The City of Columbus, Ohio, has enacted an ordinance to prohibit certain employers from inquiring about an applicant’s pay history. The ordinance takes effect on March 1, 2024.
New York has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 2832-A), which amends the state’s criminal larceny law to include wage theft. This could subject employers who are found to have committed wage theft to increased penalties. Senate Bill 2832-A is effective immediately.
Minnesota has enacted legislation (House File 782), which creates a state-run retirement program that workers in the private sector can join and requires participation by employers if they have five or more employees and don’t offer a retirement plan. The law doesn’t set a timeline for implementing the program. However, the program’s board of directors must begin operation of the program no earlier than Jan. 1, 2025.
Illinois has enacted legislation that clarifies a requirement for employers with 100 or more employees working in Illinois to obtain an Equal Pay Registration Certificate (EPRC). The legislation (House Bill 3733) takes effect Jan. 1, 2024.
Oregon has enacted legislation (House Bill 3307), which extends certain workplace protections to registered apprentices and those in private employer on-the-job training programs. House Bill 3307 takes effect on Jan. 1, 2024.
New York has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 4982), which protects employees who refuse to attend employer-sponsored meetings on religious or political matters, and/or refuse to listen to or view employer communications on religion or political matters. Senate Bill 4982 is effective immediately.
Nevada has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 305), which will require covered employers to enroll eligible employees in a retirement program that may include the Nevada Employee Savings Trust (NEST). Employee contributions would begin by July 1, 2025.
Minnesota has enacted legislation that clarifies the anti-retaliation provision of a state law that generally prohibits employers from preventing employees from disclosing their own pay information. The changes took effect July 1, 2023.
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Rhode Island has enacted emergency rules to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The rules are in effect from Dec. 29, 2021 to April 21, 2022.
The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division has amended its rule (OAR 437-001-0744), which covers requirements for masks, physical distancing, and cleaning to combat COVID-19. The amended rule went into effect Dec. 21, 2021.
The New York Department of Labor (DOL) has issued a final rule to clarify sick leave requirements. The final rule took effect Dec. 22, 2021.
New York City has enacted legislation (Int. No. 1894-A), that amends the New York City Human Rights Law and regulates the use of automated tools in certain employment decisions. The law takes effect on Jan. 1, 2023.
Effective Jan. 1, 2022, Colorado (CO) requires employers with 15 or fewer employees to provide paid sick leave to employees. Larger employers were already subject to the requirement.
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has revised emergency rules related to protecting workers from COVID-19. The changes take effect on Jan. 14, 2022.
Boston has announced that certain employers will be required to verify employees are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Covered employers must check proof of vaccination and post a notice about the COVID-19 vaccine requirement.