Minnesota has enacted legislation (House File 2) that will create a paid family and medical leave program in the state. Contributions to the program and wage-replacement benefits will begin January 1, 2026. Employers can opt to have a private plan to meet the requirements, provided the plan is approved by the state.

Alabama has enacted House Bill 217 (HB 217), which excludes from gross income for state income tax purposes amounts received by a full-time hourly wage-paid employee as compensation for work performed in excess of 40 hours in a week.

The exemption provided under HB 217 will be in effect for tax years that begin after December 31, 2023, and end prior to June 30, 2025.

Arkansas has enacted legislation (House Bill 1576), which expressly prohibits employers with nine or more employees from discriminating against individuals based on a natural, protective or cultural hairstyle. The changes take effect July 31, 2023.

Arkansas has enacted legislation (House Bill 1410) that will remove a requirement for individuals under the age of 16 to obtain a work certificate from the state Department of Labor. House Bill 1410 takes effect July 30, 2023.

Colorado has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 23-105), which amends the state’s rules for pay and opportunity transparency in internal and external job postings. The law takes effect January 1, 2024.

Colorado has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 23-017) that expands the reasons employees may use paid sick leave under state law. Senate Bill 23-017 takes effect August 7, 2023.

Colorado has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 23-058) that expressly prohibits employers from making age-related inquiries on an initial employment application. The law takes effect July 1, 2024.

Kentucky has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 47) that will allow adults to use medicinal cannabis for certain medical conditions beginning in 2025. The law also addresses employers’ rights regarding medicinal cannabis.

Michigan has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 90), which expressly prohibits employers from discriminating against individuals based on traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles. The changes took effect immediately on June 15, 2023.

Minnesota has enacted legislation (Senate File 3035) that will expand requirements for employers to provide lactation breaks, reasonable accommodations for pregnancy, and pregnancy and parental leave. Senate File 3035 takes effect July 1, 2023.