Several significant employment law changes take effect this month, requiring immediate action for compliance. Minimum Wage Increases: Many states are raising minimum wages on January 1, with rates reaching or exceeding $15/hour in places like Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Missouri, and Nebraska. California's statewide minimum rises to $16.90/hour. As of January 2026, 19 states have increased their minimum wage effective January 1, 2026. These increases are typically tied