Newsom Approves More Exemptions for California’s Fast-Food Minimum Wage

Critics say adding exemptions can create confusion for restaurant owners and burden the state with costs of determining eligibility.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signs the fast food bill surrounded by fast food workers at the SEIU Local 721 in Los Angeles on Sept. 28, 2023. Courtesy of Office of Governor Gavin Newsom

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a new bill into law on March 25 that adds exemptions to a controversial fast-food law passed last year that raised the minimum wage to at least $20 per hour for some restaurants in the industry.

The governor approved Assembly Bill 610—authored by Assemblyman Chris Holden—which exempts restaurants in certain locations, including in hotels, event centers, theme parks, stadiums, corporate campuses, and on public lands, among others from Assembly Bill 1228, which takes effect on April 1.