What’s Coming for HR Compliance in 2026? CELU Breaks It All Down

California’s employment landscape is about to change again — and 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most complex years yet for HR compliance. From new wage theft liability rules to updated WARN Act requirements, HR leaders and business owners must be ready.

That’s where the California Employment Law Update (CELU) comes in. This versatile event is your one-stop resource for understanding what’s next, hearing directly from industry-leading attorneys and HR experts, and leaving with actionable strategies to protect your organization in 2026 and beyond.

📅 Event Dates & Locations

• Orange County: October 28, 2025

Hotel Zessa: Santa Ana, CA | In Person + Online + On Demand

• Los Angeles County: October 30, 2025

Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport: Burbank, CA | In Person + Live Stream + Online + On Demand

• San Diego County: January 15, 2026

(Venue to be confirmed) La Jolla or Del Mar | In Person + Online + On Demand

• Riverside County: January 22, 2026

Riverside Convention Center, Riverside CA | In Person + Online + On Demand

Key 2026 HR Compliance Topics Covered at CELU

Our expert speakers will break down the latest legislation, court interpretations, and compliance trends so you can confidently lead your organization into the new year.

1. Independent Contractor Classification & Wage Liability

SB 809 – Employment: Independent Contractors in Construction Trucking
SB 597 – Direct Contractor and Subcontractor Liability
💡 Why it matters: These laws expand wage theft liability and narrow contractor classifications — a critical update for construction, logistics, and any business using subcontracted labor.

2. 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 new EDD wage collection authority.

3. Leave Laws & Accommodation Practices

While no new legislation passed in this category, CFRA, FMLA, and CA PSL remain high-risk areas.
💡 Why it matters: Regular training is essential to prevent claims and ensure compliance in one of California’s most complex HR areas.

4. PAGA: Private Enforcement and Employer Defenses

SB 310 – Labor Code Private Attorneys General Act (inactive)
AB 2288 / SB 92 – Proposed reforms (context)
💡 Why it matters: PAGA remains a top litigation risk. Understanding your exposure — and possible future reforms — is critical.

5. California WARN Act & Layoff Planning

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

6. Multilingual Notices & Personnel Records Compliance

SB 294 – Workplace Know-Your-Rights Act
SB 513 – Personnel Records
💡 Why it matters: New mandates require multilingual notices and expanded rights for personnel file inspections — operational updates are a must.

7. Immigration & ICE Raid Preparedness

AB 450 – Worker Immigration Protection: Access and NOIs
💡 Why it matters: With ICE activity on the rise in California, employers need clear protocols for warrants, inspections, and required notices under state law.

8. 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 updates impact agricultural employers and seasonal industries, requiring urgent compliance planning.

Why Attend CELU?

• Practical guidance from top California employment law experts
• In-depth analysis of the most pressing HR compliance challenges for 2026
• Real-world solutions tailored to California employers
• Networking opportunities with HR leaders across industries

If your role touches HR, compliance, legal, payroll, or operations, you cannot afford to miss this event.

✅ Stay ahead of 2026 compliance changes — register for CELU today.