California's agricultural businesses are seeing the benefits of a more balanced system under the 2024 legislative reforms to the Private Attorneys General Act. A new report from several leading employment law firms highlights key early results from the changes.
One major shift is the impact of narrower standing. Employers and defense lawyers are now able to eliminate many claims early by showing that the plaintiff did not personally experience certain violations. This cuts down on frivolous lawsuits, reduces exposure, and leads to faster, less expensive resolutions because the disputes are tighter and easier to manage.
Employees are also seeing gains. Their share of penalties increased from 25 percent to 35 percent, with the state receiving 65 percent. The early resolution process through the Labor and Workforce Development Agency also reduces the need for long, costly litigation, helping employees receive money sooner.
Employers, for their part, are investing more heavily in compliance. Many are conducting audits more often, training managers, and updating workplace policies in advance rather than waiting for complaints.
Penalties have become more balanced as well. Defense firms report that the reforms have led to significantly reduced penalty amounts, helping correct what many viewed as an overly punitive system.
The reforms also brought clarity to the statute of limitations by confirming that a plaintiff must have experienced a violation within the past year to bring a claim. Finally, courts now have clear authority to limit the scope of claims and the evidence presented to keep cases manageable for trial, which supports more efficient and fair outcomes.
Western Growers
