The new year brings new laws for California employers, and new rights and protections for California employees. Among these new laws is an increase in the state's minimum wage ([Labor Code §1182.12][0]), as amended September 2013). Be aware, however, this increase affects minimum wage and exempt employees. ([Labor Code §515(a)][0])

The first minimum wage change occurs on July 1, 2014, when the state's minimum hourly wage increases to $9.00. The minimum hourly wage will increase again, on January 1, 2016, to $10.00.