Important new state employment laws took effect on January 1, 2018 that expand economic security and opportunities for new parents and people with criminal records. The first one is the New Parent Leave Act (SB 63) that expands parental leave requirements to smaller employers with 20 to 49 employees. These employers are now required to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for parents to bond with their new child while guaranteeing job security and maintaining the same or similar level of benefits. Parental bonding is crucial for the healthy development of children and the health of new parents. For more information click: New Parent Leave Act.

.The second law expands job opportunities for people with conviction or arrest records. The California Fair Chance Act (AB1008) expands the “Ban the Box” policy to all employers with 5 or more workers. Employers may not ask about conviction history prior to making a conditional job offer. This law enables people with records to move through the job application process based on their qualifications and job experience while it maintains the right of the employers to conduct thorough criminal background check once the conditional job offer is made. Expanding economic opportunities for vulnerable populations is key to building healthier communities.  For more information on Fair Chance policies visit  The National Employment Law Project.