California workers gained stronger legal protections in 2025. Several new employment laws took effect at the start of the year, aimed at making workplaces fairer and more inclusive.
Below are three interesting developments that mean increased legal protections for workers.
1. Intersectional discrimination is now explicitly banned
Senate Bill 1137 expanded California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act by adding protections against intersectional discrimination. This means it is now illegal to discriminate against someone based on a combination of traits, such as race and gender or disability and age. If you have experienced unfair treatment due to overlapping aspects of your identity, this law gives you clearer grounds for a complaint.
2. Driver’s license rules changed for non-driving jobs
Senate Bill 1100 makes it unlawful for employers to require a valid driver’s license for a job unless driving is part of the role. This helps people who may not have a license for reasons such as immigration status or economic hardship. If the job does not involve driving, your employer cannot use a lack of a license against you.
3. Workers can no longer be forced into political or religious meetings
Senate Bill 399, known as the Worker Freedom from Employer Intimidation Act, protects employees from being required to attend meetings where an employer discusses political or religious beliefs. This includes meetings about union activity. If you choose not to attend, you must still be paid. This law helps safeguard your personal views and your right to make independent choices.
While California has progressive employment laws, they aren’t always respected. If your rights have been breached, you may wish to seek legal guidance.