Work and business
68 upcoming changes, soonest first.
October 2026 2
Softwood lumber imports measured by net size pay a higher board-feet assessment rate
The lumber promotion assessment stays $0.41 per thousand board feet on nominal size, and lumber reported by net size, common for European imports, now pays $0.62. The Softwood Lumber Board gains a seat for the U.S. South, going from 15 to 16 members.
Railroads must file export cargo manifests electronically before trains leave the country
Export manifest data for every train leaving the U.S. must go to Customs and Border Protection electronically through its ACE system, not on paper: seven items at least 24 hours before departure, the rest two hours before. Enforcement starts a year later.
November 2026 3
Agencies may refuse to let workers on deferred-resignation leave take back a resignation
The Office of Personnel Management writes into its rules that agencies may give paid administrative leave to employees in deferred resignation programs and during layoff notice periods, matching current policy. Accepting deferred-resignation benefits becomes a valid reason to deny withdrawing a resignation.
Export licenses for civilian gun silencers move from the State Department to Commerce
Silencers and suppressors for non-automatic and semi-automatic firearms join the Commerce Control List, so exports need Commerce Department approval or a license exception instead of State Department arms licenses. Travelers can take them abroad under the baggage exception for personal firearms.
State Department takes silencers for non-automatic guns off the U.S. Munitions List
Silencers, mufflers and suppressors for non-automatic and semi-automatic firearms leave the U.S. Munitions List, so their exports no longer fall under the State Department's arms export rules and move to Commerce Department controls. Suppressors built for fully automatic guns stay on the list.
January 2027 54
Alcohol makers may offer tastes as part of market research studies
Licensed wineries, breweries, distillers and rectifiers may give people tastes of their drinks in a real market research study of taste, smell and similar traits. Participants get only as many samples as needed to form an opinion, and retail or wholesale staff can't take part.
Alcohol suppliers can restock store shelves with wine and spirits in bottles up to 500 ml
Beer, wine and spirits suppliers can pull their own ready-to-drink wine and spirits in containers of 500 milliliters or less from a store's back room to restock shelves. Before, only single-serve sizes counted: 50 to 355 milliliters for spirits and 187 to 355 for wine.
Alcohol suppliers must charge retailers late fees after 30 days, not 42
Suppliers unpaid 30 days after delivering beer, wine or spirits to a retailer must charge 1% of the balance on day 32, then 1% every 30 days, replacing the old 42-day trigger. Beer may be brewed from grains other than barley.
Architecture candidates who pass one exam part can use the title architect-in-training
Candidates for an architect license who have passed at least one exam division can apply to the state architects board to use the title architect-in-training for up to four years, under a supervising licensed architect. They can't offer architecture services on their own.
Ban on immigration threats against workers widens and adds a $10,000 penalty
Employers and others may not use real or perceived immigration status to retaliate against or discourage anyone from using any local, state or federal workplace right, not only state ones. Violators owe up to $10,000 per worker per violation, paid to the worker.
Bereavement leave covers a person the worker names, not only close relatives
Workers may take up to five days of bereavement leave for the death of a designated person: someone related by blood or as close as family, named when they ask for leave. Employers may limit this to one designated person per 12 months.
Billboards banned beside planted freeway stretches may be moved instead of bought out
Billboards barred next to freeway stretches with trees and plantings may be removed with compensation or relocated without it. Caltrans may not delay permit reviews for signs on newly opened highway stretches, and must permit relocated signs without making agencies pay compensation.
Blood test reporting rules for pesticide handlers kept for three more years
Rules on cholinesterase blood tests for workers who regularly handle pesticides were set to expire and now stay in force. Labs keep reporting results to the state, and medical supervisors keep reporting workers with signs of pesticide exposure to local health officers within 24 hours.
CSU design-build contractors must commit to a skilled and trained workforce
A contractor cannot be prequalified, shortlisted or awarded a California State University design-build contract without an enforceable commitment that it and all subcontractors use a skilled and trained workforce for building trades work. Housing projects and work under project labor agreements are exempt.
Chemical mixtures with 70% or less GBL no longer need a state permit
Mixtures containing 70 percent or less GBL, a solvent used in chip making, are exempt from the state Justice Department permit and reporting rules for listed chemicals. They are also exempt from bill of sale rules when GBL is the only reason those rules apply.
Cities and counties must allow pop-up shops for up to 120 days in commercial spaces
Cities and counties must let small pop-up businesses operate for up to 120 days in eligible commercial buildings without meeting every permanent occupancy standard, as long as they follow temporary-use safety rules. Pop-ups approved for limited food preparation count as food facilities.
