Recent Updates

Montana has announced that the state minimum wage will increase from $8.75 per hour to $9.20 per hour effective January 1, 2022.

Iowa has enacted legislation (House File 902) that requires employers to grant waivers to their COVID-19 vaccination requirements under certain circumstances. House File 902 is effective immediately.

The California Department of Industrial Relations has announced an increase to the pay rates that computer software employees and physicians must receive in order to be exempt from overtime. Additionally, the minimum salary required for the administrative, professional, and executive overtime exemptions will also increase. These new rates take effect on January 1, 2022.

Arkansas has enacted legislation (House Bill 1977) that requires employers to provide an exemption process as an alternative to COVID-19 vaccination mandates. House Bill 1977 takes effect on or about January 13, 2022 and expires on July 31, 2023, unless extended.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently released guidance on federal protections from discrimination and retaliation based on applicants’ or employees’ sexual orientation and transgender status.

On October 25, 2021, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) expanded its Technical Assistance providing further clarification as to how employers should address employee objections to employer COVID-19 requirements.  Below is a summary of the EEOC’s expanded guidance. 

Nevada has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 293) that prohibits employers from taking certain actions relating to an applicant's salary history. Senate Bill 293 takes effect on Oct. 1, 2021.

Nevada has enacted legislation (Assembly Bill 190) that requires employers to let employees use accrued sick leave to care for an immediate family member. Assembly Bill 190 takes effect Oct. 1, 2021.