Mid-Year Checkup

As we approach the second half of 2024, now is the perfect time for a mid-year checkup of changes that may affect your business.

First, a spot check on what should have been implemented January 1:

• Paid Sick Leave (SB 616) – Paid sick leave increased from 24 to 40 hours annually for all employees.

• Reproductive Loss Leave (SB 848) - If you employ 5+ employees you must now provide 5 days of job-protected leave to employees who experience a reproductive loss event. 

• Employment Discrimination: Cannabis Use (SB 700) – You are prohibited from discriminating based on an employee's use of cannabis outside of work and inquiring about an applicant’s prior cannabis use. 

• Expansion of Retaliation Protections (SB 497) - If an employee experiences an adverse employment action within 90 days of participating in a protected activity, there is a presumption that you engaged in retaliation against them.

• Statewide Minimum Wage Increased to $16.00 

• Increased Industry-Specific Minimum Wages (AB 1228 and SB 525) – Minimum wage for fast food employees increased to $20.00 per hour and $25.00 per hour for healthcare professionals.

  
  

Now, are you ready for what goes into effect July 1? 

• Workplace Violence Prevention Program (SB 553) - You will be required to develop a strategy to avoid workplace violence. The strategy must include established standards for injury and sickness prevention programs, training for employees, a process to preserve accurate records of violent events, and more. 

• The Department of Labor’s new overtime regulations - The salary threshold for exemptions will rise from $684.00 per week ($35,568 per week) to $844.00 per week ($43,888 per year). 

  
  

  A consultant is available to assist you if you have questions about these or other updates. Contact a member of our team if you would like to be added to our annual compliance poster distribution list.