Georgia: New Kin Care Law; New Bill Protects On-Call Scheduling Practices

APPLIES TO

All Employers with GA Employees

EFFECTIVE

July 1, 2017

QUESTIONS?

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(888) 378-2456

Governor Nathan Deal recently signed two bills affecting employers of Georgia employees.  H.B. 243 is an employer-friendly bill addressing on-call scheduling practices, whereas S.B. 201 introduces kin care protections for employers that offer paid sick leave.  Both will become effective on July 1, 2017.

Indiana: State Supreme Court Says Subcontractor’s Employees are Owed a “Duty of Care”

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All Employers with IN Employees

EFFECTIVE

April 26, 2017

QUESTIONS?

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(888) 378-2456

In the aftermath of Ryan v. TCI Architects/Engineers/Contractors, et al., Indiana employers should review their standard operating contracts and subcontracts to determine if they have an unexpected “duty of care” to workers of other entities.  The Indiana Supreme Court’s ruling in this case determined that certain language in a general contractor’s form contract extended a duty of care to a sub-subcontractor, despite the general contractor’s arguments otherwise.

Missouri: State Human Rights Act Soon to be Amended

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All Employers with MO Employees

EFFECTIVE

Expected August 28, 2017

QUESTIONS?

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(888) 378-2456

On May 9, 2017, a bill seeking to amend the Missouri Human Rights Act (“MHRA”) passed the Missouri legislature and is now headed to Governor Greiten’s desk where it is expected to be signed into law.  If enacted, Senate Bill 43 would implement significant changes to several employment regulations, and would go into effect on August 28, 2017. Highlights of these changes include:

Nevada: Workplace Protections, New Notice Requirements for Pregnancy-Related Conditions

APPLIES TO

All Employers of 15+ NV Employees

EFFECTIVE

June 2, 2017 and October 1, 2017

QUESTIONS?

Contact HR On-Call

(888) 378-2456

SB 253, also known as the Nevada Pregnant Workers’ Fairness Act (the “Act”), provides broader workplace protections for workers affected by pregnancy-related conditions. Employers are now responsible for (1) providing accommodations for pregnancy-related conditions, and (2) informing female workers of their rights to such accommodations.

New York: Southern District of NY Allows Sexual Orientation Discrimination Claim to Proceed Under Title VII

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All Employers with NY Employees

EFFECTIVE

May 3, 2017

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(888) 378-2456

On May 3, 2017, a federal court in the southern district of New York denied a motion to dismiss an ex-employee’s sexual orientation discrimination and retaliation claim under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.  This decision is unusual in that it runs counter to long-running precedent established in the Second Circuit—governing Connecticut, New York, and Vermont—which previously stated that sex discrimination, including gender stereotyping, under Title VII does not include sexual orientation discrimination.

Puerto Rico: Right to Religious Freedom Accommodations

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All Employers with PR Employees

EFFECTIVE

May 25, 2017

QUESTIONS?

Contact HR On-Call

(888) 378-2456

Though the Labor Transformation and Flexibility Act (the “Act”) makes numerous changes to Puerto Rico employment laws, of note is the fact the Act provides employees a new, statutory right to request accommodations for the purpose of participating in religious activities.  Effective May 25, 2017, employers will be required to reasonably accommodate an employee’s religious practice.

West Virginia: Medical Marijuana is Here, but so is Greater Drug Testing Flexibility

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All Employers with WV Employees

EFFECTIVE

July 1 and 7, 2017

QUESTIONS?

Contact HR On-Call

(888) 378-2456

West Virginia is the 29th state to legalize marijuana use in some capacity.  The West Virginia Medical Cannabis Act (“MCA”) permits individuals to use medical marijuana as part of treatment for select serious medical conditions, such as cancer, HIV or AIDS, multiple sclerosis, and so forth. The MCA does provide specific employment protections for certified medical marijuana users.  Employers concerned with maintaining a safe workplace will be relieved to know that the West Virginia legislature followed up the MCA with the West Virginia Safer Workplace Act (“SWA”), which provides employers corresponding flexibility in handling medical marijuana usage.

June Updates

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Varies

EFFECTIVE

Varies

QUESTIONS?

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(888) 378-2456

This Short List addresses the following topics:
  1. IRS Announces 2018 Health Savings Account Limits
  2. Colorado: Wage Violations are Now Public Record
  3. Missouri: Minimum Wage Preemption Bill Soon to be in Effect
  4. Oregon: Final Rules to Implement Retirement Savings Program Published
  5. Washington: Statewide “Blacklist” Statute Revives the Defunct Federal Rule
  6. Minnesota: Preliminary Rules, Other Resources for Minneapolis/St. Paul Paid Sick Leave Now Available
  7. Pittsburgh, PA: Paid Sick Leave Confirmed Off the Table; Appeal Expected

Read more

California Required Harassment Prevention Brochure Updated; New Guidance Issued

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All Employers with CA Employees

EFFECTIVE

May 2, 2017

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(888) 378-2456

On May 2, 2017, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (“DFEH”) announced updated information related to workplace harassment.

Ninth Circuit: Prior Salary History may be used to Justify Wage Differentials Between Men and Women

APPLIES TO

All Employers with AK, AZ, CA, GU, HI,
ID, MT, NV, OR and WA Employees

EFFECTIVE

April 27, 2017

QUESTIONS?

Contact HR On-Call

(888) 378-2456

Last week, the Ninth Circuit ruled on Rizo v. Yovino, a wage inequality claim brought under the federal Equal Pay Act.  In reviewing this case, the Ninth Circuit affirmed a previous case, Kouba v. Allstate Insurance Co., and confirmed that prior salary history may be considered a “factor other than sex” for the purpose of justifying a wage differential.