Be Ready for California’s 2026 Employment Laws

We are your trusted resource for staying compliant in one of the most complex legal environments in the country. Each year, this series is carefully scheduled after the Governor’s final decisions on new legislation, ensuring every session delivers current, actionable guidance tailored for California workplaces.

This series includes 10 essential sessions:

  • Five sessions delivered live by experienced attorneys from national and regional employment law firms, repeated at four in-person events across four counties
  • Five additional sessions presented live online
  • All sessions available On Demand after presentation

Choose the format that fits your schedule: In Person, Live Stream, or On Demand and leave with the clarity to update your policies the moment you’re back in the office.

Orange County

October 28, 2025

Hotel Zessa
Santa Ana

 

In Person + Online + On Demand

San Diego County

January 15, 2026

 (Venue to be confirmed)
La Jolla or Del Mar

In Person + Online + On Demand

Los Angeles County

October 30, 2025

Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport
Burbank

In Person + Live Stream + Online + On Demand

Riverside County

January 22, 2026

Riverside Convention Center
Riverside

In Person + Online + On Demand

Why Attend the California Employment Law Update?

This program is designed specifically for HR practitioners, in-house counsel, and business owners managing California employees. What makes our update different:

  • Attorney-led sessions only — no sales pitches, just direct, legally grounded content
  • Timing matters — our sessions are built around laws finalized in October so nothing is outdated
  • Multiple formats, same value — attend in person, live online, or watch on demand
  • Same sessions at every location — pick the date or venue that works best for you
  • Recertification included — earn HRCI, MCLE, and SHRM credit hours for every session
  • California-specific — no national overviews, only what applies to your workplace

Get the clarity and confidence you need to take action immediately and stay compliant in 2026.

California

leads the nation in employment lawsuits

10+

10+ new employment laws annually

210,000+

HR professionals impacted

Hear from industry-leading experts who will provide practical advice on topics like these.

Independent Contractor Classification & Wage Liability

SB 809 – Employment: Independent Contractors in Construction Trucking
SB 597 – Direct Contractor and Subcontractor Liability
Why it matters: Expands wage theft liability and narrows contractor classification. Critical for construction, logistics, and any business using subcontracted labor.

Wage and Hour Compliance

SB 648 – Employment: Gratuities Enforcement
SB 355 – Judgment Debtor Employers: Employment Development Department
Why it matters: Employers must comply with tip distribution rules and prepare for EDD wage collection authority.

Leave Laws & Accommodation Practices

No new legislation, but CFRA, FMLA, CA PSL remain high-risk areas
Why it matters: Regular training helps prevent claims and ensures compliance in one of the most complex HR areas.

PAGA: Private Enforcement and Employer Defenses

SB 310 – Labor Code Private Attorneys General Act of 2004: Enforcement (inactive)
AB 2288 / SB 92 – Proposed PAGA reforms (contextual)
Why it matters: PAGA remains a major source of litigation risk. Employers must understand current exposure and potential future changes.

California WARN Act & Layoff Planning

SB 617 – California Worker Adjustment and Retraining Act
Why it matters: Updates to WARN impact how employers plan and communicate layoffs, severance, and closures.

Multilingual Notices & Personnel Records Compliance

SB 294 – Workplace Know-Your-Rights Act
SB 513 – Personnel Records
Why it matters: New mandates around multilingual notices and expanded rights to inspect personnel files require operational updates.

Immigration & ICE Raid Preparedness

AB 450 – Worker Immigration Protection: Access and Notices of Inspection (NOIs)
Why it matters: With ICE activity increasing in California, employers need clear legal guidance on protocols, warrants, and required notices under state law.

Gratuities & Tip Distribution

SB 648 – Employment: Gratuities Enforcement
Why it matters: Clarifies tip pooling and distribution. Useful for hospitality, restaurants, and any business with tipped employees.

Personnel Records Access Rights (Extended)

SB 513 – Personnel Records
Why it matters: Provides a deeper dive into compliance logistics and document handling after new rights take effect.

Farmworker Heat Illness & H-2A Contractor Regulations

AB 1336 – Workers’ Compensation: Heat Illness in Agricultural Employment
AB 1362 – Farm Labor Contractors: H-2A Worker Registration
Why it matters: These bills affect agricultural employers and seasonal industries. Critical compliance knowledge for HR leaders in those sectors.

How can CELU help you lead your company forward? Find out now!

Space is limited — choose the attendance option that’s right for you and sign up today!

📍 2025 California Employment Law Update – Orange County

📍 2025 California Employment Law Update – Los Angeles County

📍 2026 California Employment Law Update – Riverside County

📍 2026 California Employment Law Update – San Diego County

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Recertification Credits

SHRM

This program will be submitted for PDCs for the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP. For more information about certification or recertification, please visit www.shrmcertification.org.

Professionals In Human Resources Association (PIHRA) is recognized by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP.

HRCI

This program will be submitted for California or HR (General) recertification credit hours toward aPHR™, aPHRi™, PHR®, PHRca®, SPHR®, GPHR®, PHRi™ and SPHRi™ recertification through HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®). For more information about certification or recertification, please visit the HR Certification Institute homepage at www.hrci.org.

The use of this seal confirms that this activity has met HR Certification Institute’s® (HRCI®) criteria for recertification credit pre-approval

MCLE

MINIMUM CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION (MCLE)

PIHRA is a State Bar of California MCLE approved provider. Our 2025/2025 PIHRA California Employment Law Update will be submitted for California MCLE credit hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What topics are covered in the CELU event?

The CELU event covers the latest California employment laws, wage-hour updates, compliance strategies, and practical HR solutions for 2026.

2. Can I attend CELU virtually?

Yes, virtual attendance is available for the Los Angeles location only, offering streaming access to all live sessions.

3. What is the Preview Rate and when does it end?

The Preview Rate is our lowest registration price, available until July 25, 2025. Register by this date to take advantage of the best savings.