News

Alaska Minimum Salary for Overtime Exemption to Increase Twice in 2025

The minimum salary required to qualify for exemption from overtime under Alaska state law is scheduled to increase twice in 2025, on Jan. 1, 2025, and again on July 1, 2025.

Alaska Votes to Increase Minimum Wage

Alaska voters have approved Ballot Measure No. 1, which increases the state’s minimum wage incrementally. The current minimum wage in Alaska is $11.73 per hour and according to the Alaska Department of Labor website, it will increase to $11.91 on Jan. 1, 2025.

Alaska Bars Mandatory Meetings on Religious or Political Matters

Alaska voters have approved a ballot measure that prohibits employers from taking adverse action against employees because they refuse to attend an employer-sponsored mandatory meeting that communicates the opinion of the employer about religious or political matters. The changes take effect July 1, 2025.

Alaska Updates Regulations on Board and Lodging Deductions

The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development (LWD) has issued updated regulations detailing how employers may deduct the reasonable cost of board and lodging for employees from the state minimum wage. These regulations are effective July 28, 2023.

Alaska eliminates minimum wage exception for workers with disabilities

Alaska has enacted Senate Bill 185 (SB 185) which eliminates the use of the subminimum wage for workers with disabilities. SB 185 is effective Dec. 12, 2022.

Alaska to increase minimum wage in 2021

The minimum wage in Alaska will increase to $10.34 per hour on January 1, 2021. The change is a result of annual adjustment for inflation. All non-exempt employees must be paid at least the minimum wage per hour.

Alaska requires new notice for unemployment insurance

The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development has adopted an emergency rule that expands the state's unemployment insurance notice requirements. The rule takes effect immediately and expires on Aug. 3, 2020, unless extended.

Alaska’s minimum wage to increase in 2020

The minimum wage in Alaska will increase to $10.19 per hour on January 1, 2020. This change is the result of an annual adjustment for inflation. All non-exempt employees must be paid at least the minimum wage per hour.

Minimum Wage Update for Various Jurisdictions

Various jurisdictions have increased their minimum wage rates. If applicable, you must increase the pay rate for exempt and/or non-exempt employees to meet the new minimum wage. For New York, the pay rate increase is effective on or before December 31, 2018. For all other jurisdictions and federal contractors, the increase is effective on or before January 1, 2019. An updated poster is not required provided that the employer has the most recent poster already on display. If needed, employers should order a new minimum wage poster. The minimum wage rate is based on the employee’s work location.

Alaska Smoking Ban

Alaska Statute 18.35.300 prohibits smoking in an enclosed area in places of employment and public places.

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Regional Alerts

Compliance-Corner-, State-Compliance-Update, West-Virginia

West Virginia has enacted Senate Bill 272, also known as the West Virginia Employment Law Workers Classification Act (the Act). The Act takes effect on June 9, 2021.

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Compliance-Corner-, State-Compliance-Update, Texas-

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in Texas has ruled that employers are prohibited from discriminating against LGBTQ workers under the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act (TCHRA).

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Compliance-Corner-, State-Compliance-Update, Oregon-

The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) has recently released guidance on the Oregon Family Leave Act (OFLA) in the form of frequently asked questions.

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Compliance-Corner-, State-Compliance-Update, New-York-

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has signed Senate Bill S854A also known as the Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act (the Act) into law. The Act, which is effective immediately, legalizes recreational marijuana use and establishes employment protections for recreational marijuana users.

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Compliance-Corner-, State-Compliance-Update, New-Mexico-

New Mexico has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 35) that will require employers to pay high school workers at least the minimum wage per hour.

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Compliance-Corner-, State-Compliance-Update, New-Jersey-

The New Jersey Supreme Court has clarified the scope of the state's Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA).

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Compliance-Corner-, State-Compliance-Update, New-Jersey-

The New Jersey Department of Labor (NJDOL) has released guidance clarifying the circumstances in which employers may require their employees to receive the COVID-19 vaccination prior to returning to work.

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Compliance-Corner-, State-Compliance-Update, Michigan-

Michigan has enacted legislation (House Bill 4047) that will provide funding to continue and expand hazard pay for direct care workers.

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Compliance-Corner-, State-Compliance-Update, Kentucky-

Kentucky has enacted legislation (House Bill 210) that amends and expands a state law that requires employers to provide leave to employees who adopt a child.

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Compliance-Corner-, State-Compliance-Update, Illinois-

Illinois has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 1480) that restricts the use of conviction records for employment purposes. Senate Bill 1480 took effect immediately.

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Compliance-Corner-, State-Compliance-Update, Illinois-

The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) has provided guidance on providing employees pay, leave, and flexibility so they can get the COVID-19 vaccination.

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Compliance-Corner-, State-Compliance-Update, Delaware-

Delaware has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 32) that expressly prohibits employers from discriminating against individuals based on hair texture and protective hairstyles. Senate Bill 32 takes effect immediately.

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Compliance-Corner-, State-Compliance-Update, Texas-

The cities of Dallas and San Antonio, Texas enacted ordinances that would require employers to provide paid sick leave to covered employees.

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