Latest Compliance News

Washington has enacted a new law regarding sexual harassment training in certain industries.  Specifically, it requires employers in the hotel, motel, retail, security guard and property services industries to adopt a sexual harassment policy, provide training and submit certain information to the state Department of Labor and Industries.  Hotels and motels with 60 or more rooms must comply with the new law by January 1, 2020. All other covered employers must comply by January 1, 2021.

The state of Washington has approved legislation that creates a state-run program that will provide long-term-care benefits to eligible individuals.  Employers will be required to withhold employee contributions and remit them to the state, but employers aren’t required to contribute to the program themselves.

Washington has enhanced its pay equity protections.  One year after enacting the 2018 Equal Pay and Opportunity Act, which included an array of pay equity provisions, the legislature passed HB 1696, which restricts pay history inquires and enhances pay transparency requirements. The amendments take effect July 28, 2019.

Oregon has enacted legislation (House Bill 2341) that will require employers to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions to applicants and employees. House Bill 2341 takes effect January 1, 2020.

Nevada has enacted legislation that will require certain employers to provide paid leave to employees.

Massachusetts officially delayed the start of contributions under the Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave Act (PFMLA) until October 1, 2019, and amended the law.  With the delay, the Massachusetts Department of Family and Medical Leave announced a number of changes.

Maryland has enacted legislation that will require certain employers to provide organ and bone marrow donation leave to eligible employees.