Recent Updates

Connecticut has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 1201) that will allow adults to use recreational marijuana in the state beginning July 1, 2021. Senate Bill 1201 also includes certain employment protections for recreational marijuana use outside of work. The employment-related provisions generally take effect July 1, 2022. The following is a summary of these provisions.

The Colorado Supreme Court has ruled that state law requires that all earned vacation pay must be paid at the end of the employment relationship.

Texas has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 45) that prohibits sexual harassment in the workplace. Senate Bill 45 takes effect on September 1, 2021.

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf has signed legislation HB203, also known as the Living Donor Protection Act, or "the Act" that will provide unpaid leave to eligible employees for surgery related to organ or tissue donation. The Act takes effect June 26, 2021.

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.