California’s Minimum Wage Rate to Increase on Jan. 1, 2026 – On Aug. 1, 2025, the California Department of Finance (the Department) announced that the state’s hourly minimum wage will increase to $16.90 per hour on Jan. 1, 2026. The new rate will apply to all employers, regardless of how many individuals they employ.
Read more: California Legal Update
Colorado Delays New AI Law – On Aug. 25, 2025, Colorado passed a bill delaying the effective date of the Colorado Artificial Intelligence Act (Act). The Act, which will require businesses to avoid discrimination when using artificial intelligence (AI) for consequential decision-making (such as hiring, termination, and other employment decisions), was scheduled to take effect on Feb. 1, 2026. The Act will now take effect on June 30, 2026.
Read more: Colorado Legal Update
Illinois Commuter Benefit Extended to Part-time Workers – Illinois has amended its commuter benefit law, effective Jan. 1, 2026. The amendments expand the benefit to cover part-time employees and provide an exemption for certain construction employers from having to provide the benefit.
Read more: Illinois Legal Update
Illinois Requires Unpaid Leave for Parents of NICU Babies – Illinois has enacted the Family Neonatal Intensive Care Leave Act (NICU Leave Act), requiring employers to provide unpaid leave to employees with a child in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), effective Jan. 1, 2026.
Read more: Illinois Legal Update