State Alerts

Illinois has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 3616) that expressly prohibits employers from discriminating against individuals based on their hair texture or protective hairstyle. Senate Bill 3616 takes effect Jan. 1, 2023.

Connecticut has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 361) that expands the circumstances under which employees may use voting leave under state law. Senate Bill 361 took effect July 1, 2022.

San Francisco has amended the city’s Family Friendly Workplace Ordinance (FFWO), which applies to employers with 20 or more employees. The changes are effective July 12, 2022.

Washington has enacted legislation (House Bill 1795), which prevents employers from discriminating or retaliating against employees for disclosing certain employment law violations, and prohibits related nondisclosure agreements. House Bill 1795 is effective immediately.

Virginia has enacted legislation (House Bill 1063) that clarifies the definition of religion for nondiscrimination purposes. House Bill 1063 is effective immediately.

Vermont has enacted legislation (House Bill 477), which extends protections under its crime victim leave law. House Bill 477 is effective immediately.

Utah has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 144) that prohibits employers from accessing or inquiring about an employee’s private genetic information or discriminating on the basis of genetic information or procedures. Senate Bill 144 is effective immediately.

Rhode Island has enacted the Rhode Island Cannabis Act (the Act), which adds and clarifies workplace protections related to cannabis use.

Oregon has enacted a final rule that requires employers to take certain safety steps related to wildfire smoke exposure. The final rule took effect on July 1, 2022.