Hello, everyone. It’s been a while. Not much. How about you?  OK, no more 70’s lyrics. I’ve been off the blog for a while. But I am starting my New Year’s resolution early.  So, here goes with a few random updates.  For a more comprehensive (much longer and complete) list of things you need to know, please consider going to one or our legal updates. We are doing another live session and a webinar.  Sign up here: 

1. 2018 IRS Mileage Rates? Not yet. The IRS hasn’t set them.  Here’s where you’ll find them when the IRS updates the rates
2.  Minimum wage increases – The California minimum wage depends on the size of your business.  Effective January 1, 2018, the minimum wage goes up to $11.00 for employers with 26 or more employees; and to $10.50 for smaller employers. The DLSE has a handy chart here. Remember: some localities in California have their own, higher, minimum wages, such as San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Emeryville, Los Angeles and more.  So, please check to see if your business has a location in one of these cities and counties and adjust your minimums accordingly. 
3. Don’t forget that the minimum wage increase means a lot of other things have to change, like the minimum salary for exempt employees (at least 2x minimum wage).  The minimum split shift calculation will have to increase.  
4. The DLSE also sets other minimums, such as the required hourly rate for the “computer exemption,” (here) and the hourly physician pay required for exempt status (here).  
5. Employment applications must be revised to delete questions about convictions and arrests effective January 1, 2018.  In addition, employers using background checks for criminal history have to comply with new disclosure and procedural requirements also starting on January 1.  This is brought to you by AB 1008, the state wide “Ban the Box” law.  Our recent article on the subject is here.
6. While we’re on the subject of applicants, it is illegal to consider prior salary when interview and hiring applicants, effective January 1.  That will require revision of the application as well, and training hiring personnel.  See AB 168. 
7. Don’t forget to update your anti-harassment training programs and distribute the new Transgender Rights pamphlet / notice. The Legislature recently revised the AB 1825 training requirements. SB 396 is here. Training is more important than ever, as you know if you watch Matt – er Charlie – er Garrison – er – whoever is still employed. 
8. California is going further with its laws protecting those who are not authorized to work in the U.S.  AB 450 (here) is a new law that will make it harder to comply with federal law without offending California law. Basically, to avoid potential liability under California law, it is important to comply with federal immigration law, but go not one step further than federal law requires.  For more guidance on how to walk between the rock and the hard place, please talk to immigration counsel or your employment lawyer of choice. 
9. Finally, for now, small employers have to get ready for mandatory “parental leave.”  California has expanded part of the Family Rights Act to employers of 20-49 workers.  That’s courtesy of SB 63, which is here.

Are there more employment law changes you have to know for 2018?  Yes. Yes, there are. Can you skip our legal update now?  No way.  

I’ll be blogging more regularly if I can hold to my resolution.  For now, the above is a good start.  Stay tuned for our upcoming longer articles on new laws and preparations for 2018.  Sign up for the Firm’s newsletter at shawlawgroup.com

DGV