Claim resolution rules for public works contractors no longer expire
The process that makes public agencies review a contractor's claim on a public works project and answer in writing within 45 days, with mediation for disputes, was due to expire. It now continues with no end date.
Companies filing federal merger notices must also send a copy to California's Attorney General
Companies that file a federal Hart-Scott-Rodino premerger notice must file a copy with the California Attorney General within one business day if they are based in California or have California sales of at least 20% of the federal threshold. Fines reach $25,000 a day.
Contractors' state tax payment plans must be in writing to avoid license suspension
Contractors with unpaid final tax debts to the state tax and fee department or the old Board of Equalization avoid license refusal or suspension only under a written installment agreement they follow. License applications must also authorize the department to share tax data.
Deed limits that block a grocery store where one closed become void
Covenants and leases barring grocery use of a property where a grocery store closed are void against an interested party once an approved modification document is recorded. New restrictions like that are banned, with exceptions such as exclusive-use clauses while another grocery operates there.
Displaced oil and gas worker grant program no longer has an end date
The Displaced Oil and Gas Worker Pilot Program, which gives grants to groups helping people leaving oil, gas and related jobs, was set to end and now continues with no end date, but runs only if the Legislature funds it.
Doctors can't charge a fee to fill out state disability insurance forms
Physicians and other practitioners may no longer charge an administrative fee to complete the medical certificate for a state disability insurance claim, or for recertification exams and forms. They can still bill for medical care and collect copays, coinsurance and deductibles.
Electricians who fail the certification exam can apply to retest right away
Electricians who fail the state certification exam can apply to retake it right away and test again 21 days after approval. If the Legislature funds it, electrician certification moves from the state labor standards division to the Contractors State License Board.
Employers can get one workplace violence order covering all workers at a site
An employer may seek a workplace violence restraining order for all employees at a workplace or work location when harassment, violence or a credible threat is aimed at that place, without naming each worker in the petition.
Employers can't use AI surveillance to read workers' emotions or collect neural data
Employers, public agencies included, may not use AI workplace surveillance tools to recognize or predict workers' emotions or to collect neural data. The Labor Commissioner and prosecutors can enforce it, with penalties up to $500 per violation; some aerospace and defense work is exempt.
Employers may not monitor workers in workplace bathrooms
Employers may not use surveillance tools to monitor employees in workplace bathrooms, and workers may leave tracking devices behind when they go in, with exceptions such as ID badges without audio, video or AI. The Labor Commissioner enforces, with penalties up to $500 per violation.
Every state ban on sex discrimination covers gender identity, pregnancy and stereotypes
Any California law that bans discrimination based on sex or gender must be read to cover sex stereotypes, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, intersex traits, and pregnancy, including abortion and contraception decisions. Lawmakers say this restates rights that already exist.
Farm labor contractors must post surety bonds twice as large to get a license
Bonds required for a farm labor contractor license double to $50,000, $100,000 or $150,000 depending on payroll, up from $25,000, $50,000 and $75,000. Civil penalties of $100 per worker plus $100 a day now also reach licensed contractors who break the rules.
Firefighters disabled by pregnancy or childbirth get up to 26 weeks of full paid leave
Local fire departments, Cal State, Cal Fire and county fire units must give firefighters disabled by pregnancy, childbirth or a related condition up to 26 weeks of leave at full pay, with benefits and their job kept. It covers those with 1,250 hours in the past year.
Grant program for women in construction apprenticeships, if lawmakers fund it
If the Legislature funds it, the state Department of Industrial Relations must create a grant program, run by its apprenticeship division, to widen access to registered construction preapprenticeship and apprenticeship programs for women, nonbinary people and other underrepresented groups.
Large employers' pay data reports expand from 10 job categories to 23
Private employers with 100 or more workers must sort employees into 23 job categories instead of 10 in their annual pay data report to the Civil Rights Department. Demographic data gathered for the report must be kept apart from personnel records.
Limits on local bans of solar-powered security fences no longer expire
The rule that cities and counties can't ban low-voltage, solar battery-powered electric security fences on industrial and commercial storage lots no longer has an end date. A planned switch to a rule allowing local bans is repealed.
Mass layoff notices must say when AI or automation is replacing the jobs
Employers giving Cal/WARN mass layoff notices for cuts caused largely by AI or automation must list the jobs affected, the job functions being automated and the type of technology, and label it a technology displacement. The state jobs agency posts summaries of these notices.
