We want to let you know that the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has approved COVID-19 Prevention Non-Emergency Regulations (NER) to replace Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS).  On Feb. 3, 2023, the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) approved the new COVID-19 prevention regulations, which means that these new regulations are in effect as of Feb. 3, 2023, and will remain in effect for the next two years.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released the latest version of Publication 502, which describes what medical expenses are deductible by taxpayers on their 2022 federal income tax returns. This publication provides guidance on what qualifies as a medical expense under Code § 213(d) and helps identify the expenses that may be reimbursed or paid by health flexible spending accounts (health FSAs), health savings accounts (HSAs), or health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs), or covered on a tax-favored basis under other group health plans (e.g., an employer-sponsored medical plan).  

We want to inform you that as an employer in Albany County, New York, you are now required to disclose expected pay ranges in job postings under a new pay transparency law (Local Law “E” for 2022). The law will take effect on March 9, 2023.

Minnesota has enacted legislation that expressly prohibits discrimination against individuals based on traits associated with race, such as hair texture and hairstyles like braids, locs, and twists. The legislation (House File 37) takes effect August 1, 2023.

Bloomington, Minnesota has amended an ordinance that will require employers in the city to provide sick leave to employees. The ordinance will still take effect July 1, 2023.

We want to let you know about how San Francisco has enacted an ordinance that will require employers with 100 or more employees to provide supplemental pay for military leave.

The Puerto Rico Department of Treasury (Departmento de Hacienda) issued a circular letter (CC RI 23-01) with the applicable Pension Plan Contribution and Catch-up Limits beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2023 as shown below.

Governor Phil Murphy has signed Assembly Bill 4768 into law, which significantly amends New Jersey’s WARN Act (NJ WARN). Assembly Bill 4768 is set to take effect on April 10, 2023.

The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) has published final regulations to implement a requirement for Illinois employers with 100 or more employees to obtain an Equal Pay Registration Certificate (EPRC).

Colorado’s public health emergency leave (PHEL) requirement no longer applies to the flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and similar respiratory illnesses, according to guidance issued by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE). Beginning Jan. 8, 2023, the PHEL requirement applies to COVID-19 only.