Overview
- Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 858 on Oct. 3, extending COVID-era recall and reinstatement protections for covered hospitality and building‑services workers to Jan. 1, 2027, effective Jan. 1, 2026.
- The law preserves DLSE authority to pursue violations occurring on or before Dec. 31, 2026, with remedies that include reinstatement, back and front pay, and the value of benefits.
- Covered employers must issue written recall offers within five business days, follow seniority when multiple workers qualify, allow five business days to respond, keep layoff records for three years, and give a 30‑day written explanation when not rehiring.
- Additional 2025 measures include PERB’s expanded role under AB 288 in certain private‑sector labor disputes, broader pay data reporting and equal‑pay rules (SB 464, SB 642), and new tip enforcement, record access, and workplace notices (SB 648, SB 513, SB 294).
- Newsom vetoed proposals on automated decision systems (SB 7) and a right to wear health masks in public places (AB 1326), while paid family leave benefits for a designated person begin July 1, 2028 under SB 590.