More resellers must report secondhand goods to the state database
Secondhand dealer rules now cover anyone in the business of buying, selling or pawning used goods, not only those for whom it is the main business, and cover more kinds of items. Coin dealers and goods from nonprofits or bulk donations are excluded.
Obstructing a state workplace safety investigation becomes a misdemeanor
Willfully blocking or interfering with state workplace safety inspectors becomes a misdemeanor. A willful safety violation that causes a serious injury, illness or exposure, not only death or lasting harm, is now a crime, and police and fire agencies must report serious workplace accidents to the district attorney.
Occupational therapy board continues and its limited permit fee is capped at $125
The state occupational therapy board, which was set to end, continues and must meet at least three times a year. Its limited permit fee is capped at $125, and license holders and applicants with an email address must give it to the board.
Only certain licensed contractors may remove hazardous disaster debris
After a declared disaster, only general engineering, general building, earthwork, demolition and (for tree work only) tree contractors may remove debris with hazardous materials, including ash and muck out. They must pass a hazardous substance exam and follow state hazardous waste work rules.
Partnerships and LLCs running salons need a license, and apprentice sponsors need approval
Partnerships and LLCs that run barbershops or salons must get an establishment license, and a corporation or LLC not in good standing with the Secretary of State has its license suspended. Apprenticeship sponsors need board approval and may charge only for textbooks and basic equipment.
Penalties rise for public works contractors who shortchange workers
The top penalty for underpaying prevailing wages on public works rises to $280 per worker per day, with other penalties also raised, and the yearly contractor registration fee cap goes from $800 to $1,000. Penalties collected go to a fund for state enforcement staff.
Penalty for employers who again fail to file pay data reports rises to $1,000 per worker
The civil penalty for a repeat failure to file the state pay data report rises from up to $200 to up to $1,000 per employee. The Civil Rights Department must also publish each year how many pay data reports were filed.
Physical therapy board continues and some license fees rise
The state physical therapy board, which was set to end, continues. Some fees and caps rise, with renewal at $300 and a $600 cap, and the board may not hear reinstatement petitions from registered sex offenders unless the registration stems only from a misdemeanor.
Public agencies can withhold no more than 5% from architect and engineer payments
On design-bid-build contracts signed directly with architecture or engineering firms, public agencies may hold back no more than 5% of each payment as retention, unless a complex project justifies more. Retention must be released within 60 days after the firm finishes its services.
Public works bidders must disclose wage violations from the past five years
Contractors bidding on local public works must disclose any final wage and hour violations from the past five years, with proof they were resolved, or risk disqualification. Local agencies must offer an appeal. Projects with labor agreements or prequalification are exempt.
Renewing notaries must pass the written exam and may sign with an electronic signature
Notaries seeking reappointment must pass the state written exam as well as the refresher course, and may sign certificates, oaths and affidavits with a protected electronic signature that matches their handwritten one. The permit fee for notary seal makers is set at $100.
Retailers can hire certified architects or engineers to speed up remodel permits
For interior remodels in existing retail stores, local building departments must let the applicant pay a licensed architect or engineer to certify the plans meet code, and must approve or deny a complete application within 20 business days. Restaurants and fast food are excluded.
Rideshare driver union cases can be appealed to state appeals courts
Parties to an unfair practice case under the rideshare driver bargaining law can ask a state court of appeal to review the labor board's final decision within 30 days. After that, the board can go to court to enforce its orders.
Security guards may take skills training before their registration is issued
Security guard and proprietary security officer applicants who have finished the arrest and use-of-force course may now complete their security officer skills training before their registration is issued. Before, that training came after registration, within six months.
State grants for small business help centers get new eligibility and reporting rules
Small business technical assistance centers backed by a nonstate funding partner can qualify for state grants under one uniform set of rules, and centers with the same funder can apply together through one fiscal agent. All grantees follow the same performance metrics and reporting.
State job training grants favor groups run jointly by employers and unions
When the California Workforce Development Board awards high road training partnership grants, it must give a scoring preference to labor-management cooperation committees and to applicants working with one under written authorization. The board sets the size of the preference.
State must bargain toward Cal Fire pay within 15% of 20 comparable fire departments
The state must bargain in good faith with rank-and-file Cal Fire firefighters to bring pay within 15% of the average for matching ranks at 20 California fire departments chosen with the union. No raise is automatic; any increase must come through a union contract.
State must issue standard workers' comp medical evaluator report and request forms
The Division of Workers' Compensation must create a template report form for qualified medical evaluators and a standard form for parties to send information to a panel evaluator before an exam, with regulations in effect. Using the template does not prove a report is complete.
