Delaware has passed a series of laws that will prohibit employers from discriminating against individuals because of their family responsibilities, their reproductive health decisions, or for discussing their wages with co-workers.

Effective October 1, 2016, transgender individuals in Massachusetts will have the legal right to use restrooms, changing rooms, and locker rooms that correspond to their gender identity, regardless of their assigned sex. Additionally, no place of public accommodation (that is any place that is open to and solicits the patronage of the general public) will be allowed to discriminate or advertise in a way that discriminates based on gender identity.

Ohio has joined the growing list of states legalizing the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. The law takes effect on September 6, 2016, although the state must now go through the process of creating and implementing a regulatory program before its constituents can begin dispensing medical marijuana. That process is expected to take up to two years.

The Tennessee Lawful Employment Law Act (E-Verify Act) was recently amended in an effort to minimize the compliance burden on small businesses and strengthen the authority of the Tennessee Department of Labor (TDOL) to pursue violators.  Effective January 1, 2017, private employers with at least 50 employees are required to enroll in the E-Verify program and use the system to verify employment eligibility for newly hired workers.  In addition, the amendment authorizes the TDOL to pursue employers that knowingly violate the E-Verify Act.

Effective August 10, 2016, Colorado employers are no longer required to complete and retain the Colorado Affirmation Form, confirming that they have examined whether a new hire is authorized to work in the United States.

New Hampshire recently enacted Senate Bill 416, which grants an employee the right to request (1) a flexible work arrangement that meets the needs of the employer and employee and (2) advance notice of his/her work schedule.  It also prohibits employers from retaliating against an employee solely for making a request.

The medical marijuana program established by New York’s Compassionate Care Act has been implemented.

The Virginia state poster has been updated in regards to accident reporting. All injuries or illnesses that result in an in-patient hospitalization, amputation or loss of an eye must be reported to Virginia Occupational Safety and Health Program (VOSH) within 24 hours. This Virginia law has been effective as of July 1, 2016.

The Minnesota state poster has been updated to reflect a change in the state minimum wage.

There are several updates to our model handbook.