Midway through 2026, employment law changes and updates continue to be constant — and we’re only halfway through the year!
Many California laws take effect on the first of the year, but regulations, local ordinances, court cases and other employment law developments tend to keep HR pros busy all year long. For instance, on July 1, certain local and industry-specific minimum wages increased that affects some employers. Plus, employers need to remember to complete their annual workplace violence prevention requirements and be aware of federal agency actions that may directly impact California employers, among other changes.
Fortunately, CalChamber’s team of employment law experts actively monitor new laws, regulations and court cases and provide up-to-date and comprehensive employment law information to our members.
Our free 2026 Midyear Employment Law Update white paper highlights significant developments so far this year, including:
- Local minimum wage updates;
- Proposed new workplace safety inspection rules and an updated Safety and Health Protection on the Job notice;
- A more aggressive approach to Form I-9 enforcement around technical and substantive violations;
- H-1B Visa updates;
- Federal proposals, opinion letters and developments involving the Fair Labor Standards Act, Family and Medical Leave Act as well as independent contractors; and
- Recent court decisions on reasonable accommodations, retaliation, background checks, worker classification, and meal and rest breaks.
The free 2026 Midyear Employment Law Update white paper is now available to download. CalChamber members can download it here.
CalChamber also offers free white papers on other labor and employment topics like PAGA Reform: What California Employers Need to Do Now and Workplace Violence Prevention for California Employers.
At CalChamber, we’re all about helping California businesses do business. We provide expert guidance and advocacy for California employers so businesses like yours can comply with frequently changing labor laws and thrive in a heavily regulated environment. Not a member? Learn how to power your business with a CalChamber membership.
