Washington State Modified Hospital Workers Meal and Rest Break Requirements

Washington state Governor Bob Ferguson has signed House Bill 1879 (HB 1879) into law, which modifies meal and rest break requirements for hospital workers. The law takes effect Jan, 1, 2026.

Washington Increases Child Labor Protections

The state of Washington has enacted legislation (House Bill 1644), which adds child labor protections. House Bill 1644 is effective July 1, 2026.

Washington Adds Immigration Status Protections

The State of Washington has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 5104), which adds immigration status protections. Senate Bill 5104 is effective July 1, 2025.

Vermont Expands Parental and Family Leave Act and Short-Term Family Leave

Vermont has enacted legislation (House Bill 461), which expands the Vermont Parental and Family Leave Act (“The Act”) and short-term family leave protections. House Bill 461 is effective immediately.

Philadelphia Clarifies Paid Sick Leave Rate of Pay for Tipped Employees

We want to let you know that the City of Philadelphia has enacted legislation (Bill Number 250065), which clarifies how to calculate the paid sick leave rate of pay for tipped employees.

Oregon Expands Lactation Protections

Oregon has enacted legislation (House Bill 2541), which expands lactation protections to agricultural workers. House Bill 2541 is effective immediately.

Oregon Enacts New Hire Notice Requirements

Oregon has enacted SB 906 creates a new hire notice requirement effective Jan. 1, 2026.

Maryland Delays Paid Family Leave Program Again

Maryland has enacted legislation that will delay for a third time the implementation of a program that will provide job protection and wage-replacement benefits to employees who need time off from work for certain family and medical reasons.

Colorado Amends Rules on Deductions, Broadens Retaliation Protections

Colorado has enacted legislation that amends rules on payroll deductions and expands retaliation protections under the state’s wage and hour and youth employment laws. The law (House Bill 25-1001) takes effect August 6, 2025.

Colorado Amends Paid Family Leave Program

Colorado has enacted legislation that extends the maximum duration of paid family and medical leave for a parent who has a child receiving inpatient care in a neonatal intensive care unit. The change applies to claims for benefits arising on or after Jan. 1, 2026.

The legislation also reduces the premiums collected from each employee used to finance the program starting on Jan. 1, 2026.

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