Recent Updates

Maine has enacted legislation that prohibits employers from taking adverse action against employees because they refuse to attend an employer-sponsored meeting that communicates the opinion of the employer about religious or political matters. The changes take effect Oct. 25, 2023.

Illinois has enacted legislation that expands requirements for certain employers to provide bereavement leave to employees. The legislation (Senate Bill 2034) takes effect Jan. 1, 2024.

Texas has enacted legislation (House Bill 2459) to further protect certain employees from labor law violations. House Bill 2459 takes effect on Sept. 1, 2023.

Rhode Island has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 0342aa), which prohibits employers from requiring that an employee enter into a nondisclosure or confidentiality agreement that requires alleged civil rights violations to remain confidential. Senate Bill 0342aa is effective immediately.

Rhode Island has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 1079a), which clarifies and increases certain penalties for employers that are found to have violated certain payment laws or misclassified independent contractors. Senate Bill 1079a takes effect on Jan. 1, 2024.

New Hampshire has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 269), which clarifies the circumstances in which an employer may administer a tip pool or tip-sharing agreement. Senate Bill 269 takes effect on Sept.  26, 2023.

Maine has enacted legislation that amends the state’s equal pay law to address race-based discrimination in pay. Previously, the state’s equal pay law addressed sex-based discrimination only. The changes take effect Oct. 25, 2023.

Maine has enacted legislation that will allow employees who don’t customarily and regularly receive tips to participate in tip pooling, provided the employer pays the full minimum wage and doesn’t use the tip credit. The change will take effect Oct. 25, 2023.

Illinois has enacted legislation that will require employers with 51 or more employees to provide paid organ donation leave to employees. The law (House Bill 3516) takes effect Jan. 1, 2024.