2021 will bring new changes to the law that will significantly impact employers. Some of the top changes are highlighted below. There are many more. Contact Lauren Osborne losborne@tldlaw.com for a complimentary copy of our Employment Laws and Trends in 2021 presentation.
- On 1/1 California State minimum wage increased to $14 per hour for employers with 26 or more employees, and to $13 per hour for employers
- In Los Angeles County/City on 7/1/21 minimum wage will increase to $15 per hour
- California Exempt Employees – Salary Basis Test Increases in 2021. Employers with Less than 25 employees annual salary is $54,080 and employees with 26 or more employees annual salary is $58,240
- AB 1687 – Small Employer Family Leave Mediation Pilot Program. Allows small businesses with 5-19 employees, when a dispute arises, to request mediation through the (DFEH) dispute resolution program
- AB 2017 – Expansion of CA Kin Care Sick Leave Law. Revises the current law to clarify that the employee has the right to designate sick leave as kin care – or not – in order to avoid a designation error and unintentional draw down of kin care time when the sick days were actually taken for personal sick leave.
- AB 2992 Expansion on victims of crime leave – Imposes further limitations on current law, from employers from discharging, discriminating, or retaliating against an employee who is a victim of crime or abuse.
- AB 685 – Employer exposure notice. If an employer receives notice of a potential exposure the employer must take the following steps within one-business day: Provide written notice to all employees and visitors who were on the premises at the same worksite as the potentially infected individual within the infectious period. Provide all employees who may have been exposed with information on COVID-19 related benefits to which the employee may be entitled under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
- Notice of disinfection and safety plan that the employer plans to implement and complete per CDC guidelines.
- AB 979 – Boards of Directors Diversity. For Publicly held corporations headquartered in California, must diversify BOD with directors from “underrepresented communities” by December 31, 2021.
- AB 1281 – Extends CCPA Exemption until the end of 2021.
- 2021 Handbook Changes – CFRA for Small Business, Expanded Crime Victim Leave, Expanded Kin Care Leave, COVID-19 Supplement (& IIPP), CCPA, 401(k)/ Cal-Savers, Drug Free Workplace Policy
