California has once again expanded employee leave protections and benefits—this time through two significant bills signed by Governor Gavin Newsom: Assembly Bill 406 and Senate Bill 590. Together, these new laws broaden employee rights to protected time off, create new obligations for employers, and increase the administrative burden of tracking, approving, and documenting leaves of absence. Employers should carefully review and update their leave policies, manager training, and HR practices to ensure full compliance.

AB 406 – Expanded Qualifying Reasons for Use of ...

Effective January 1, 2026, Senate Bill 513 amends California’s Labor Code section 1198.5 to broaden the definition of “personnel records” to include certain education and training records when maintained by the employer.  Employers should act now to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.

What SB 513 Changes

1. Expanded Definition of Personnel Records

Under existing law, current and former employees (or their authorized representative) had the right to inspect and receive copies of personnel records that the employer maintains which relate to the employee’s ...