By Robert B. Milligan

On September 1, 2023, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation that furthers the state’s protections for employee mobility and seeks to void out of state employee non-compete agreements. Specifically, the new law provides that any contract that is void under California law is unenforceable regardless of where and when the employee signed the contract.

Under existing

Continue Reading New California Non-Compete Law Furthers the State’s Employee Mobility Protections and Seeks to Void Out of State Employee Non-Compete Agreements

By Minh VuKristina Launey, and Susan Ryan

Seyfarth Synopsis: The decline in ADA Title III lawsuits that began in 2022 continues in 2023.  New York remains the filing hotspot.

Continuing the trend discussed in our 2022 blog posts here and here, the number of lawsuits filed in federal courts alleging violations of Title III of the

Continue Reading 2023 Mid-Year Report: ADA Title III Federal Lawsuit Numbers Continue to Decline

By Ilana MoradyPatrick D. Joyce, and Benjamin D. Briggs

Seyfarth Synopsis: On June 20, 2023, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) updated its guidance to local health departments on the definition of a COVID-19 outbreak. The new definition changes the timeframe for counting COVID-19 cases that make up an outbreak from 14 to 7 days.

Continue Reading Cal/OSHA Definition Changes Make Outbreaks Less Likely

By Minh N. Vu

Seyfarth Synopsis: We predict another busy year on all fronts as DOJ continues to push its regulatory and enforcement agenda.

Lawsuit Numbers. Last January, we predicted that roughly the same number of ADA Title III lawsuits would be filed in federal court in 2022 as in 2021, but halfway through 2022 it became apparent that the

Continue Reading ADA Title III Crystal Ball: What’s Ahead for 2023?

By Jeryl L. OlsonPatrick D. JoyceRebecca A. DavisJose AlmanzarIlana R. MoradyBrent I. Clark, and Craig B. Simonsen

Seyfarth Synopsis: Governor Gavin Newsom has signed into law two sweeping pieces of legislation prohibiting  certain products containing intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in California starting on January 1, 2025

Continue Reading New California Legislation Outlaw PFAS in Textiles and Cosmetics in Continuation of PFAS Regulation in Western States

By Emily A. Dorner and Karla Grossenbacher,

Seyfarth Synopsis: Employers need to be aware of the significant changes that are on the horizon when the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) becomes operative on January 1, 2023. 

By way of background, in November of 2021, California residents voted to pass the CPRA, which affords California consumers heightened rights and
Continue Reading California Privacy Rights Act: Big Changes For Employers With Employees in California In 2023

By Minh N. Vu

Seyfarth Synopsis:  The California Court of Appeals puts an end to lawsuits against online only businesses in California and calls out DOJ and Congress for inaction.

In a precedent setting, 35-page opinion, the California Court of Appeals yesterday closed the door on California lawsuits brought against online only businesses, agreeing with the U.S. Court of
Continue Reading Websites Are Not A Public Accommodation Under the ADA, Says California Court of Appeals

By Joseph Hadacek and Joshua A. Rodine

Seyfarth Synopsis: The California Supreme Court recently determined that meal and rest period premium payments are subject to the final pay timing requirements of Labor Code section 203 and the wage statement reporting requirements of Labor Code section 226(e). Additionally, the prejudgment interest rate for violating these sections is seven percent. Naranjo v.
Continue Reading California Supreme Court Finds Meal And Rest Premiums Subject To Wage Statement And Final Pay Requirements

DOL’s 2023 Priorities, Per Labor Secretary Marty Walsh. Additional personnel topped Labor Secretary Marty Walsh’s wish list for 2023 as he laid out next year’s proposed budget at a hearing in front of the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies. During the hearing, Secretary Walsh was candid: “To be completely honest, I need more
Continue Reading Seyfarth Policy Matters Newsletter – May 20, 2022