We are reaching out to make you aware of important updates that were recently shared by Washington State legislature impacting collection of premiums for the WA Cares Fund.

On Jan. 27, 2022, Washington state Governor Jay Inslee signed into law two bills, House Bill 1732 and House Bill 1733, which became effective at signing. These new bills will delay and make significant changes to the WA Cares Fund.

The District of Columbia has enacted legislation that will extend a requirement that employers provide paid leave to employees for the time they, or their minor child, spend obtaining and recovering from COVID-19 vaccination. The legislation also extends an expansion of the D.C. Family and Medical Leave Act (DCFMLA). These changes were set to expire on Feb. 3, 2022.

Tennessee issued an emergency rule that set forth quarantine procedures related to COVID-19. The rule is effective from Dec.  22, 2021 to June 20, 2022.

Update Jan. 6, 2022: Tennessee has released new guidance that lowers the period of isolation to five days in certain circumstances, while continuing to require masking. 

Rhode Island has enacted emergency rules to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The rules are in effect from Dec. 29, 2021 to April 21, 2022.

The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division has amended its rule (OAR 437-001-0744), which covers requirements for masks, physical distancing, and cleaning to combat COVID-19. The amended rule went into effect Dec. 21, 2021.

The New York Department of Labor (DOL) has issued a final rule to clarify sick leave requirements. The final rule took effect Dec. 22, 2021.

New York City has enacted legislation (Int. No. 1894-A), that amends the New York City Human Rights Law and regulates the use of automated tools in certain employment decisions. The law takes effect on Jan. 1, 2023.

The New York City Council has enacted a law (Int. No. 1208-B) which requires New York City employers to include the minimum and maximum starting salary for advertised jobs, promotions or transfer opportunities. The law takes effect on May 15, 2022.

Governor Kathy Hochul of New York had announced a temporary mask mandate for businesses and venues, unless they implemented a vaccine requirement. The mandate was scheduled to be in effect from Dec. 13, 2021 until Jan. 15, 2022, unless extended.

The City of Santa Fe, New Mexico has announced that effective March 1, 2022 the living wage rate in Santa Fe will increase from $12.32 to $12.95 per hour. All employers required to have a business license or registration from the City of Santa Fe must pay at least the living wage rate to employees for all hours worked within the Santa Fe city limits. All employees, including temporary and part-time workers, must be paid this rate.