Employco Blog

California Updates Employment Status and Reimbursement Rules for Vehicle Use – On Oct. 11, 2025, the governor approved Senate Bill (SB) 809, which reaffirmed that mere ownership of a vehicle—personal or commercial—used by a person providing labor or services for remuneration does not make that person an independent contractor. The law took effect on Jan. 1, 2026.

We recently released our latest HR Edge newsletter. This quarter’s newsletter covers the following topics:

• 4 Wellness Trends Reshaping the Employee Experience
• Fertility Benefits on the Rise
• Getting Employee Buy-in on AI

Click the following link to access: HR Edge (Q1 2026).

Our HR department continues to provide expertise and serve as a valuable resource for navigating the pressing challenges employers face today. This team fields questions each day from employers seeking answers to their HR questions.

In recent months, employers have sought guidance on Affordable Care Act reporting deadlines, the health savings account expansion, Trump Accounts, and benefits open enrollment. While answers to these topics can vary based on locality, employer, and individual circumstances, federal agencies offer guidance that can aid employers in addressing day-to-day challenges in the workplace.

To help individuals better understand the new deductions for qualified overtime compensation under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) and the IRS issued frequently asked questions (FAQs) on Jan. 23, 2026.

On July 4, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a tax and spending bill commonly referred to as the OBBBA into law. Among other provisions, the OBBBA allows certain workers an above-the-line deduction for “qualified tips” and “qualified overtime compensation” for taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2024, and ending for taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2028.

Question: Are companies required to pay an employee while the person is waiting to work?

The workplace in 2026 is undergoing a transformation, largely driven by technological advancements, regulatory shifts, and evolving employee expectations. HR is not a back-office function. More than ever, it’s a strategic partner shaping organizational resilience and competitiveness. Employers will face a dynamic environment in 2026 that demands agility, foresight, and collaboration.