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As the calendar turns to 2026, employers across the country face a fresh wave of labor and employment law changes that will reshape workplace compliance, employee rights, and business operations. From expanded protections for gig workers and whistleblowers to new rules governing employment contracts, data privacy, and workplace transparency, this year’s legislative updates reflect a […]
Many states and localities are set to increase their minimum wages on January 1, 2026. In California, Colorado, Maine, New York and Washington, the minimum salary required to be classified as exempt from overtime is tied to the minimum wage or is otherwise adjusted annually with the minimum wage and therefore will also increase on […]
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently announced that the amount individuals can contribute to their 401(k) plans in 2026 has increased to $24,500, up from $23,500 for 2025. The IRS also issued technical guidance regarding all cost‑of‑living adjustments affecting dollar limitations for pension plans and other retirement-related items for tax year 2026. IRS:401(k) limit increases to $24,500 […]
Governor Pritzker signed into law new employment–related enactments, such as the Workers’ Rights and Worker Safety Act. Existing laws, such as the Illinois Human Rights Act, the Illinois Workplace Transparency Act, and the Employee Blood and Organ Donation Act, have been amended. This article summarizes the most important changes employers need to know. Ogletree Deakins:Illinois Labor […]
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) requires employers to include on the Form W-2: (a) the total amount of cash tips reported by the employee, as well as the employee’s qualifying tipped occupation; and (b) the total amount of qualified overtime compensation. On August 7, 2025, the IRS announced that Form W-2 would remain […]
Starting January 1, 2026, California’s minimum wage rate will rise from $16.50 to $16.90 per hour, reflecting a 2.49 percent adjustment based on federal inflation data as required by the state’s annual inflation-based adjustment process. The new state minimum wage will apply to all private employers statewide, without exception for business size. The increase in […]