New Employment Laws for 2017

By Michael S. Kalt and David J. Duchrow¹

Michael S. Kalt is a partner at Wilson Turner Kosmo LLP in San Diego, and represents employers against discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wage and hour claims. David J. Duchrow is a principal in the Law Office of David J. Duchrow in Santa Monica, and represents employees, including in union and public sector matters.

California continues to lead the nation in many categories, including having the most new employment laws of any state annually. Its recently concluded 2016 legislative session appears to have been no exception. Thus, a new year once again brings many new employment laws for employers to consider, although arguably nothing quite as dramatic as the Paid Sick Leave law (AB 1522) enacted in 2014. Discussed below are the new laws of general application for California employers, followed by those particularly applicable to public sector or unionized employers. Unless otherwise indicated, each takes effect January 1, 2017.

NEW GENERALLY APPLICABLE LAWS