A federal judge in Georgia has temporarily blocked a Biden Administration rule that would require federal contractors and subcontractors to ensure that all covered employees are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued guidance (Notice 2021-65) regarding the retroactive termination of the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC). The recently enacted Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act terminated the ERTC with retroactive effect to Sept. 30, 2021 (i.e., wages paid after that date do not qualify for the ERTC, unless the employer is a recovery startup business).

Alabama has published emergency regulations addressing a state law that prohibits employers from requiring employees to receive COVID-19 vaccination without providing the employee an opportunity to seek an exemption for religious or medical reasons. The state has also published a sample exemption request form, which is available here.

The minimum wage in California and in many local jurisdictions in the state will increase on January 1, 2022.

Kansas has enacted legislation (House Bill 2001) stating that employers that implement COVID-19 vaccination requirements must provide certain exemptions to employees. House Bill 2001 was effective immediately upon the Governor’s signature on Nov. 23, 2021.

North Dakota has enacted legislation (HB 1511) that requires private employers to allow certain employee exemptions from the COVID-19 vaccine. The law is effective from Nov.15, 2021 to Aug.1, 2023, unless extended.

This notice is to inform you that New York’s Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a temporary mask mandate for businesses and venues unless they implement a vaccine requirement. The mandate will be in effect from Dec. 13, 2021, until Jan. 15, 2022, unless it’s extended.

Tucson, Arizona voters have approved a ballot measure (Proposition 206) that will increase the city’s minimum wage. Employers must pay employees at least the city's minimum wage rate for work done within Tucson.