Effective January 1, 2025, California employers can no longer require employees to use accrued vacation or PTO before receiving state-funded Paid Family Leave (PFL) benefits. This update, made through an amendment to Section 3303.1 of the Unemployment Insurance Code (UIC), reflects a small but meaningful shift in how PFL benefits are administered. Many HR teams and…

In March 2021, the state of New York enacted the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act which, among other things, legalized the recreational use of marijuana for persons 21 and over, and which amended certain drug test laws in New York.  While many employees may be happy about the legalization of marijuana in New York, this…

On November 16, 2024, the Clean Slate Act (the “Act”) takes effect. Generally, the Act prohibits New York State employers form inquiring about or discriminating against individuals based on sealed conviction records. The Act provides for the automatic sealing of certain criminal convictions after an individual has satisfied their sentence and the required period of…

New York State Freelance Isn’t Free Act (FIFA) went into effect on August 28, 2024, providing stronger protections for freelancers across the state. This law builds on a similar ordinance in New York City that has been in place since 2017 but extends to all of New York State with a broader scope. FIFA applies…

With the new administration prioritizing audits and enforcement, employers must prepare for heightened scrutiny of Form I-9 compliance. Form I-9 is a critical document used to verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired in the United States. Employers are required to adhere to strict federal regulations regarding its completion, storage, and retention. Non-compliance…

Are you in compliance with the 2025 employment law updates? Below are important updates for New York State Employers. Paid Prenatal Personal Leave: New York becomes the first state to mandate this leave, requiring private sector employers to provide up to twenty (20) hours of “paid prenatal personal leave” in a 52-week calendar period, beginning…

The New Year Brings New Challenges — Are You Prepared? Significant employment law changes in 2024 and anticipated changes in 2025 require employers to review and update their employment practices. Understanding these changes is critical to navigating the evolving legal landscape with confidence. Join us for an exclusive live webinar designed to equip businesses with…

On August 1, 2024, in Turrieta v. Lyft, Inc., the California Supreme Court clarified an important procedural issue that relates to the resolution of Private Attorney General Act (PAGA) matters. Most PAGA lawsuits, which are brought in the name of the government (but are not coordinated or controlled by the government) wage and hour group…

On October 18, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) filed an appeal of a decision from the Northern District of Texas setting aside the FTC’s ban on noncompete provisions. Previously, on August 20, 2024, the Federal District Court in the Northern District of Texas set aside the FTC’s Non-Compete Rule (“FTC Rule”) nationwide. The case…

Monday, June 24, 2024 | 10:30-11:00 am Remote work has transformed the way many organizations are operating. However, many employers do not have an understanding of what remote work means for them from a regulatory perspective and, therefore, risk non-compliance. In this live webinar, we will dive into the issues that employers need to be…