California Employment Law Updates for 2025

California employers must prepare for several new employment laws effective January 1, 2025. These include changes related to forced work meetings, whistleblower protections, intersectionality in anti-discrimination, and new rules on time off for victims of violence. Employers must update policies, provide training, and monitor relevant government websites for compliance. Click here for article.

• Ban on Forced Work Meetings: SB 399 prohibits employers from requiring employees to attend meetings about religious or political matters, prompting a review of mandatory meeting content.

• Whistleblower Protections: AB 2299 requires employers to post a whistleblower rights list created by the Labor Commissioner in prominent locations for employees.

• Intersectionality in Discrimination: SB 1137 adds “intersectionality” as a protected characteristic under anti-discrimination law, requiring updates to discrimination training and policies.

• Time Off for Victims of Violence: AB 2499 extends protections for victims of qualifying acts of violence, requiring employers to offer leave and provide notice of employee protections.