November 2024
The Maine Department of Labor (MDOL) is reminding employers that contributions and quarterly reporting for the state’s paid family and medical leave program will begin Jan. 1, 2025. The MDOL has also issued a proposed rule to implement the program and updated guidance in the form of frequently asked questions.
Maine has enacted legislation that will create a paid family and medical leave program in the state. Contributions to the program will begin Jan. 1, 2025, and employees will be entitled to begin using the job-protected leave on May 1, 2026.
Maine has enacted legislation that prohibits employers from taking adverse action against employees because they refuse to attend an employer-sponsored meeting that communicates the opinion of the employer about religious or political matters. The changes take effect Oct. 25, 2023.
Maine has enacted legislation that amends the state’s equal pay law to address race-based discrimination in pay. Previously, the state’s equal pay law addressed sex-based discrimination only. The changes take effect Oct. 25, 2023.
Maine has enacted legislation that will allow employees who don’t customarily and regularly receive tips to participate in tip pooling, provided the employer pays the full minimum wage and doesn’t use the tip credit. The change will take effect Oct. 25, 2023.
Maine has enacted legislation (Legislative Document 598) that expressly prohibits employers from discriminating against individuals because of their hairstyle or other traits associated with race. Legislative Document 598 takes effect on Aug. 8, 2022.
On April 7, 2022, Governor Mills of Maine signed into law H.P. 160, which requires employers to pay out all accrued, unused vacation at the time of separation. This requirement becomes effective on Jan. 1, 2023.
Maine has enacted legislation (Legislative Document 610) that will further limit deductions after an employer mistakenly overpays an employee. The law takes effect October 18, 2021.
Maine’s minimum wage will increase to $12.75 per hour on January 1, 2022. The change is a result of an annual adjustment for inflation.
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Washington has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 5564) that restricts employers' use of employee assistance program (EAP) data. Senate Bill 5564 takes effect on June 9, 2022.
Washington DC has announced that its minimum wage will increase to $16.10 from the current rate of $15.20 per hour effective July 1, 2022.
Utah has enacted legislation (House Bill 63) that requires an employer to exempt an employee from a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination if the employee provides certain medical documentation. House Bill 63 is effective immediately.
The Virginia Safety and Health Codes Board has repealed its Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) and provided new guidance on COVID-19 safety procedures. The Board repealed the ETS on March 23, 2022.
The City of Philadelphia has enacted Bill 220051-A, which amends its Public Health Emergency law (PHEL). Bill 220051-A took effect on March 9, 2022, and is set to expire on December 31, 2023.
Nebraska has enacted legislation (LB 906e) that requires employers to provide medical and religious exemptions if they mandate COVID-19 vaccinations. Legislative Bill 906e took effect on March 1, 2022.
Colorado has implemented rules effective May 1, 2022 that require additional meal and rest breaks for agricultural workers when dangerous conditions exist.
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) has issued an order lifting indoor mask requirements in many places.