California has always led the nation in protecting workers, and 2026 is no exception. A wave of new employment laws is now in effect, giving California employees stronger rights around equal pay, access to their own personnel records, and advance notice when layoffs or closures are coming. At Lavi & Ebrahimian, our Beverly Hills employment attorneys are here to make sure you understand exactly what these laws mean for you.
Pay Equity & Transparency (SB 642)
SB 642, the Pay Equity Enforcement Act, clarifies that “pay scale” in job postings must reflect a good faith estimate of what an employer actually expects to pay at the time of hire, not inflated ranges designed to obscure real wages. The law expands the definition of “wages” to include bonuses, equity awards, stock options, and other non-cash compensation, meaning employers can no longer hide pay disparities in how they structure benefits. SB 642 also extends the statute of limitations for equal pay claims to three years, with a look-back period allowing employees to seek relief for up to six years of violations.
Personnel Record Rights
Effective January 1, 2026, employees’ rights to inspect and receive copies of their personnel records have been expanded to include education and training records. If your employer has been keeping records about you, you now have greater legal access to them.
Cal-WARN Layoff Notices (SB 617)
SB 617 expands the information employers must include in Cal-WARN notices before mass layoffs, requiring details about local workforce development resources, food assistance programs like CalFresh, and functioning employer contact information. Workers deserve time and resources to prepare, not a sudden pink slip.
Know Your Rights
These laws are only powerful if you use them. If your employer is violating your pay equity rights, denying access to your personnel records, or failing to give proper layoff notice, you have legal recourse.
Call Lavi & Ebrahimian at (866) 470-2189 for a free consultation. Our trusted California labor and employment attorneys in Beverly Hills are ready to fight for the wages and rights you’ve earned.