In 2023 alone, California enacted over 1,000 bills, many of which impacted labor laws, highlighting the state’s commitment to closing workforce gaps. Understanding how the new CA laws affecting the workplace in 2025 will reshape business operations is crucial for all business owners and HR professionals.

From expanded employee protections to updated safety requirements, these legal changes present challenges and opportunities for employers.

Today, we’re taking a closer look into the new California laws that will affect the workplace in 2025, exploring how they will influence compliance, employee management, and overall business strategies.

New CA Laws for 2025

California workplace regulations in 2025 bring significant changes that employers must address. These updates reflect the state’s ongoing effort to improve worker protections, safety standards, and compliance requirements. Business owners will need to adjust their policies to align with these legal updates.

There are three main areas these new laws focus on:

Enhancing employee rights and benefits
Improving workplace safety standards
Increasing employer compliance responsibilities

Enhancing Employee Rights and Benefits

The new laws expand existing rights for employees, such as protections against discrimination and updated wage transparency measures. Employers may need to revise employee handbooks and ensure that their policies reflect these changes. Updates like these aim to create fairer and more inclusive workplaces.

Improving Workplace Safety Standards

The new workplace safety requirements, including more stringent health and hazard protocols, are designed to ensure a safer environment for all employees. Businesses in high-risk industries may need to invest in updated equipment or provide additional training to employees, but these measures are intended to reduce workplace injuries and ensure a safer environment.

Increasing Employer Compliance Responsibilities

Employers must meet stricter reporting and documentation requirements. This includes maintaining accurate employee records and filing necessary reports on time. Obligations like these help the state ensure that businesses adhere to updated laws and treat employees fairly.

New CA Laws Affecting the Workplace in 2025: Legislative Changes

Several significant laws will reshape workplace practices in California starting January 1, 2025. These changes emphasize equity, inclusivity, and employee rights, making it essential for employers to adapt their policies.

Senate Bill 1137

Senate Bill 1137 is a notable update that clarifies anti-discrimination protections. This law explicitly extends protection under the Fair Employment and Housing Act, the Unruh Civil Rights Act, and the Education Code to cover discrimination based on the intersection of multiple protected characteristics.

For example, it ensures that individuals who belong to more than one protected group, such as race and gender, are safeguarded from overlapping biases that affect their work environment.

Employers must ensure their policies and training address these nuanced forms of discrimination.

Assembly Bill 1815

Assembly Bill 1815 expands the legal definition of race in anti-discrimination laws. This includes characteristics historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles like braids, locs, and twists.

This update follows the trend set by the CROWN Act but reinforces the need for employers to eliminate appearance policies that may inadvertently discriminate against employees based on these traits. Reviewing and revising grooming policies will be essential to stay compliant.

Assembly Bill 2499

Assembly Bill 2499 updates laws regarding time off for jury duty, court appearances, and victim-related activities. Employers must now clearly inform employees of their rights to such leave. The law also allows employees to use vacation or paid sick leave during these absences, and employers may request reasonable documentation.

Stronger anti-retaliation provisions mean businesses must handle these requests carefully to avoid legal consequences.

These legislative changes reflect California’s commitment to fostering fairness and inclusivity in the workplace. Employers should take proactive steps to align their practices with these updates, ensuring compliance and maintaining a respectful and equitable environment for all employees.

New Workplace Safety and Wage Laws for 2025

California’s new workplace safety and wage regulations for 2025 bring significant changes to protect employees and ensure fair treatment.

Senate Bill 553

Senate Bill 553 highlights the state’s focus on workplace violence prevention. The law mandates employers to establish comprehensive policies addressing workplace violence, including risk assessments, training for employees and supervisors, and clear response procedures.

The policies must be tailored to specific workplace risks, such as those in healthcare, retail, or other high-risk industries. Employers are also required to maintain detailed records of any incidents, which can be reviewed during inspections.

Businesses should evaluate their current safety protocols to ensure they meet these requirements and provide training that empowers employees to handle potentially violent situations.

Assembly Bill 1023

Assembly Bill 1023 strengthens wage transparency across the state. Under this law, employers must provide clear pay scale information to job applicants and employees upon request. The legislation aims to combat wage gaps and promote equitable pay practices.

Employers will need to standardize their methods for sharing wage information, ensuring that job postings, interviews, and internal communications align with the new transparency requirements. Failure to comply could result in penalties, making this a critical area for businesses to address.

Senate Bill 345

Senate Bill 345 expands protections for employees seeking unpaid wages or filing labor complaints. The law enhances safeguards against employer retaliation and increases penalties for violations.

It also gives employees greater access to remedies if they face retaliation. Employers will need to maintain accurate and transparent payroll records to address wage disputes effectively and avoid legal consequences.

These laws underscore California’s commitment to employee safety and fairness in the workplace. By updating safety plans, improving wage transparency, and proactively addressing labor complaints, businesses can meet their obligations while fostering trust and respect among employees.

Legal Changes in 2025

Staying ahead of new California workplace laws for 2025 is crucial for employers to ensure compliance and foster a supportive environment for their workforce. Navigating these changes effectively requires updating workplace policies, enhancing employee training, and meeting evolving compliance standards. By taking proactive measures, businesses can build stronger, more equitable workplaces while minimizing the risk of legal or operational challenges.

At CA HR Services, we specialize in helping employers adapt to these changes with personalized HR and payroll solutions. Backed by over 200 years of combined expertise, our team provides expert guidance on HR compliance, employee relations, recruiting, and more. We take pride in delivering responsive, professional support tailored to the unique needs of businesses of all sizes.

Let us partner with you to streamline your HR processes and address 2025 workplace changes with confidence. Contact us today to learn how CA HR Services can help you navigate these updates with ease!

Understanding New CA Laws in 2025: Impact on Workplace for Business Owners