Fast Company Daily These laws will change how you work in 2026
Jan 9, 2026
Discover how state legislation is reshaping workers' rights as we approach 2026. Learn about advancements in paid leave, minimum wage hikes, and vital protections against AI in hiring. States are stepping up with new laws that encourage pay transparency and expand sick leave. Meanwhile, anti-DEI measures are emerging in various states. Find out how these changes are poised to impact workplaces and the way we work in the near future!
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State Backfill After Federal DEI Rollbacks
- Federal actions this year rolled back DEI programs and contractor requirements at the national level.
- States are now creating their own laws to limit or reshape DEI in public hiring and education.
Higher-Ed Limits On DEI Hiring
- Several states passed laws barring consideration of DEI in hiring at public colleges and universities.
- The EEOC signaled increased scrutiny of corporate DEI programs heading into 2026.
AI Governance Extends Into Hiring
- Multiple states will enact AI governance rules covering hiring to prevent discriminatory automated decisions.
- Illinois amended its Human Rights Act to regulate AI across all employment decisions in 2026.