California’s Minimum Wage Rate to Increase on Jan. 1, 2027 – On July 31, 2026, the California Department of Finance (the Department) announced that the state’s hourly minimum wage will increase to $17.40 per hour on Jan. 1, 2027. The new rate will apply to all employers, regardless of how many individuals they employ.
Read more: California Legal Update
California Paid Sick Leave Comparison Chart – As state and local paid sick leave (PSL) laws continue to expand across the country, employers may be confused as to their legal obligations, particularly when employees are covered by both state and local laws. These laws may differ in important areas, such as accrual, use, carryover and covered reasons for leave. The chart compares California, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Read more: California Paid Sick Leave Comparison Chart
Colorado Expands Voting Leave Law – Colorado recently amended its voting leave law to, among other things, expand the two-hour period that eligible employees may take voting leave from only on election day to any day when voter service and polling centers are open. The amended law is effective as of June 1, 2026.
Read more: Colorado Legal Update
Colorado Imposes Employer Obligations Related to Employee Identity Documents – On June 3, 2026, Colorado enacted House Bill (HB) 26-1283, prohibiting employers from confiscating or improperly retaining government-issued identification documents. The new law took effect immediately.
Read more: Colorado Legal Update
Minnesota Adopts New Rules for Earned Sick and Safe Time – Minnesota recently adopted new rules to implement its earned sick and safe time (ESST) law. The rules address, among other things, employee eligibility, accrual years, how to credit accrual, increments of ESST, use, incentives, reasonable documentation and more generous sick and safe time policies. The rules are effective as of July 6, 2026.
Read more: Minnesota Legal Update
Minnesota Minimum Wage and Overtime Laws – The Minnesota Fair Labor Standards Act (MFLSA) complements federal law and, in some cases, prescribes more stringent or additional requirements that employers must follow. Whenever employers are subject to both state and federal laws, the law that provides the greater protection or benefit for employees will apply.
Read more: Minnesota Minimum Wage and Overtime Laws
New Jersey Confirms Job Protection for Employees Receiving Insurance Benefits and Updates Family Leave Guidance – New Jersey recently released guidance confirming job protection for employees receiving benefits under the state’s temporary disability insurance (TDI) and family leave insurance (FLI) programs. The state also updated separate guidance on its Family Leave Act (FLA) to address changes that apply the law to smaller employers and reduce eligibility requirements for employees. The changes are contained in Assembly Bill (AB) 3451 and are effective as of July 17, 2026.
Read more: New Jersey Legal Update
New York City Adopts Rules on Safe and Sick Time – New York City recently adopted amended rules to implement changes made to its Earned Safe and Sick Time Act (ESSTA), including additional authorized reasons for leave, immediately available unpaid leave and paid prenatal leave. The rules take effect July 23, 2026.
Read more: New York Legal Update