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.

Hawaii has enacted legislation that prohibits employers from taking adverse action against employees because they refuse to attend an employer-sponsored mandatory meeting that communicates the employer’s opinion about political matters. The changes took effect immediately.

The California Department of Industrial Relations has announced that the minimum wage for covered health care workers will go into effect Oct. 16, 2024. Originally, the minimum wage was supposed to take effect June 1, 2024, but it was delayed twice.

California has enacted legislation that prohibits employers from taking adverse action against employees because they refuse to attend an employer-sponsored mandatory meeting that communicates the employer’s opinion about political or religious matters. The changes were made by enactment of Senate Bill 399 and take effect Jan. 1, 2025.

Rhode Island has enacted legislation (House Bill 7058), which will require employers with more than 50 employees to post a veterans’ benefits and services poster. House Bill 7058 takes effect on Jan.  1, 2025.

New York has enacted legislation (Assembly Bill A8947C), which will require certain retail employers to take action to help prevent workplace violence and to install panic buttons. Assembly Bill A8947C's workplace prevention requirements take effect on March 4, 2025. The panic button requirements take effect on Jan. 1, 2027.