California’s legislative landscape for 2025 is marked by significant new laws impacting a variety of sectors, from worker protection and privacy to the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence (AI). These changes, which took effect on January 1, 2025, include crucial updates aimed at shaping the future of labor, employment practices, and technology regulation.
Key Changes in Employment Law
Ban on Mandatory Employer-Sponsored Meetings
Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 399, prohibiting employers from compelling employees to attend meetings discussing political or religious topics. This new law, part of the California Worker Freedom from Employer Intimidation Act, ensures employees are not forced to participate in employer-led discussions on political parties, elections, or union matters.
AI Regulations and Employee Privacy Protection
With over 35 AI-related bills introduced, the California legislature has laid the groundwork for robust regulations. Assembly Bill 2885 defines AI, while Assembly Bill 2602 prohibits employers from using an employee’s voice or likeness through AI without consent. Additionally, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) has been updated with new provisions, including the addition of “neural data” as a category of sensitive personal information.
Expanded Discrimination Protections
The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) now explicitly includes intersectionality in its discrimination protections. Senate Bill 1137 clarifies that any combination of protected characteristics is covered under the law, while Assembly Bill 1815 broadens the definition of “race” to include hair texture and protective hairstyles, impacting workplace dress codes.
Workplace Safety Enhancements
The introduction of new laws such as Assembly Bill 1976 mandates employers to carry Narcan in their first-aid kits to address opioid overdoses. Similarly, Assembly Bill 2975 requires hospitals to implement weapons detection policies. Cal/OSHA regulations will also expand to cover domestic services, providing protections for workers in home health care, cleaning, and caregiving roles.
Paid Leave and Whistleblower Protections
Assembly Bill 2499 and Senate Bill 1105 expand the use of paid sick leave and paid family leave for employees dealing with violence or emergencies, while Assembly Bill 2299 strengthens protections for whistleblowers by requiring employers to post information about employee rights prominently.
Independent Contractor Protections
The new Freelance Worker Protection Act (Senate Bill 988) introduces minimum contract requirements and guarantees for freelance workers, ensuring timely payments and clear terms for services rendered.
Child Labor Compliance Audits
Assembly Bill 3234 mandates that employers voluntarily conduct social compliance audits to ensure they are not involved in child labor, publishing the results publicly.
The 2025-2026 Legislative Session
As California lawmakers shift focus to the 2025-2026 legislative session, a new rule will limit the number of bills introduced, allowing legislators to concentrate on high-impact legislation. AI and tech-related bills continue to be at the forefront, with new bills like Senate Bill 7 and Senate Bill 11 addressing AI’s role in employment and privacy, as well as establishing legal guidelines for AI-generated content and impersonation.
Conclusion
With numerous laws impacting employment, privacy, and safety, employers in California must review their policies and stay informed of new compliance requirements. The evolving landscape of technology regulation, particularly regarding AI, will also demand close attention as California continues to lead the charge in innovation and worker protection.
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