On Jan. 27, 2026, the governor of Puerto Rico issued Executive Order 2026-005 (EO 2026-006), declaring a public health emergency and implementing an additional 5-day paid sick leave requirement for non-exempt employees due to an influenza outbreak on the Island.
Under 2026-005, non-exempt employees who have been diagnosed with or are suspected of having influenza are only entitled to the additional five paid working days of leave once accrued paid sick leave and any other paid leave entitlement (e.g. vacation) has been exhausted.
A federal district court has postponed the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haiti pending further court action. TPS for Haiti would have expired effective Feb. 3, 2026.
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Rhode Island has enacted emergency rules to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The rules are in effect from Dec. 29, 2021 to April 21, 2022.
The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division has amended its rule (OAR 437-001-0744), which covers requirements for masks, physical distancing, and cleaning to combat COVID-19. The amended rule went into effect Dec. 21, 2021.
The New York Department of Labor (DOL) has issued a final rule to clarify sick leave requirements. The final rule took effect Dec. 22, 2021.
New York City has enacted legislation (Int. No. 1894-A), that amends the New York City Human Rights Law and regulates the use of automated tools in certain employment decisions. The law takes effect on Jan. 1, 2023.
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 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.
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.