In their recent Employee Relations Law Journal article, Goodwin partners Meg Thering and Koray J. Bulut, counsel Nina Ngo, and associate Jennifer Wilson explain that, with the conclusion of California’s 2025 legislative session, businesses that operate in California should review and prepare for new employment laws that will take effect in 2026. What follows is a summary of the most significant developments affecting California employers. Assembly Bill 692 makes it unlawful for employment or independent contractor agreements to include provisions that (1) impose penalties, fees, or costs (including replacement hire fees, reimbursement for immigration- or visa-related costs, or quit fees) on an employee if the employment or service relationship ends, or (2) require repayment of debts if the employment or service relationship ends. The law provides a few exceptions for contracts related to voluntary tuition assistance programs and signing bonuses.
Read the full analysis: “New Laws Enacted in 2025 Impacting California Employers” (Employee Relations Law Journal)