The Chicago City Council has approved an ordinance (Ordinance No. O2021-2182) that will amend and expand the city’s paid sick leave law. The changes take effect August 1, 2021. Background: Chicago requires all employers with at least one covered employee to provide paid sick leave. To be ...

The State of Washington has enacted legislation (House Bill 5097) that expands eligibility for the state's paid family and medical leave program. House Bill 5097 takes effect on July 25, 2021. Background: Washington state provides partial wage replacement for employees to take leave to, ...

Virginia has enacted legislation to create a state-administered individual retirement account (IRA) program. Enrollment for the program will begin on or about July 1, 2023. Overview: The Board of the Virginia College Savings Plan will administer and oversee the program and develop ...

South Carolina has enacted legislation (House Bill 3094) that amends its concealed weapons law. House Bill 3094 takes effect on August 15, 2021. Overview: House Bill 3094 allows employers to prohibit a licensed individual from carrying a concealable weapon, whether concealed or openly ...

Oregon's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published a final rule that requires employers to follow certain safety protocols to stop the spread of COVID-19. Background: Previously, Oregon published a temporary rule to help control the spread of ...

Oregon has enacted legislation (House Bill 2474) that permanently amends the Oregon Family Leave Act to allow covered employees to take childcare leave during a public emergency. House Bill 2474 takes effect on January 1, 2022. Background: Oregon previously enacted Order BLI 7-2020, ...

New Mexico has enacted legislation (House Bill 29) that amends the state's Human Rights Act to prohibit hairstyle discrimination in the workplace. House Bill 29 is effective immediately. Background: The New Mexico Human Rights Act prohibits employers with four or more employees from ...

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. Background: Currently, Nevada employers with 50 or more employees that have ...

Connecticut has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 1201) that will allow adults to use recreational marijuana in the state beginning July 1, 2021. Senate Bill 1201 also includes certain employment protections for recreational marijuana use outside of work. The employment-related provisions ...

The Colorado Supreme Court has ruled that state law requires that all earned vacation pay must be paid at the end of the employment relationship. Background: Under state law, wages cannot be forfeited once earned. Under the law, wages include vacation pay earned pursuant to any agreement. If ...