California Enacts Workplace Laws on AI, Safety

California’s latest employment laws impose new workplace safety and compliance requirements, with major measures taking effect in 2027 and some procedural changes beginning in 2028. A new law requires employers that require CPR certification to provide separate, state-approved training on administering naloxone or another FDA-approved opioid antagonist, while recognizing qualifying equivalent prior training. Other changes address employers’ use of automated decision systems, workplace surveillance, bereavement leave and the state’s “stay or pay” law. Separate legislation lets employers seek workplace-violence restraining orders on behalf of all employees at a targeted worksite without identifying a specific employee, and will allow remote hearings and electronic filings starting in 2028.