Recent Updates

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.

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.

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum has signed legislation (HB 1465) that addresses rules pertaining to vaccination status. HB 1465 is effective immediately.

New Hampshire enacted legislation (House Bill 258) that allows employers to retain wage and hour records electronically. House Bill 258 takes effect on June 22, 2021.

Nevada has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 209) that amends its paid leave law to require paid leave for COVID-19 vaccination. Senate Bill 209 is effective immediately and is set to expire on December 31, 2023.

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.

Massachusetts has enacted legislation (House Bill 3702) that requires all employers to provide COVID-19 emergency paid sick leave. Employers that provide the leave may request reimbursement from the state's COVID-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave Fund. The leave requirement will expire when the $75 million fund is exhausted or September 30, 2021, whichever occurs first.