Recent Updates

The state of Washington has enacted legislation (House Bill 1213), which expands protections under the Washington Paid Family Leave Act. House Bill 1213 takes effect on Jan.  1, 2026.

The State of Washington has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 5101), which requires an employer to provide safety accommodations and unpaid leave when an employee or their family member is a victim of a hate crime. Senate Bill 5101 takes effect on Jan. 1, 2026.

Texas has enacted legislation (House Bill 742), which requires first responders to receive human trafficking prevention training. Texas has also enacted legislation (House Bill 754), which adds the same training requirement for medical assistants. The bills take effect Sept. 1, 2025.

Texas has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 835), which prohibits nondisclosure and confidentiality provisions regarding sexual abuse. Senate Bill 835 is effective Sept. 1, 2025.

Texas has enacted legislation (House Bill 4215), which adds rules for Delivery Network Companies (DNCs). House Bill 4215 takes effect Sept.  1, 2025.

Texas has enacted legislation (House Bill 2187), which adds certain protections related to nurse staffing in hospitals. House Bill 2187 takes effect Sept.  1, 2025.

Rhode Island has enacted legislation (House Bill 5506 SUB A), which prohibits mandatory employer-sponsored meetings regarding religious and political matters. House Bill 5506 SUB A is effective immediately.

Rhode Island has enacted Senate Bill 125A which increases the state’s minimum wage.

Rhode Island has enacted legislation (House Bill 5679), which requires an employer to provide certain information to new hires in the form of a notice. House Bill 5679 takes effect on Jan.  1, 2026.

The state of Rhode Island has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 0361), which expands its law requiring accommodation of pregnancy-related conditions to include menopause-related conditions. Senate Bill 0361 is effective immediately.