We Are All Just Prisoners Here of Our Own Device: California’s 2026 Upcoming Employment Laws and HR Shakeup Explained

Send a textCalifornia employment law is changing again in 2026—and employers need to prepare now. In this episode of The Employee Handbook, attorneys Arta Wildeboer and Ryan Ellis break down the most significant new California labor laws taking effect January 1, 2026.Topics covered in this episode:Wage & Hour UpdatesCalifornia minimum wage increasing to $16.90/hour (with higher rates in San Francisco and San Jose)New minimum exempt salary threshold: $70,304 annuallyComputer professional exemption: $122,573.13/yearLicensed physician minimum: $107.17/hourSB 261 penalties for unpaid wage judgments—up to 3x the judgment amountRemote Work Expense ReimbursementLabor Code 2802 updates requiring employers to reimburse remote employees for internet, phone, and electricity costsWhat counts as "reasonable" reimbursement and class action risksStay-or-Pay Provisions BannedCalifornia's new prohibition on training repayment agreements and stay-or-pay contract clausesWorkplace Violence Prevention Program (SB 553)Required incident logging and documentationPenalties up to $25,000 per violation ($158,000 for willful violations)PAGA exposure and how violations multiplyReal examples: Slack threats, customer confrontations, domestic disputes at workAnnual audit and training requirementsEspinoza v. Target case discussionWhether you're a California employer, HR professional, or business owner, this episode provides practical guidance on compliance with California's evolving employment regulations.