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ARTICLE · 17 OCTOBER 2023

New California Employment Developments For 2024

Ford Harrison LLP
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Executive Summary: Employers should look forward to another round of changes to the Golden State's employment standards this year, the most challenging of which will be addressing...

United StatesEmployment and HR
David Cheng
David Cheng
Charles ("Chip") O. Zuver
Charles ("Chip") O. Zuver
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Executive Summary: Employers should look forward to another round of changes to the Golden State's employment standards this year, the most challenging of which will be addressing employee protections for off-premises cannabis use, expanded paid sick leave benefits, and further restrictions on the use of noncompete agreements.

As 2024 is fast approaching, employers should be aware of a number of new California laws, many of which will go into effect in 2024. Below is a brief overview of the most notable new laws affecting businesses in California:

  • Expanded Protections for Off-Duty/Off-Premises Cannabis Users (SB 700). Last year, the California legislature caused a stir when it amended the state Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) to create employee protections for off-premises, off-duty cannabis use and restricted the type of cannabis testing that employers could use. Fortunately, the state delayed enforcement of the law until January 1, 2024. California has

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