Navigate California Employment Law

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Guide to Miscellaneous California Leave Laws

California law mandates a wide range of employee leave protections beyond CFRA and Paid Sick Leave. This guide covers key miscellaneous leaves — including jury duty, military, voting, bereavement, and more — helping employers stay compliant and informed.

The NLRA and Non-Union Employers

The NLRA applies to nearly all private-sector employers, not just unionized ones. Employees have the right to engage in “protected concerted activity,” including discussing pay, safety, and workplace conditions. Learn how recent NLRB rulings, like Stericycle, affect employer policies and compliance.

Navigating Employee Leave in California

California employers face some of the nation’s most complex employee leave laws. From FMLA and CFRA to Pregnancy Disability Leave and Paid Family Leave, even small compliance mistakes can lead to costly penalties. Learn the key requirements and best practices to protect your business.

2026 California Legal Updates

Resources

SB 513: Expansion of Personnel Record Requirements

SB 513 significantly expands California employers’ personnel record obligations by adding education and training records to the documents employees may inspect. With no statutory definition provided, employers must take a broad approach to compliance. This article explains the new requirements and outlines practical steps to update training documentation, recordkeeping, and personnel file policies.

2026 California Employment Law Update

California’s 2026 employment laws introduce significant new obligations affecting HR, compliance, and day-to-day workforce management. This overview highlights the most impactful changes employers need to prepare for ahead of the new year.

California Wage & Hour

Resources

California Travel Time and Compensable Work Time

California’s wage and hour laws are stricter than federal standards when it comes to travel and compensable work time. Employers must pay for nearly all time employees are under their control, including travel, waiting, and on-call time. Learn how to stay compliant and avoid costly claims.

California Wage and Hour Laws

California’s wage and hour laws go far beyond federal requirements. From minimum wage to complex overtime calculations and local ordinances, this guide helps employers understand and comply with the rules to avoid costly penalties and legal exposure.

Commission-Only Pay in California

In California, commission-only pay is generally unlawful unless strict exemptions apply. Employers must ensure workers still receive minimum wage, overtime, and meal and rest break protections. Learn when commission-only pay is allowed and how to create compliant compensation structures.

California Meal and Rest Break Laws

California’s meal and rest break laws are among the strictest in the country. Employers must follow specific timing, documentation, and compensation rules, or face serious legal exposure. This guide covers key requirements, common mistakes, and how to stay compliant.

California Vacation and PTO Rules

California employers must navigate strict rules around vacation and PTO policies. From mandatory payouts at termination to restrictions on “use-it-or-lose-it” policies, this guide outlines key compliance requirements and practical tips to help businesses avoid legal pitfalls.

California Leave

Resources

California Paid Sick Leave

California’s Paid Sick Leave law saw major updates in 2024, expanding employee rights and increasing employer obligations. This article breaks down key changes, including new accrual and carryover rules, front-loading options, and compliance tips to help businesses avoid penalties.

Navigating Employee Leave in California

Drugs in the Workplace

Resources

California Marijuana Laws

California’s new marijuana law limits how employers can address off-duty cannabis use. As of 2024, testing for past marijuana use is no longer a lawful basis for employment decisions. Employers can still act on actual on-the-job impairment, but policies must be updated to reflect the new legal standards.

California Drug Testing Laws

California employers must navigate strict privacy protections when implementing workplace drug testing. While pre-employment testing is generally allowed, random testing is mostly prohibited, and marijuana use is protected. Learn the legal limits, best practices, and how to maintain a compliant drug testing policy.

Navigate California Employment Law

2026 California Legal Updates

California Wage & Hour

California Leave

Drugs in the Workplace

Chapman Legal, PLLC

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