Labor reforms in various states are changing employment conditions.

As 2026 progresses, several major U.S. states have implemented legislative changes that modify the minimum wage and other labor laws to improve working conditions.

In California, the minimum wage has been set at around $16.90 per hour for non-exempt workers, making it one of the highest rates in the country. These changes entail adjustments to wage structures and benefit scales that affect both small businesses and large employers.

For its part, New York has introduced phased increases to its minimum wage in metropolitan areas such as New York City and Long Island, recognizing the high cost of living in those areas. The reforms also include provisions regarding overtime, benefits, and personal data protection rights for employees.

In addition to salary adjustments, states like Texas and Colorado have passed novel regulations on artificial intelligence applied to hiring and management of labor data, seeking to prevent discrimination and promote transparency.

Employment experts see these reforms as part of a growing trend in the U.S. toward the decentralization of labor standards, with states moving independently of the federal government on policies that reflect their local economies and social priorities.