While it may not always feel like it to those who work for ungenerous employers, California grants employees more rights and protections under the law than many states do. California Governor Gavin Newsom signed multiple pieces of legislation into law in 2024 that expand and clarify employee rights in 2025.
Outlined below are three such laws that may make impact a large number of California workers.
Accommodations for crime victims
The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) includes protections against discrimination and retaliation (including termination) for employees who need to take time off work because they are the victims of abuse or a criminal act. Employers with a minimum of 25 employees must provide “reasonable accommodations” for their employees, such as time off to go to court.
Assembly Bill 2499 revises FEHA to extend the “qualifying acts of violence” covered for employees to those affecting family members. These changes will be effective at the start of 2025.
Driver’s license requirement relaxed
Senate Bill 1100 also amends FEHA by limiting the cases in which employers can refuse to hire or promote someone because they don’t have a valid driver’s license.
Employers can only require a driver’s license if driving is necessary to do a job. Furthermore, if getting around to do the job is necessary, the employer must have a reasonable belief that an employee can’t accomplish the job just as quickly and cost-effectively by some other form of transportation – including walking or biking.
Intersectionality discrimination
Senate Bill 1137 amends California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act to address “intersectionality discrimination.” Specifically, it prohibits employment discrimination based on two or more protected characteristics.
Employment discrimination is common – particularly in such a diverse state as California. Members of marginalized communities can face harassment and discrimination from those with prejudices against them. Unless a perpetrator is specific in their words or actions, it can be hard to know why they are being discriminated against.
Employers should keep employees apprised of changes to their rights and protections. It is also important for employees to educate themselves about their rights so that they can more effectively assert themselves. Seeking legal guidance can help employees better understand their rights in California.