As September 14, 2023, the deadline for the Legislature to pass bills to the Governor, has now passed, an analysis of the employment bills before the Governor for consideration is of interest. Key bills cover topics such as non-compete agreements, Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) protected categories, paid sick leave, California Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (Cal-WARN), and industry-specific requirements.
Non-compete agreements have long been a subject of legal controversy. With varying views and legal interpretations across different states, the introduction of a new bill that pertains to this subject will undoubtedly spark interest amongst professionals in employment law.
The Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) is another area that falls under the microscope with a bill related to protected categories. Striving to ensure equal opportunities for all individuals, any adjustments to these categories can have wide-reaching implications for workplaces nationwide, making it a topic of profound interest.
An additional note is the inclusion of a bill concerning paid sick leave. With the global health crisis having deemphasized the stigmas attached to taking sick time off, revisiting statutory provisions governing paid sick leave seems a logical step.
Also significant is the bill relevant to the California Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (Cal-WARN). An act that requires employers to provide advance notice to workers affected by plant closings and mass layoffs, any updates to Cal-WARN could signify a shift in the state’s approach to worker protections during such significant transitions.
Moreover, bills that deal with industry-specific requirements showcase the legislature’s commitment to recognizing the disparate needs of various sectors. As these can drastically alter the operational and legal landscape of particular industries, monitoring these bills will be essential for legal professionals working within those sectors.
To delve deeper into these legislative updates regarding employment bills, professionals are advised to review this detailed overview provided by Seyfarth Shaw LLP.