Federal Court Largely Suspends California’s New Labor Law
On December 26, 2025, a federal court temporarily blocked major provisions of a new California labor law that would have given the California Public Employment…
New 2026 Employment Laws Reminder
Happy New Year! 2026 is here, and California employers know what that means — new employment laws just took effect. Here’s a quick reminder of…
Reflecting on 2025, Preparing for 2026! Happy Holidays!
Behind the scenes, we’re busy preparing for the new 2026 employment laws starting on January 1, so HRWatchdog will be taking a break until the…
Employers’ Obligations Under the Workplace Know Your Rights Act
In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber General Counsel, Labor and Employment Bianca Saad and CalChamber Associate General Counsel, Labor and Employment Matthew Roberts…
Doctor’s Note Not a Requirement for Using Paid Sick Leave
Can I require a doctor’s note after an employee has been out sick for three consecutive days? The answer to this question depends on whether…
Tax Deductions for Tips, Overtime Under One Big, Beautiful Bill Act
Known as the One Big, Beautiful Bill Act, H.R. 1 brought numerous federal law changes, mainly to federal tax law, when it was signed on…
Deductions from Employee Wages Not Allowed Except in Limited Cases
One of our employees is continually short on their cash drawer. Can we deduct the shortage from the employee’s tips if the employee agrees to…
2026 Social Security Taxable Wage Base, California SDI Withholding Rate Increase
On January 1, 2026, both the Social Security taxable wage base and California’s state disability insurance (SDI) withholding rate will increase. For 2026, the federal…
Who Is a Volunteer? Best Practices for Adult, Minor Volunteers
We are a nonprofit organization and have an on-site library staffed by volunteers. We want to invite youth/minors to volunteer for these roles as well….
California’s 2026 Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Rates
On January 1, 2026, the minimum and maximum temporary total disability (TTD) rates will increase, according to the California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC). These…
