Massachusetts enacted legislation (House Bill 4127) that extends the requirement to provide employees COVID-19 emergency paid sick leave. The leave requirement will expire when the $75 million fund is exhausted or April 1, 2022, whichever occurs first. Employers that provide the leave may request reimbursement from the state's COVID-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave Fund. The requirement was set to end on September 30, 2021 prior to the extension. Employees may also now use leave to care for a family member who obtains the COVID-19 vaccine. Below we summarize the existing requirements.

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.

Maine has enacted legislation (Legislative Document 1622) that will create a state-run retirement program for workers in the private sector. Maine will require employer participation if they have five or more employees and don’t offer a retirement plan.

Maine has enacted legislation (Legislative Document 1167) that prohibits employers from requesting criminal history information on an initial employee application. Legislative Document 1167 takes effect October 18, 2021.

Maine has enacted legislation (Legislative Document 1489) that will increase the amount in tips that an employee must receive to be considered a service employee that qualifies for the tip credit under state law.

Maine has enacted legislation (Legislative Document 61) that expands the state’s family and medical leave law. The law takes effect October 18, 2021.

Maine has enacted two pieces of legislation (Legislative Document 1294 and Legislative Document 1688) that prohibit employers from discriminating against applicants and employees based on their familial status, gender identity, or status as a domestic violence victim who seeks or receives an order of protection. The laws take effect October 18, 2021.

The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued an emergency rule that generally requires employees to wear masks indoors, regardless of their COVID-19 vaccination status. The emergency rule took effect August 30, 2021.

Illinois has enacted legislation (House Bill 3582) that expands leave requirements and other protections under the Victims' Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA). House Bill 3582 takes effect January 1, 2022.

Illinois has enacted legislation (House Bill 1838) that expressly prohibits employers from discriminating against applicants and employees because of their association with an individual who has a disability. House Bill 1838 takes effect January 1, 2022.