New California employment statutes include significant changes that will reshape employment agreements, pay equity compliance, notice practices, data governance, and leave administration. Below we summarize the statutes most likely to affect multi-state and California employers beginning January 1, 2026, highlight near-term implementation steps, and flag forward-looking changes coming in 2027 and beyond.

With advancements in artificial intelligence, the use of algorithmic software has increased across a variety of industries. So too has scrutiny by antitrust agencies, private plaintiffs, and state and local governments across the country.