In his first legislative season, California Governor Jerry Brown has signed into law 22 employment-related bills. All but one go into effect on January 1, 2012. The most significant changes are summarized as follows.

Wage Theft Prevention Act – AB 469; Fines for Incorrect Use of the Independent Contractor Classification – SB 459; Paid Leave for Organ or Bone Marrow Donation – SB 1304; New Medical Insurance Requirements During Pregnancy Leave – AB 592; Health Insurers May Not Discriminate Against Registered Domestic Partners – SB 757; Gender Identity and Gender Expression Identified As Protected Classes – AB 887; Discrimination Based on Genetic Information Is Now Prohibited – SB 559; Use of Background Checks Limited for Most Jobs – AB 22; and, All Commissioned Employees Must Have Written Agreements – AB 1396.

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