California Workplace Laws To Change for Millions in 2027
New California laws will change workplace rules on discrimination, bereavement leave and anti-hate-speech training.
California's workplace laws will undergo significant changes in 2027, with Governor Gavin Newsom signing three pieces of legislation. Two measures, AB 1803 and AB 2563, take effect on January 1, 2027, while SB 1149 adds new bereavement leave provisions on the same date. AB 1803, which modifies existing workplace harassment-prevention training requirements, mandates employers to add anti-hate-speech training to their programs by 2028.
Critics, including religious and conservative groups, argue that the addition could potentially infringe upon freedom of religion and expression. AB 2563 seeks to create a uniform definition of sex discrimination across California law, broadening the definition to include areas such as sex or gender stereotypes, pregnancy, and sexual orientation.
The bill has also drawn opposition, with the California Family Council expressing concerns about its potential impact on women-only spaces, religious organizations, and gender identity issues. SB 1149 expands bereavement leave eligibility, allowing employees to take up to five days of leave to mourn the death of a designated person, who can be a blood relative or an individual whose association with the employee is equivalent to a family relationship.
Supporters argue that this change recognizes the importance of chosen and extended families, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals, older adults, and immigrants.
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