Episode 42 - Employment Law Updates for 2024 Part 2

In Sound Business Insights Episode 42 - Employer Updates for 2024 Part 2 Dan Watkins continues to explain changes in California employment laws that will affect employers in the coming year.  Part 2 of the conversation picks up where part 1 left off.  If you have not listend to part 1 you may wish to go back and review it after you complete this podcast.  SB 553 implements additional workplace violence protections for those who work in-office (versus those who work remotely). Small employers with less than 10 employees that are not open to the public are excluded.  There are initial steps to be taken this year in preparation for an expected roll out in 2025. 2025 will also see the expansion of TRO coverage to include harassment by another employee, client, vendor, etc.

Sound Business Insights Episode 42 - Employer Updates for 2024 Part 2 goes on to cover several new laws which will impact most employers.  Off duty cannabis use is now permitted in the State of California.  Protections are prvided for off-duty hours and drug tests can no longer include nonpsychoactive cannabis metabolites.  New tests should screen for active THC (the employee is high at the moment of the test) and that is what will be required to take action.  You cannot ask applicants if they use marijuana.

Criminal background check policies have undergone substantial change as well.  If you are going to perform a background check on a potential employee the timing of that check will have to wait until the decision to hire has been made. Sound Business Insights Episode 42 - Employer Updates for 2024 part 2 continues with changes relating to healthcare workers and a new minimum wage for those workers.  These changes cover not only professionals but most employees in facilities with more than 25 physicians, even those in non-medical roles.  

It is important for all California employers to stay up-to-date with changes in the law and required updates to public notices, as well as the policies and procedures and employee handbook.  This lively discussion serves to inform employers of changes coming in the new year and how to prepare while avoiding risk, litigation, disputes and other adverse outcomes.