SB 3: Minimum wage
The minimum wage in California goes up by one dollar to $12 an hour for workers at companies with 25 or fewer employees and to $13 an hour for workers at larger companies.
AB 5: Independent workers
Under AB 5, workers would be considered employees and not independent contractors if the employer controls the work, directs them in the course of their work or if the worker's job is part of a company's core business. Note that on December 30, 2019, Uber and Postmates filed a lawsuit claiming that AB 5 is unconstitutional, joining other workers and businesses in challenging the new law.
California courts are currently deciding whether the California Supreme Court decision in
Dynamex Operations West, Inc. v. Superior Court
that lead to the passing of AB 5, should be applied retroactively. In the meantime, employers are urged to audit their practices and seek advice from employment counsel as to whether their independent contractor workers are properly classified in light of the holding in
Dynamex
.
SB 188: Hairstyles
California is now the first state to ban workplace and school discrimination based on a person's natural hairstyle or hair texture. Protected hairstyles include braids, twists and locks.
SB 142: Lactation accommodations
While California has had a law requiring employers to provide breaks for nursing mothers, many were forced to express breast milk in a bathroom stall or office closet. This new law requires companies to provide appropriate lactation accommodations that is close to the employee's work area, has electrical plugs and is free of intrusion.
AB 51: Arbitration agreements
Starting January 1, workers can't be forced into mandatory arbitration by an employer. The law bans mandatory arbitration agreements with employees. The law does not apply to arbitration agreements entered into prior to January 1, 2020.
SB 1343: Sexual harassment
Requires businesses with at least five employees to provide sexual harassment training to its employees within six months of being hired, and every two years after that. The deadline for initial compliance with this law has been extended to January 1, 2021.
SB 83: Paid family leave
New parents will have more time to care for their child. Benefits under Paid Family Leave will increase from six weeks to eight weeks starting on July 1, 2020.
