The Maine Department of Labor (MDOL) is reminding employers that contributions and quarterly reporting for the state’s paid family and medical leave program will begin Jan.  1, 2025. The MDOL has also issued a proposed rule to implement the program and updated guidance in the form of frequently asked questions.

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.