California’s New Employment Laws for 2025

As a California employee, staying informed about new laws that impact your rights is essential. Every year, legislative updates aim to protect workers like you, ensuring fair treatment, safe environments, and equitable opportunities in the workplace. This year is no exception, with several groundbreaking laws taking effect in 2025. By familiarizing yourself with these changes, you can better understand your rights and how they’re being safeguarded under California law.

Ban on Captive Audience Meetings

SB 399, known as the California Worker Freedom from Employer Intimidation Act, prohibits employers from requiring employees to attend meetings or participate in communications concerning the employer’s opinions on religious or political matters, including union organizing. This law ensures that employees cannot be subjected to adverse actions for choosing not to engage in such meetings, thereby protecting their freedom of association and expression.

Clarification of Anti-Discrimination Protections

SB 1137 explicitly incorporates the concept of “intersectionality” into California’s anti-discrimination laws. This means that discrimination based on a combination of protected characteristics (e.g., race and gender) is expressly prohibited, providing clearer protection for individuals who may face multifaceted discrimination.

Paid Family Leave Enhancement

AB 2123 eliminates the ability of employers to require employees to use accrued vacation leave before accessing California’s Paid Family Leave (PFL) benefits. Starting in 2025, employees can directly utilize PFL benefits without first exhausting their vacation time, offering greater flexibility and support during family or medical leave situations.

Increased Minimum Wage

Effective January 1, 2025, California’s minimum wage will increase from $16.00 to $16.50 per hour for all employers, regardless of size. Additionally, certain cities and counties may have higher local minimum wage rates with which employers must comply.

Ending Subminimum Wages

SB 639 brings an end to the practice of paying subminimum wages to workers with disabilities. Previously, some employers were permitted to pay less than minimum wage under specific programs. This new law ensures that all workers, regardless of disability, receive fair compensation for their work. By eliminating subminimum wages, California reinforces the principle that every worker deserves to be valued equally in the workplace.

Safety During Extreme Weather

Farmworkers now have greater protections under SB 1105, which allows them to take sick leave during dangerous weather conditions, such as extreme heat waves or hazardous air quality days. This law acknowledges the unique risks faced by farmworkers and ensures their health and safety are prioritized, granting them the flexibility to protect themselves without fear of retaliation.

Event Safety Standards

AB 2738 sets new safety standards for events, focusing on protecting both workers and attendees. Employers organizing events must now adhere to stricter safety protocols, ensuring that all staff operate in secure conditions. This law is particularly significant for event coordinators, security personnel, and venue workers, who can now rely on a safer and more structured working environment.

Fair Treatment for Freelancers

Freelancers and independent contractors gain new protections under SB 988, which aims to ensure fair treatment and timely payment for their work. This law addresses common challenges faced by freelancers, such as late payments and unclear contract terms, by establishing stricter guidelines for contracts and payment schedules. With SB 988, freelancers can now work with greater confidence, knowing their rights are protected.

No Unnecessary Driver’s License Requirements

SB 1100 prohibits employers from requiring a driver’s license for positions where driving is not a job-related duty. This law is designed to prevent discrimination against workers who may not have a license due to personal, financial, or legal reasons. By eliminating unnecessary requirements, SB 1100 ensures a more inclusive hiring process and opens doors for a broader range of qualified candidates.

Addressing Food and Medical Deserts

SB 1089 addresses food and medical deserts by encouraging initiatives that improve access to essential resources in underserved areas. While employers are incentivized to support these efforts, the law primarily focuses on collaboration between businesses and local communities to enhance the availability of nutritious food and medical care. By tackling these critical needs, SB 1089 aims to help workers and residents in rural or underserved regions maintain their health and well-being.

California continues to lead the way in protecting its workforce with innovative laws like these. Understanding how these changes impact you is the first step toward ensuring your rights are upheld. If you have questions about your workplace rights or need guidance understanding these new laws, our team at Fraigun Law Group is here to help. Call us today to discuss how we can support you in creating a fair and safe work environment.