California Payroll Updates - December 2024

Quick Look

California is offering some relief to businesses impacted by the "Bird Flu."

  • Employers directly affected by Avian Influenza A (H5N1) have two months to file their state payroll reports or deposit payroll taxes without penalties.
  • This extension applies to reports or payments that were originally due before the announcement.

Los Angeles is raising the minimum wage for hotel and airport workers.

  • The minimum wage for these workers will gradually increase to $30 per hour by July 1, 2028.
  • This will happen in phases, starting with an increase to $25 per hour in February 2025 or when the new ordinance takes effect, whichever is later.
  • The ordinance will also include a health benefit payment of $8.35 per hour starting in July 2025.
  • Smaller employers may be able to apply for a hardship exemption.

California is expanding the ways employees can use paid sick leave.

  • Starting January 1, 2025, employees will have more options for using paid sick leave, especially for crime-related purposes.
  • All employees can use paid sick leave to obtain protective orders.
  • Employees working for companies with 25 or more employees can use paid sick leave for a wider range of crime-related reasons, including seeking medical attention, counseling, legal services, relocating for safety, and attending legal proceedings.

Last updated: December 27, 2024
Detailed Look

December 2024

California Two-Month Payroll Tax Extension for Employers Impacted by "Bird Flu"

The California Employment and Development Department (EDD) announced a two-month extension of time to file state payroll reports or deposit payroll taxes without penalty or interest for employers directly affected by the Avian Influenza A (H5N1), commonly known as "Bird Flu." A request for extension must be received within two months from the original delinquent date of the payment or return.

California Los Angeles Council Votes on $30 Minimum Wage for Hotel and Airport Workers

The Los Angeles City Council recently voted to gradually increase the minimum wage for hotel and airport workers to $30 per hour by July 1, 2028, an initiative currently being formalized by the City Attorney. This decision, made on December 11, involves an initial wage increase to $25 per hour, which will take effect on the effective date of the new ordinance, or February 1, 2025, whichever is later. Once the ordinance is fully drafted, the Council will conduct a final vote before submitting it to Mayor Karen Bass for approval. In addition to the wage increase, the proposed ordinance is expected to mandate a health benefit payment starting at $8.35 per hour, beginning on July 1, 2025. The draft is also anticipated to contain a hardship exemption clause aimed at providing relief to smaller employers who may face challenges in implementing these changes.

California Paid Sick Leave FAQs Updated

On December 2, 2024, the California Labor Commissioner released an update to the state's paid sick leave regulations, highlighting changes set to take effect on January 1, 2025. While the update primarily reinforces the existing requirement for employers to provide at least 40 hours or five days of paid sick leave annually, it also introduces new provisions regarding the use of this leave. Starting January 1, 2025, California employees' ability to use paid sick leave for crime-related purposes will depend on their employer's size, with all employees able to use it for obtaining protective orders, while those working for employers with 25 or more employees will have broader allowances. These expanded uses include seeking medical attention, counseling, legal services, relocating for safety, and attending legal proceedings related to the crime, among others, significantly enhancing support for crime victims and their families in the workplace.

Last updated: December 27, 2024

December 2024

California Two-Month Payroll Tax Extension for Employers Impacted by "Bird Flu"

The California Employment and Development Department (EDD) announced a two-month extension of time to file state payroll reports or deposit payroll taxes without penalty or interest for employers directly affected by the Avian Influenza A (H5N1), commonly known as "Bird Flu." A request for extension must be received within two months from the original delinquent date of the payment or return.

California Los Angeles Council Votes on $30 Minimum Wage for Hotel and Airport Workers

The Los Angeles City Council recently voted to gradually increase the minimum wage for hotel and airport workers to $30 per hour by July 1, 2028, an initiative currently being formalized by the City Attorney. This decision, made on December 11, involves an initial wage increase to $25 per hour, which will take effect on the effective date of the new ordinance, or February 1, 2025, whichever is later. Once the ordinance is fully drafted, the Council will conduct a final vote before submitting it to Mayor Karen Bass for approval. In addition to the wage increase, the proposed ordinance is expected to mandate a health benefit payment starting at $8.35 per hour, beginning on July 1, 2025. The draft is also anticipated to contain a hardship exemption clause aimed at providing relief to smaller employers who may face challenges in implementing these changes.

California Paid Sick Leave FAQs Updated

On December 2, 2024, the California Labor Commissioner released an update to the state's paid sick leave regulations, highlighting changes set to take effect on January 1, 2025. While the update primarily reinforces the existing requirement for employers to provide at least 40 hours or five days of paid sick leave annually, it also introduces new provisions regarding the use of this leave. Starting January 1, 2025, California employees' ability to use paid sick leave for crime-related purposes will depend on their employer's size, with all employees able to use it for obtaining protective orders, while those working for employers with 25 or more employees will have broader allowances. These expanded uses include seeking medical attention, counseling, legal services, relocating for safety, and attending legal proceedings related to the crime, among others, significantly enhancing support for crime victims and their families in the workplace.