services: paid sick days

The law raises the state's minimum wage to $13 an hour for workplaces with more than 26 employees and to $12 for employers with fewer than 26 employees. The law is part of an incremental increase of the minimum wage, which is scheduled to reach $15 in 2023.

AB 9 - Employment discrimination

The law extends the amount of time employees will have to file complaints about discrimination, harassment, or retaliation with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing from one year to three.

SB 142 - Protection for nursing mothers

Beginning Jan. 1, employers will have to provide a clean and safe lactation room for breastfeeding mothers. Companies will also have to provide access to a sink and a refrigerator in close proximity to the employee's workspace. Employers must also provide breaks specifically for nursing.

SB 188 - Hairstyle discrimination

California is the first state in the nation to pass protections for employees based on hairstyles, such as afros, braids, twists and locks.

SB 1343 - Sexual harassment training

Companies with five or more employees will now be required to provide at least two hours of sexual harassment training within six months of hiring a new employee.

AB 51 - Arbitration agreements

The law bans certain types of mandatory arbitration agreements between employers and applicants.

SB 83 - Extending paid leave

Employees who are taking care of a seriously ill family member or are caring for a new child will now have eight weeks of paid leave available, beginning on July 1, 2020.

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