The 2026 Legislative Session drew to a close on August 31, 2026 with a flurry of activity following the summer recess. Not surprisingly, a number of employment bills passed both Legislative chambers and have been sent to Governor Gavin Newsom for signature or veto. There were also some employment bills that stalled this session, including bills that would have required staffing agencies to register with the state and expanded employers’ reporting obligations to the EDD.

Looking ahead, the deadline for the Governor to sign or veto the bills is September 30, 2026. Stay tuned for our final legislative update of the year! In the meantime, we have identified our “Top Eight” potential employment law changes and a summary of the remaining notable employment bills currently pending, organized by subject matter. Unless otherwise indicated, each of these bills has passed both houses of the legislature and is awaiting Governor Newsom’s signature or veto. We have also included several references to notable new state and federal regulations and guidance.