Compliance Corner

Oregon has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 569) that prohibits an employer from requiring an employee or prospective employee to possess or present a valid driver's license as a condition of employment or continued employment. Senate Bill 569 is effective immediately.

Oregon has amended its anti-retaliation rules related to health and safety protections. Senate Bill 843 is effective immediately.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the New York Health and Essential Rights Act, or "the NY HERO Act" (the Act), into law on May 5, 2021. The Act adds workplace health and safety protections for airborne infectious diseases and requires employers to establish a health and safety plan.

Nevada has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 327) that bans hairstyle discrimination in the workplace. Senate Bill 327 is effective immediately.

The state of Montana has enacted legislation (House Bill 655) that amends employer drug testing rules. House Bill 655 takes effect on July 1, 2021.

Connecticut has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 56) that expressly prohibits employers from asking applicants age-related related questions on application forms. Senate Bill 56 takes effect on October 1, 2021.

The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) has revised emergency rules related to protecting workers from COVID-19. The revisions are effective immediately.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has signed House Bill 785, which protects employers from negligent hiring lawsuits under certain circumstances. House Bill 785 is effective immediately.

Washington Governor Jay Inslee has signed Senate Bill 5115, also known as the Health Emergency Labor Standards Act (or HELSA). The HELSA expands worker protections during a public health emergency and requires employers to follow certain notice requirements. Senate Bill 5115 is effective immediately.

Rhode Island has enacted legislation (House Bill 5130A) that will raise the state's minimum wage in phases, eventually reaching $15 per hour.