California has enacted legislation that expands the list of crimes for which employees are entitled to take time off and allows employees to take time off to help family members who are the victims of such crimes. The law (Assembly Bill 2499) takes effect Jan.1, 2025.

California has enacted legislation that clarifies that the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) prohibits discrimination on the basis not just of individual protected traits, but also based on the combination of two or more protected traits. The clarification is a result of enactment of Senate Bill 1137 and is effective Jan. 1, 2025.

California has enacted legislation that will prohibit employers from requiring that employees use two weeks of accrued vacation time before they can access paid family leave benefits. The change is a result of enactment of Assembly Bill 2123 and takes effect Jan.  1, 2025.

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.

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.