NEW LAWS

A Look at the New California Laws Affecting the Workplace

A new year often means out with the old and in with the new.

But when it comes to state laws, it often means keep the old and heap on the new.

California legislators were busy in 2012, passing a variety of new employment laws that took effect on Jan. 1, adding to the long list of employment laws already out there.

New legislation now protects workers who wear headscarves, turbans and long tunics or sport shaggy beards as part of their religious beliefs.

Employees are being protected from having to divulge to employers their user names and passwords for personal social-media sites. And again, San Francisco makes history by having the country's highest minimum wage.

Here's a summary of the state employment laws that will influence California companies in 2013, with links to the full law. Click here.