January 1st was not only New Year’s day, but a day where many new laws went into effect throughout California. The LA Times recently published an article highlighting all the new laws that will take effect, here are a few important ones:
• Employers must provide written notice within 24 hours to workers who might have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, and could face fines for violations. A second law has expanded workers’ compensation help for those who might have contracted the virus on the job. Both laws will be in effect until 2023.
• California homeowners who are 55 or older can get a property tax break when moving to a new home under a voter-approved law that blends the taxable value of the old home with that of the new, more expensive home.
• Independent contractors who work for app-based companies such as Uber, Lyft and DoorDash are now eligible for a limited number of healthcare and other workplace benefits, including a guaranteed wage for time spent behind the wheel, under a law approved by voters.
• California’s minimum wage rises to $14 an hour for large companies, with pay rising to $13 in workplaces with 25 or fewer employees.
• Businesses with as few as five employees must provide up to 12 weeks of annual unpaid, job-protected leave for family and medical needs, replacing a law with a higher threshold for companies.
For a full list of new bills that went into effect please click here.