With 2026 now upon us, so are a slew of new laws and regulations that affect California businesses. Every year, legislation passed by the state Legislature and signed into law by the governor takes effect, and 2025 was a busy legislative session in Sacramento. The end result is another wave of new legislation that California employers need to stay on top of. Here's what California employers should be aware of.   1. Protected leave expanded AB 406, which took effect Oct. 1, 20