New York City has amended rules under the Earned Safe and Sick Time Act (ESSTA) relating to paid personal prenatal leave.   The new rules are effective July 2, 2025.

The state of New Jersey has released guidance that clarifies New Jersey employers’ pay transparency obligations under the law.

Minnesota has enacted legislation (Senate File 17), which clarifies and amends aspects of the state’s paid sick leave law. Most amendment provisions took effect on July 1, 2025 with one exception, which will take effect on Jan.  1, 2026 as indicated below.

Maine has enacted legislation that will require employers to pay employees for a certain amount of hours if they are asked to report to work and are sent home early. The change is a result of the enactment of Legislative Document 598 and takes effect on Sept. 24, 2025.

Colorado has enacted legislation that clarifies the state’s prohibition on discrimination based on an individual’s gender expression. The clarification is a result of the enactment of House Bill 25-1312 and is effective immediately.

Background checks can provide employers with a variety of job-related information to use when evaluating prospective employees' qualifications, such as work history and education, criminal records, and driving records.

However, federal, state and local laws set limits on obtaining and using background check information to make employment decisions. Employers must ensure compliance with these laws. Here’s a checklist to help employers when conducting background checks.