We have revised the Paid Family Leave Benefits provisions in the California Employee Handbook to reflect that, as of July 1, 2014, California employees may be eligible to receive Paid Family Leave benefits when taking time off work to care for a seriously ill parent-in-law, grandparent, grandchild or sibling, in addition to a child, spouse, parent or registered domestic partner. 

Executive Summary

Coverage:  Employers with employees working in New York.

Effective Date:  The new law is effective immediately.  However the New York State Department of Health must promulgate regulations and has been given up to 18 months to issue or make effective registry identification cards for certified patients and designated caregivers, which will be necessary for obtaining medical marijuana.

Overview: Governor Cuomo has signed New York’s Compassionate Care Act, which will permit limited use of medical marijuana by individuals suffering from covered medical conditions, making New York the 23rd state to legalize the use of medical marijuana.

Action Required:  None at this time. Consult your Human Resources Business Partner as needed.

Human Trafficking:  New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez approved a law requiring employers to post a notice for both the public and employees containing information about the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline. The new law, H.B. 181, unanimously passed by both legislative chambers, becomes effective July 1, 2014. 

Employers may obtain copies of the poster directly from the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions Website.