Maine has enacted legislation that will create a paid family and medical leave program in the state. Contributions to the program will begin Jan. 1, 2025, and employees will be entitled to begin using the job-protected leave on May 1, 2026.
Maine has enacted legislation that prohibits employers from taking adverse action against employees because they refuse to attend an employer-sponsored meeting that communicates the opinion of the employer about religious or political matters. The changes take effect Oct. 25, 2023.
Maine has enacted legislation that amends the state’s equal pay law to address race-based discrimination in pay. Previously, the state’s equal pay law addressed sex-based discrimination only. The changes take effect Oct. 25, 2023.
Maine has enacted legislation that will allow employees who don’t customarily and regularly receive tips to participate in tip pooling, provided the employer pays the full minimum wage and doesn’t use the tip credit. The change will take effect Oct. 25, 2023.
Maine has enacted legislation (Legislative Document 598) that expressly prohibits employers from discriminating against individuals because of their hairstyle or other traits associated with race. Legislative Document 598 takes effect on Aug. 8, 2022.
On April 7, 2022, Governor Mills of Maine signed into law H.P. 160, which requires employers to pay out all accrued, unused vacation at the time of separation. This requirement becomes effective on Jan. 1, 2023.
Maine has enacted legislation (Legislative Document 610) that will further limit deductions after an employer mistakenly overpays an employee. The law takes effect October 18, 2021.
Maine’s minimum wage will increase to $12.75 per hour on January 1, 2022. The change is a result of an annual adjustment for inflation.
Maine has enacted legislation (Legislative Document 1622) that will create a state-run retirement program for workers in the private sector. Maine will require employer participation if they have five or more employees and don’t offer a retirement plan.
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New York City has enacted an Order that establishes worker COVID-19 vaccination requirements, creates recordkeeping obligations, and includes a posting requirement. The Order took effect on December 27, 2021.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is requiring the use of face masks indoors for the next four weeks, regardless of the individual’s COVID-19 vaccination status.
Tucson, Arizona voters have approved a ballot measure (Proposition 206) that will increase the city’s minimum wage. Employers must pay employees at least the city's minimum wage rate for work done within Tucson.
North Dakota has enacted legislation (HB 1511) that requires private employers to allow certain employee exemptions from the COVID-19 vaccine. The law is effective from Nov.15, 2021 to Aug.1, 2023, unless extended.
The minimum wage in California and in many local jurisdictions in the state will increase on January 1, 2022.