California Rental Law Changes in 2026: What Landlords and Tenants Should Know
California rental law changed in several important ways in 2026. New rules affect basic appliances, habitability, eviction defenses, and the records that landlords and tenants should keep. One major change involves stoves and refrigerators. For many leases entered into, amended, or extended on or after January 1, 2026, California now treats working cooking and food-storage […]
California Equal Pay Law Changes in 2026: What Workers and Employers Should Know
California changed its Equal Pay Act in 2026. The new rules affect employees, job applicants, and employers across the state. Senate Bill 642 took effect on January 1, 2026. It changed several important parts of California’s pay equity laws. The changes affect claim deadlines, back pay, compensation comparisons, and job posting pay ranges. The law […]
California Autonomous Vehicle Rules in 2026: What Drivers Should Know
Autonomous vehicles are becoming a larger part of California transportation. Driverless cars already operate on public roads in parts of the state. Companies are also testing new systems for passenger travel, delivery, freight, and transit. California changed its rules in 2026 to address this growth. On April 28, 2026, the California Department of Motor Vehicles […]
AI Hiring in California: What Employers and Job Applicants Should Know in 2026
Artificial intelligence is changing how California employers recruit, screen, and evaluate workers. Companies now use software to review resumes, rank applicants, score assessments, and support hiring decisions. These tools can save time. However, they can also create legal problems when their results disadvantage workers based on protected characteristics. California has responded with new rules for […]
California Privacy Rules in 2026: What Businesses Should Know About Risk Assessments, Cybersecurity Audits, and ADMT
California businesses face a new privacy compliance landscape in 2026. The California Privacy Protection Agency finalized regulations covering risk assessments, cybersecurity audits, and automated decisionmaking technology, or ADMT. The rules took effect on January 1, 2026, but not every requirement begins on the same date. That timing matters. Some businesses must already conduct privacy risk […]
California Smoke Damage Recovery Act: What Homeowners Should Know in 2026
Wildfires can damage a home even when flames never reach the building. Smoke, soot, and ash can enter through windows, doors, vents, and other openings. These materials may affect walls, furniture, flooring, ventilation systems, and personal belongings. California homeowners now have stronger protections for some wildfire smoke claims. In September 2026, California enacted Assembly Bill […]