Boston has announced that certain employers will be required to verify employees are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Covered employers must check proof of vaccination and post a notice about the COVID-19 vaccine requirement.

The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has revised emergency rules related to protecting workers from COVID-19. The changes take effect on Jan. 14, 2022.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has extended the requirement to wear face masks indoors until at least Feb. 15, 2022, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status. Before the extension, the mask requirement was scheduled to end on Jan. 15, 2022.

The California Department of Industrial Relations has released frequently asked questions regarding the Garment Worker Protection Act, which took effect on Jan. 1, 2022. This law addresses proper payment of employees in the garment industry and the responsibility for parties contracting to have garment operations performed.

Effective Jan. 1, 2022, Colorado (CO) requires employers with 15 or fewer employees to provide paid sick leave to employees. Larger employers were already subject to the requirement.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) has issued an order requiring all employers to provide masks to employees who work indoors and in close contact with other works or the public. Employers must provide masks as soon as possible but no later than Jan. 17, 2022.

Minnesota OSHA (MNOSHA) has announced that it will suspend enforcement of the state’s emergency temporary standard (ETS), which requires that employers with 100 or more employees ensure that employees either be vaccinated against COVID-19 or produce a weekly negative test.

New Jersey has enacted legislation (Assembly Bill 3950), which requires an employer to notify its employees before using a vehicle tracking device. Assembly Bill 3950 takes effect on April 19, 2022.

The City of Santa Fe, New Mexico has announced that effective March 1, 2022 the living wage rate in Santa Fe will increase from $12.32 to $12.95 per hour. All employers required to have a business license or registration from the City of Santa Fe must pay at least the living wage rate to employees for all hours worked within the Santa Fe city limits. All employees, including temporary and part-time workers, must be paid this rate. 

Governor Kathy Hochul of New York had announced a temporary mask mandate for businesses and venues, unless they implemented a vaccine requirement. The mandate was scheduled to be in effect from Dec. 13, 2021 until Jan. 15, 2022, unless extended.