Stay-or-pay contract ban delayed a year, with exceptions for bonuses and advance leave
The ban on job contracts that make workers repay debts or costs when they leave applies only to contracts signed a year later than first set, with no liability for the gap. New exceptions cover retention bonuses, advanced paid time off and some broker-dealer contracts.
Subcontractors on state contracts can ask the agency whether the prime contractor was paid
A subcontractor or supplier on a state contract can ask the awarding state agency about the payment status of the prime contractor's invoices, and the prime contractor must confirm its payments to subcontractors when the agency asks.
Unionized stationary engineers can follow contract meal break rules instead of state law
Stationary engineers who do building maintenance join utility, construction and security workers exempt from state meal period rules when a union contract sets meal periods, binding arbitration, overtime premiums and pay at least 30% above minimum wage.
Vets can count both self-study and free spay and neuter work toward renewal hours
Veterinarians and registered veterinary technicians renewing a license can now use both self-study courses and free spay or neuter work for shelters toward required continuing education, up to 6 and 4 hours for vets and 4 and 2 hours for technicians.
Workers' comp disability payments can keep going onto prepaid cards
Employers may keep paying workers' compensation disability benefits onto prepaid card accounts for workers who consent. The permission was set to expire and now has no end date.
Workforce program regional groups may pay students and employers for paid job training
Strong Workforce Program money sent to community college regional consortia, not only to individual college districts, may now pay students, employers or both for paid work-based learning. The chancellor's office gets one more year to revise its rules for this.
Trademark class headings get small wording changes for diving gear and metals
The patent and trademark office adopts the latest international trademark classification, which rewords two class headings: Class 9 says diving masks, diving gloves and ear plugs and nose clips for diving, and Class 6 swaps a comma for a semicolon. Registration rules do not change.
Federal workers no longer need a year in grade before promotion to GS-6 or above
The Office of Personnel Management drops the rule that General Schedule staff spend 52 weeks one grade lower (or two lower in some jobs) before promotion to competitive service jobs at GS-6 or above. Qualification standards still apply; agencies may set job-related service rules.
July 2027 6
Conservation camp graduates get a path into construction laborer apprenticeships
Successful work in the California Conservation Camp firefighting program counts as qualifying experience for state-approved construction craft laborer apprenticeships. Graduates get a written certificate, and the prison trades committee must help them get admitted after release.
Employers can't let automated systems alone decide to discipline or fire workers
Employers may not rely only on an automated decision system to discipline or fire someone; if they mainly rely on one, a human must check the result and the worker gets a written notice and can ask for their data. Violations cost $500 each.
Foreign labor contractor registration expands to H-2A farmworker recruiters
California's registration rules for contractors who recruit foreign workers extend from nonfarm H-2B workers to farmworkers on H-2A visas. Licensed farm labor contractors who recruit abroad must register with the Labor Commissioner and list each visa program they use.
More charter school and permit-holding staff join the teachers' retirement system
Positions requiring a permit, not only a credential or license, can count for State Teachers' Retirement System membership. Charter school jobs doing certificated work also count when the charter board designates them by resolution. The start date is now fixed by law.
Prevailing wage rate changes reach $35 million public works contracts after bidding
Prevailing wage rate changes, now set twice a year, apply to public works contracts of $35 million or more even after bids are published. Contractors and awarding bodies may petition for review within 20 days; fully deed-restricted affordable housing projects are exempt.
Tattoo and body art shops must post trafficking notices and train staff
Body art facilities join the businesses that must post the human trafficking hotline notice, and must give employees and registered practitioners at least 20 minutes of training on spotting and reporting trafficking. Shops that don't comply face civil penalties of $1,000, then $2,000.
January 2028 1
Trainee pest control workers awaiting their exam may apply pesticides outdoors for 60 days
Unlicensed employees of registered pest control companies who have applied for the Branch 2 and 3 exam may apply those pesticides outdoors for up to 60 days under a licensee's supervision, after at least 80 hours of supervised in-person training.
January 2029 2
Labor department must design an apprenticeship program to fill its staff vacancies
The Department of Industrial Relations and the state HR department must work with the department's employee unions to design an apprenticeship pilot program for hard-to-fill civil service jobs. Pay scales are set through collective bargaining, and apprentices earn seniority and pension credit.
Security guards need 42 hours of in-person training and 12 paid hours a year
Security guard skills training rises from 32 to 42 hours, taught in person in a classroom, and yearly refresher training from 8 to 12 hours, 4 on de-escalation, paid by the employer. In-house security officers at other businesses get the same 42-hour and 12-hour rules.