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. Update ...

Nevada has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 327) that bans hairstyle discrimination in the workplace. Senate Bill 327 is effective immediately. Background: Under Nevada law, employers with 15 or more employees are prohibited from discriminating against applicants and employees on the ...

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. Rebuttal and Explanation Opportunity: Typically, employers must provide employees with the opportunity to rebut or explain the results of a ...

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. Background: In Connecticut, employers with three or more employees are ...

The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) has revised emergency rules related to protecting workers from COVID-19. The revisions are effective immediately. Background: In late 2020, the DIR adopted emergency rules for protecting workers from COVID-19, including a requirement for ...

What is the Return to Workplace Vaccination Survey? The Return to Workplace feature in Workforce Now was rolled out in October of 2020. The feature allows clients to: ·       Assess the sentiment/state of the ...

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. Employer Protections: House Bill 785 protects employers from lawsuits that accuse the employer of negligently ...

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 ...

Rhode Island has enacted legislation (House Bill 5130A) that will raise the state's minimum wage in phases, eventually reaching $15 per hour. Minimum Wage Schedule: The minimum wage will increase as follows: $12.25 per hour on January 1, 2022 $13.00 per hour on January 1, 2023 ...

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. Background: Among other ...