Oregon has enacted a final rule that requires employers to take certain safety steps related to wildfire smoke exposure. The final rule took effect on July 1, 2022.

New York has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 8417) that adds “status as a victim of domestic violence” to the list of protected classes throughout the New York Human Rights Law (NYHRL). Senate Bill 8417 is effective immediately.

Nebraska has enacted Legislative Bill 780 that amends an employer’s requirements for child labor certificates. Legislative Bill 780 is effective immediately.

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 June 24, 2022, Hawaii Governor David Ige signed into law HB 2510 which incrementally increases the state’s minimum wage.  The current minimum wage in Hawaii is $10.10 per hour.  The minimum cash wage is $9.35 but only if an employee earns $7.00 more than the minimum wage through tips and wages.

Colorado has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 161) that amends the state’s wage theft law. It requires employers to provide notice to an employee before deducting from their pay for money or property the employee failed to return or repay upon termination of employment.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti on July 7, 2022, signed into law the Healthcare Workers Minimum Wage Ordinance (Ordinance).

Tennessee has enacted legislation (House Bill 2733) that requires an employer to allow a veteran employee to take all of Veterans Day off as a non-paid holiday under certain circumstances. House Bill 2733 is effective immediately.

Tennessee has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 1884) and (House Bill 1871), which create a sunset date for COVID-19 related laws and adds employee protections for natural COVID-19 immunity. Senate Bill 1884 takes effect on July 1, 2023, and House Bill 1871 is effective immediately.