S.B. 642, the Pay Equity Enforcement Act, brings significant changes to California’s pay transparency and pay discrimination laws. Signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on October 8, the law takes effect January 1, 2026, and is poised to reshape employer obligations statewide.
In 2025, California legislators passed new employment laws that will bring changes to employment contracts, pay data reporting, paid family leave, and other employment-related topics. Employers in California should understand the impacts of the new requirements, new prohibitions, and expanded definitions to current laws.
A self-insured retention is a dollar amount specified in the insurance policy that an insured must pay toward a claim before insurance coverage begins to apply to pay for remaining covered amounts. While ordinarily straightforward, insurers may sometimes argue otherwise. In a recent summary judgment ruling in The Archdiocese of New York, et al. v. Century Indem. Company, et al., No. 652825/2023 (N.Y. Sup. Ct. Sept. 8, 2025), based on the plain language of the insurance policies, a New York state trial court rejected an insurer attempt to treat a self-insured retention as reducing the amount covered under the policies.
Benchmark Litigation has recognized the following members of Hunton’s insurance coverage team as Litigation Stars: practice head Syed S. Ahmad, partner Walter J. Andrews, and special counsel Lorelie (Lorie) S. Masters. Benchmark’s Litigation Star recognizes individuals who possess a strong case record and are consistently recommended by clients and peers as reputable and effective litigators.
In addition, Benchmark named partner Geoffrey Fehling on its Future Stars list, which recognizes individuals who are consistently referenced by peers and clients as litigators who are building their reputations in the market.
On October 13, 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law the Digital Age Assurance Act, which introduces new requirements for age verification in software applications.
