2026 California Employment Law Updates
Summary
California’s employment laws continue to evolve rapidly, and 2026 brings a wide range of changes that will affect how businesses manage pay, policies, and day-to-day HR operations. New minimum wage and salary threshold increases, expanded notice and recordkeeping requirements, stronger enforcement provisions, and additional employee protections are all taking effect across the state. Many of these updates apply automatically, while others depend on city, industry, or workforce size—making it more challenging for business owners to keep track of what applies to their organization.
This overview highlights the most important California employment law updates for 2026, with a focus on what employers need to know and where common risks arise. While the rules themselves can be technical, the impact is practical: payroll systems may need adjustments, policies and postings may require updates, managers may need training, and compliance processes may need to be revisited. Understanding these changes early gives business owners the opportunity to plan, avoid costly mistakes, and put the right systems and support in place before enforcement deadlines arrive.