Governor Newsom signed two landmark bills reforming PAGA. These changes apply to claims where the LWDA notice was filed on or after June 19, 2024.
Plaintiffs must now have personally experienced each specific violation they pursue on behalf of others.
Aggrieved employees now receive 35% of penalties (up from 25%).
| Scenario | Penalty Cap |
|---|---|
| Employer took “reasonable steps” before receiving PAGA notice | 15% of applicable penalties |
| Employer took “reasonable steps” within 60 days after notice | 30% of applicable penalties |
| Isolated, nonrecurring violation (<30 days or 4 pay periods) | $50 per pay period |
| Wage statement violation causing no harm | $25 |
| Employer acted maliciously or fraudulently | $200 per pay period |