Compliance Corner

The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection has issued a final rule that defines and clarifies various aspects of a new ordinance requiring employers to allow employees to accrue up to 40 hours of paid sick leave per 12-month period and up to 40 hours of paid leave per 12-month period that employees can use for any reason. The ordinance and final rule take effect July 1, 2024.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published a final rule clarifying the rights of employees to authorize a representative to accompany OSHA compliance officers during an inspection of their workplace. The rule takes effect May 31, 2024.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has issued a final rule that implements the federal Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA). The final rule takes effect June 18, 2024.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has published a rule that temporarily increases the automatic extension period of employment authorization and/or Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766 or EAD) validity from up to 180 days to up to 540 days. 

Washington state has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 5793), which expands paid sick leave protections under state law. Senate Bill 5793 takes effect on Jan. 1, 2025.