2026 California Midyear Roundup
The following changes to California employment law take effect on July 1, 2026, and apply to employers of all sizes, unless otherwise noted.
New Privacy Regulations
New regulations under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) were recently finalized. While the major compliance deadlines don’t hit until 2027 and beyond, employers subject to the CCPA should use 2026 to evaluate whether these new requirements apply to their organization and begin preparing, particularly for required risk assessments, tracking automated decisionmaking technology (ADMT) use, and required notice and opt-out processes involving ADMT. A more detailed alert on these regulations will be posted on the platform soon.
Healthcare Worker Minimum Wage
Nonexempt healthcare workers who work at certain covered facilities and who provide healthcare services or support providing healthcare will see a minimum wage increase as scheduled in the law. The new rates will range from $19.28 to $25 per hour. You can check out the state’s page for full details.
New San Diego Minimum Wage for Hospitality Employers
Hospitality employers (generally hotels, event centers, and amusement parks) will be subject to new hourly minimum wage requirements as follows:
Hotels and amusement parks: $19
Event centers: $21.06
Notice and Posting
Employers need to post the minimum wage notice in a conspicuous location where covered employees work and provide it in writing to each covered employee. New employees must receive the written notice at the time of hire. Employers can distribute the written notice electronically instead of on paper.
The notice must be posted and distributed in English and in any other language spoken by at least 5% of employees at the worksite, if the city provides a notice in that language. The city has templates available on its website.
Action Items:
Display the minimum wage notice and provide it in writing to current employees on or before July 1, 2026.
Add the written notice to your new hire paperwork.
Local Minimum Wage Increases
Numerous cities and counties across California will increase their hourly minimum wage. The new rates are below.
Alameda: $17.76
Berkeley: $19.61
Emeryville: $20.34
Fremont: $18.05
Glendale hotel with 60+ guest rooms: $25
Long Beach hotels with 100+ guest rooms: $26.50
Los Angeles City: $18.42
Los Angeles City hotels with 60+ guest rooms: $25 with health benefits
Los Angeles City hotels with 60+ guest rooms: $29.25 if no health benefits
Unincorporated Los Angeles County: $18.47
Malibu: $17.91
Milpitas: $18.50
Pasadena: $18.57
San Francisco: $19.61
Santa Monica: $18.47
Santa Monica hotels: TBD
West Hollywood hotels: $20.87