{"id":5216,"date":"2026-01-13T19:28:47","date_gmt":"2026-01-13T19:28:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shegerianconniff.com\/?p=5216"},"modified":"2026-01-13T19:28:47","modified_gmt":"2026-01-13T19:28:47","slug":"how-employment-law-firms-are-adapting-to-2026-changes-in-workplace-compliance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shegerianconniff.com\/dev\/how-employment-law-firms-are-adapting-to-2026-changes-in-workplace-compliance\/","title":{"rendered":"How Employment Law Firms Are Adapting to 2026 Changes in Workplace Compliance"},"content":{"rendered":"

Towards the end of 2025 and into 2026, workers received new protections through new and upgraded employment laws<\/a>. It’s the role of employment law firms to help employers navigate their workplace compliance responsibilities and protect workers from unfair or illegal treatment in the workplace.<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether you’re a business owner needing help ensuring compliance with written notices instead of breakroom posters or an employee who believes your rights have been violated, it’s time to take a closer look at the laws and the role of an employment law firm in ensuring compliance through these changes.<\/span><\/p>\n

AI and Algorithmic Auditors Bias<\/span><\/h3>\n

In October 2025, regulations were added under the Fair Employment and Housing Act to protect job applicants and employees from bias in AI and its algorithms. In 2026, additional rules prohibit the use of automated decision-making tools that discriminate based on any protected characteristic, even if that discrimination is accidental or unintentional.<\/span><\/p>\n

Companies that use AI are responsible for the actions of the AI they use, even if they purchase the software from a third-party vendor. Companies must test the products for compliance and disclose what training data is used in generative AI systems. The documents and data must be stored for at least 4 years.<\/span><\/p>\n

Increased Minimum Wage<\/span><\/h3>\n

Effective January 1, 2026, the statewide minimum wage increased to $16.90. However, some employees may qualify for a higher minimum wage. For example, the minimum wage in Los Angeles is $17.87. It’s $17.81 in Los Angeles County (unincorporated). West Hollywood has the highest minimum wage at $20.25.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fast-food workers earn a minimum wage of $20. Some health care workers earn $18 an hour or more, and that amount increases to $25 an hour on June 1, 2033. Health care facilities must pay employees $21 an hour now, $23 an hour starting June 1, 2026, and $25 an hour starting June 1, 2028.<\/span><\/p>\n

AB 250: Support for Survivors of Workplace Sexual Assault Cover-Ups<\/span><\/h3>\n

Under AB 250, both the perpetrator and anyone who helps or attempts to cover up a sexual assault are liable. It also extends the statute of limitations for claims to December 31, 2027, and allows victims to revive claims, such as wrongful termination and sexual harassmen<\/a>t, related to the sexual assault.<\/span><\/p>\n

Suppose you lost your job after reporting a manager for sexual assault, and the CEO fired you in 2023. This new law protects you and allows you to file a wrongful termination claim under the extended statute of limitations.<\/span><\/p>\n

AB 406: Paid Sick Leave for Victims or Family Members of Victims of Violence<\/span><\/h3>\n

Both victims of violence and their family members are entitled to paid sick leave for court appearances and jury service. Starting January 1, 2026, victims and their family members may also take unpaid leave for any court proceedings related to the crime. This includes victims or their family members who need to attend proceedings such as:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n