Tag Archives: State Legislative Update

New York Releases Updated Model Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy and Training Materials

On April 11, 2023, the New York Department of Labor (DOL) published a final version of its revised sexual harassment prevention model policy. The updated model prevention policy contains several substantive updates from the prior 2018 version. Under state law, every employer is required to adopt a sexual harassment prevention policy. As a result, employers should […]

Arkansas Updates Work Permit Requirements

Effective July 31, 2023, the Arkansas Youth Hiring Act (AR HB 1410) repealed the requirement for minors under 16 to obtain permission from the Arkansas Department of Labor to get a job. The bill is also cited as “restoring decision-making to parents concerning their children” and “streamlining the hiring process for children under sixteen (16) years […]

Colorado National Guard Leave Expanded

Effective March 10, 2023, Colorado amended (2023 CO HB 1045) its military leave law to permit U.S. Reservists and Colorado National Guard members to take leave for military training for the equivalent of three weeks of work on the employee’s regular work schedule each year. Previously, reservists and national guard members could only take this leave […]

NY Warehouse Worker Protections Amended with New Effective Date

As we previously reported, in June of 2022, New York passed the Warehouse Workers Protection Act (WWPA) which was to become effective on February 19, 2023. However, due to recent amendments to the WWPA the effective date has been extended to June 19, 2023. The amendments also make several changes to the law including, but not limited […]

Michigan Expands Definition of Sex-Based Discrimination

On March 16, 2023, Michigan passed a Bill (MI S.B. 4) amending its protected categories to include sexual orientation and gender identity or expression as prohibited categories for discrimination. The passage of this bill means that Michigan employers may not discriminate based on sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression during any part of employment, including hiring, […]

Michigan Repeals Its Right-to-Work Law

On March 24, 2023, Michigan Governor, Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation repealing the state’s right-to-work law. The repeal will go into effect on March 30, 2024. The right-to-work law prohibited union-security agreements, which required that private and/or public employees pay union dues or service fees as a condition of obtaining or continuing employment. Employees who chose to […]

North Dakota Human Rights Law Includes Definition of Pregnancy in its Accommodation Law

North Dakota updated (2023 ND HB 1450) its’ Human Rights Law (NDHRL) to include a formal definition of “pregnancy” in its accommodation provisions. While pregnancy accommodation has been required under the law, it did not previously define it. Effective August 1, 2023, the law defines pregnancy as including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions. The NDHRL […]

Pennsylvania Redefines Discrimination Based on Religious Creed, Sex and Race

On February 22, 2023, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) was amended to redefine discrimination based on religious creed, sex and race. The amendment makes it clear that discrimination based on these factors is unlawful and that victims of discrimination have the right to file complaints and seek damages. The PHRA’s provisions apply to all employers, businesses and […]

Utah Enacts Law Allowing Employers to Obtain Workplace Violence Protective Orders

On March 14, 2023, Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox signed HB 324 into law, amending Utah’s protective order statute to allow employers to petition for and obtain workplace violence protective orders against an individual who has engaged in or threatened potential workplace violence. The law will become effective on July 1, 2023. The law defines workplace violence as […]

California Approves Non-Emergency COVID-19 Prevention Regulations

Effective February 3, 2023, the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board’s (Cal-OSHA) non-emergency COVID-19 prevention regulations replace the COVID-19 Prevention Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS). These regulations include some of the same requirements found in the ETS, as well as new provisions which makes it easier for employers to provide consistent protections to workers and […]