With the turn into the new year 2026, several state law changes affect wage and hour compliance, leave administration, onboarding practices, workplace notices, and even discrimination based on the use of artificial...more
On October 1, 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 406 into law, which amends Government Code section 12945.8, Labor Code sections 230.2, 230.5 and 246.5, and reinstates Labor Code sections 230 and...more
The Illinois Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA) provides leave benefits for victims of violent crime, including domestic, sexual, and gender violence. Under the law, leave is also available to employees whose...more
California’s Victims’ Leave law was expanded effective January 1, 2025, under Assembly Bill 2499. These changes imposed new obligations and broadened existing ones....more
A growing number of states require employers to provide safe leave for employees who are victims of violent crimes. Alaska, California, Connecticut, Delaware, and Washington are among the states that mandated leave for crime...more
The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) recently published new guidance in the form of FAQs regarding AB 2499 – the Survivors of Violence and Family Members of Victims Right to Leave and Accommodations law....more
Chicago doesn’t need or want federal troops, Gov. Pritzker says - “Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker pushed back Monday on a threat by President Donald Trump to deploy federal troops in Chicago to fight crime, calling it...more
On July 1, 2025, the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) published a “Survivors of Violence and Family Members of Victims Right to Leave and Accommodations” notice. The CRD also published guidance in the form of...more
Without fanfare, the Department of Justice (DOJ or the Department) has published a memorandum revising its policy on when – and how – it will give credit to companies for fines and other payments made to other agencies,...more
On June 5, 2025, the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) directed prosecutors to prioritize compensating victims when resolving multiagency investigations involving corporate defendants. ...more
Staying up to date with the latest employment laws, amendments, and new statutes is crucial to ensure compliance and avoid costly legal pitfalls. Join us for a discussion on key changes to the employment landscape that demand...more
How often do we assume a victim controls the trajectory of a criminal case? In reality, although a victim may initiate the criminal complaint, their control ends there. Once the complaint is in the hands of the prosecuting...more
California often finds itself at the forefront of labor and employment law, with changes affecting employers each year. This year is no different. In 2025, employers can expect a variety of impactful changes to the...more
The Labor Commissioner’s office recently published an updated version of its Frequently Asked Questions Page for California Paid Sick Leave. Here are some of the highlights of the updates: Agricultural Employees- The...more
The Allen Matkins Labor & Employment Practice provides annual updates to California law on amended discrimination laws, captive audience bans, freelance worker protections, and updated leave requirements....more
The new year provides an excellent opportunity for employers of all sizes to update their employee handbooks and policies to stay compliant with new laws and regulations. This is especially true in California, where...more
On November 5, 2024, Missouri voters approved an amendment to RSMo § 290.502, increasing the state minimum wage in 2025 and 2026. In addition, voters approved earned paid leave that employees can use for their own or their...more
This year, Governor Newsom signed into law various employment bills covering topics such as summary judgment motions, leave laws, independent contractors, and more. These new laws will take effect on January 1, 2025, unless...more
Starting January 1, 2025, California employees impacted by violent crime will have additional protections. Assembly Bill 2499 (AB 2499) was signed in September and amends several California statutes to provide greater...more
Signing off on a busy legislative year, Governor Newsom just confirmed into law over a dozen bills from the California Legislature. As a result, many California employees will begin next year with new and enhanced rights...more
Victims of sexual misconduct often endure overwhelming feelings of betrayal, humiliation, and trauma, especially in cases involving hidden cameras and predatory actions by trusted individuals. Dr. Oumair Aejaz, a Metro...more
Now that the California legislative session is essentially over and Governor Newsom has taken action to either approve or veto all the workplace law bills on his desk, employers can take stock on all the new laws that will...more
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law yesterday that will reframe and expand existing workplace protections for employees who are victims of crime or abuse. The new law redefines who is entitled to...more
On September 29, 2024, the Governor signed Assembly Bill (AB) 2499, expanding the list of crimes for which employees can take time off and allowing employees to take protected time off to assist family members who are victims...more
The controversial new requirement for all in-scope Payment Service Providers (“PSPs”) to reimburse victims of Authorised Push Payment (“APP”) fraud are due to be introduced from 7 October 2024. This is a significant change...more