Pay Data Reporting and 2026 Compensation Compliance

This session will break down the sweeping changes introduced by Senate Bill 464, which transforms annual pay data obligations for employers with 100 or more employees into a system of strict liability with mandatory civil penalties. We will guide covered employers through the immediate operational requirements, including the mandatory separate storage of employee demographic data from standard personnel files and the upcoming transition to 23 highly specific Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) groups.

Following this update, we will pivot to a critical discussion on workers’ compensation audits and the financial risks of worker misclassification. We will explain the strategic importance of correctly distinguishing between employees and independent contractors, and how a single misclassified worker can inadvertently end up on your workers’ compensation payroll audit, leading to unexpected premium hikes and retroactive penalties. Whether you are a large organization navigating new state reporting or a smaller ministry looking to safeguard your budget, this session will equip your team with the compliance tools needed to protect your operations and keep your insurance premiums secure.