New Year, New Compliance Requirements: See What's in Store for Employers in 2026

Author: Brightmine Editorial Team

It should come as no surprise to any employer that the beginning of the new year brings a variety of new employment law requirements. To help employers avoid being surprised by the impacts on their workplace, we have provided a list of developments taking effect on or around January 1, 2026, organized by jurisdiction.

At the federal level, be aware of requirements related to benefits and taxes. Key developments at the state and local levels affect leave rights, discrimination protections, payroll, data privacy and the salary threshold for exempt employees. New legal requirements also touch on AI in employment, labor relations, and employee safety and security. Review these developments below and make any needed updates to policies and procedures.

More than 145 compliance changes kick in around January 1, including 70+ minimum wage increases affecting more than 15 states and dozens of localities. Find a comprehensive overview of minimum wage rates across the US in our Minimum Wage Rates by State and Municipality 50-State Chart.

Finally, many jurisdictions update their workplace posters annually, so take time now to ensure you are using the most current version of any applicable federal and state and local posters.