We have made several important policy updates to our model California handbook including the following:

• Non-Disclosure / Confidential Company Information
• Publicity, Statements to the Media
• Use of Communication and Computer Systems
• Use of Social Media
• Workplace Conduct
• Solicitation and Distribution
• San Francisco Family Friendly Workplace
• Working Hours and Schedule (includes important meal and rest period requirements under CA law)
• Victims of Domestic Violence Sexual Assault or Stalking
• Pregnancy Disability Leave
• Travel Time for Nonexempt Employees

Illinois has passed the Job Opportunities for Qualified Applicants Act. The Act provides that a private employer may not inquire into or require disclosure of a job applicant's criminal record or criminal history before the candidate has been notified that the candidate has been selected for a job interview or has been offered a conditional offer of employment. It requires consideration of the nature and gravity of a candidate's conviction record, the time elapsed since the conviction, and whether the conviction has a direct bearing on the candidate's fitness before excluding a candidate.

Staying in compliance with all the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements can seem like a daunting task, especially when you are juggling new hires and current employees transitioning from part-time to full-time, eligible to ineligible and back again. In order to avoid a potential penalty under the Employer Shared Responsibility provisions of the ACA, you must offer affordable health care coverage to your full-time employees. 

New Jersey has passed the Opportunity to Compete Act which establishes certain employment rights for persons with criminal records by prohibiting employers from asking applicants about their criminal record history during the initial employment application process.