January 2008: 'Tis the Season for New Laws

'Tis the Season for New Laws
As the calendar flips to 2008, it's a good time to make sure you are up to date with the most recent laws and regulations. Review each page below to learn what you need to do.

Also, check the Required Posters and Notices chart to make sure you are compliant, and test your knowledge with our interactive quiz.

Earned Income Tax Credit
AB 650 requires some employers to notify employees of possible eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit.

Effective Jan. 1, 2008

Military Spouse Leave
AB 392 requires some employers to provide unpaid leave to employees with spouses in the military.

Already in effect

Computer Professional Rate Lowered
SB 929 lowers the hourly minimum compensation from $41 to $36.

Effective Jan. 1, 2008

Employers' Use of SSNs Restricted
Public postings of Social Security numbers among AB 3082 restrictions.

Effective Jan. 1, 2008

Attention Drivers: Hands Off That Cell Phone
SB 1613 says that those caught talking on a hand-held cell phone while driving will be fined up to $50 per violation.

Effective July 1, 2008

Temporary Disability Payments Modified
AB 338 removes the requirement that the TD benefits be collected within two years of the first date that TD is paid.

Effective Jan. 1, 2008

More New Laws

AB 14 - Civil Rights Act of 2007

Extends civil rights protections to additional circumstances, entitling all people in California to full and equal accommodations, advantages, facilities, privileges or services

AB 102 - Name Change, Domestic Partnership and Marriage License

Makes it easier for one or both parties in a domestic partnership to change their names

SB 783 - Amusement Ride Safety

Increases insurance amount that ride operators must carry, tightens accident-reporting requirements, requires safety training

SB 812 - Pharmacists and Alternative Workweek

Resolves a Wage Order inconsistency, clarifying the terms and conditions of creating an alternative workweek

SB 869 - Workers' Comp

Gives the Labor Commission power to identify unlawfully insured employers

AB 632 - Health Care and Whistleblower Protection

Prohibits discrimination or retaliation against a whistleblower in the health care industry

SB 777 - Prohibited Discrimination in Public and Private Education

Revises list of prohibited bases of discrimination

AB 949 - Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly

Requires care facilities to take measures to transfer residents safely and with minimal trauma

AB 1302 - HIPAA

Extends the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act's duration to July 10, 2010

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CalBizCentral

The "must have" of the year is the 2007 CalChamber Employer Benefits Survey report. This comprehensive report can help employers determine the benefits they need to offer to remain competitive in the marketplace.

Order online or at (800) 331-8877.
Preferred and executive members receive their 20-percent discount.

Discount Available to Members Only

Trusted Training

Sign up now for CalChamber's HR 101: Intro to HR Admin and HR 201: Labor Law Update seminars, offered around California during January and February.

Interactive Quiz

Test your knowledge of new laws going into effect in 2008.

Take the quiz

Special Reports Archive

December 2007:
Safeguarding Assets

November 2007:
Workers' Comp Balancing Act

October 2007:
Finders Keepers

more ...