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Disabilities (ADA): California

Disabilities (ADA) requirements for other states

Federal law and guidance on this subject should be reviewed together with this section.

Authors: Natasha L. DeCourcy, Michelle Barrett Falconer and Helene J. Wasserman, Littler

Summary

  • In addition to the federal equal opportunity laws, most California employers must comply with a number of state and local antidiscrimination statutes, including the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), the California Labor Code and the California Code of Regulations. See California Disability Discrimination Laws.
  • The FEHA prohibits discrimination based on physical and mental disabilities and on medical conditions. See FEHA Disability Discrimination.
  • The FEHA also prohibits discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions. See FEHA Pregnancy Discrimination and Accommodation.
  • California permits the use of medical marijuana by registered patients with a serious medical condition. See Compassionate Use of Marijuana Law.
  • The results of a blood test detecting whether an individual has been exposed to the HIV virus must not be used to determine insurability or suitability for employment. See HIV or AIDS Test Results.
  • An employer may not test an applicant or employee for the presence of a genetic characteristic. See Genetic Information.
  • San Francisco has requirements pertaining to disability discrimination. See Local Requirements.