SB 726, also known as the “Oregon Workplace Fairness Act,” extends discrimination and harassment protections for employees. On October 1, 2019, the statute of limitations for discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims will be extended from one to five years. On October 1, 2020, with limited exception, employee agreements cannot require confidentiality, nondisclosure, nondisparagement, no-rehire provisions, or similar restrictions that prevent employees from disclosing sexual harassment or discrimination. Similarly, golden parachute clauses in employment agreements may be voided if the employer determines through a “good faith investigation” that the employee engaged in discrimination that was a “substantial contributing factor” in the employee’s termination.

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