Here is a rundown of several new laws that affect California employers that take effect January 2012.

• Wage Details for New Hires  – This new law requires employers to describe specific details about wages to all new employees.
• Limits on Use of Credit Reports – This law prevents most employers from obtaining or relying on credit reports for applicants and employees under certain circumstances.
• Mis-Classification of Independent Contractors – This law imposes harsh penalties on employers who “voluntarily and knowingly” mis-classify an employee as an independent contractor.
• Gender Identity and Expression – This law makes it illegal for employers to discriminate against an individual on the basis of their gender identity or expression.
• E-Verify – This law prohibits the state or a city from requiring employers to use the E-verify system.
• Pregnancy Disability – This law requires employers to provide medical and other benefits to employees on pregnancy disability leave for up to 4 months.
• Commission Agreements – This law requires out-of-state employers to provide written information regarding commission compensation to employees. In addition, all in-state employers must have written commission agreements with its employees. This law takes effect January 1, 2013.

To learn more about these laws and other current trends in employment law that can affect your business, come to our live seminar on January 18, 2012.