Texas recently joined the ranks of twenty-one other states in passing the CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair), which prohibits employers from discriminating against employees based on hair texture or hairstyle.  The law will become effective on September 1, 2023. Seyfarth:Texas Joins Growing Number of States to Ban Natural Hair […]

Effective July 1, 2023, 12 California counties and municipalities, including Los Angeles and San Francisco, will increase the minimum wage for non-exempt employees. Proskauer:12 California Counties and Municipalities Increasing Minimum Wage Rates on July 1

Employers have 30 days to reach I-9 compliance after remote verification was allowed during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Employers must physically inspect by August 30, 2023 all of the I-9s remotely approved during that period. Littler:Employers Have 30 Days to Reach Compliance after I-9 COVID Flexibilities End on July 31, 2023 ICE News Release:ICE updates Form I-9 requirement […]

The US Department of Labor (DOL) has released newly-updated posters regarding the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).  Covered employers are required to display the posters on their premises, in conspicuous locations where it can be readily seen by employees and applicants. Proskauer:Department of Labor Issues Updated FLSA […]

On May 26, 2023, the New York City Human Rights Law was amended to include height and weight to the growing list of protected characteristics under the law. Effective on or about November 22, 2023 (within 180 days), New York City employers will be prohibited from discriminating against applicants and employees on the basis of their […]

Originally scheduled to go into effect on October 1, 2023, the Maryland General Assembly recently modified and delayed implementation of the Family Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) Program. Littler:Maryland Modifies its Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program

On May 12, 2023, Lexington passed the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act (CROWN Act), becoming the fourth city in Kentucky to protect hairstyles under its local anti-discrimination ordinances.  The law became effective immediately.  Lexington’s ordinance follows in the footsteps of Frankfort, Louisville, and Covington. Littler:Natural Hairstyle Discrimination Protections Passed in Kentucky and […]

The US Department of Labor (DOL), under the Fair Labor Standards Act, has issued FAQs and a Fact Sheet on PUMP (Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers) Act, which goes into effect on April 28, 2023. Shawe Rosenthal:The DOL Provides Guidance on Lactation Accommodations Under the New PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act

Mass shootings have been increasingly in the headlines in recent years, and many of these incidents have occurred in the workplace.  This article explains what steps an employer should take to keep their employees safe and help ease the impact on them. Bradley:Workplace Violence: An Unfortunate Reality – Are You Prepared?