To promote equal treatment of individuals, specifically individuals whose gender and self-image do not accord with the legal sex assigned to them at birth, the New York City Council passed the Transgender Rights Bill in 2002. The goal of the law was to expand the scope of the gender-based protections guaranteed under the New York Read more
On October 21, 2015, the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners approved Ordinance 15-25 also known as “Hillsborough County Wage Recovery Ordinance.” The Ordinance, which went into effect January 1, 2016, applies to any individual or independent contractor performing work in Hillsborough County, or any individual who performs work that benefits an employer located within Read more
Efforts to increase the minimum wage rates continue in several states and municipalities across the nation. Kentucky and New Jersey are just two states with introduced bills that if passed will increase the minimum wage rate. Kentucky’s current minimum wage is $7.25 per hour and has been the same since 2009. Under Kentucky’s Bill H 278, Read more
On January 29, 2016, the state of Idaho introduced Bill H 400 that if approved may increase the minimum wage rate. Similar bills have been introduced in the past but have been denied in the early stages of legislation. The minimum wage increase topic has always been a complicated one across the nation. Those in Read more
The state of Connecticut has passed a new law (Public Act 15-206) that imposes restrictions on the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems and vapor products in various establishments and public areas. As defined in the law, an “electronic nicotine delivery system” is a device that may be used to simulate smoking in the delivery Read more
New York City (NYC) Mayor Bill de Blasio has signed bill, Intro. 743-A to establish an Office of Labor Standards. The office will enforce the City’s paid sick leave and transit benefits laws. This comes as a result of pending rules that will help clarify provisions in the City’s paid sick leave law. The goal Read more
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration Recordkeeping Regulation (29 CFR 1904) requires employers to prepare and maintain records of work-related injuries and illnesses. Covered employers are required to complete and post the OSHA Form 300A, Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses by February 1st. The form must be visible to employees and prospective employees until Read more
In 2014, New Jersey’s Governor Chris Christie signed the Opportunity to Compete Act also known as Ban the Box law to assist individuals with criminal records reintegrate into the community by offering them a fair chance to apply to job positions. The law, which became effective March 1, 2015, prohibits employers from requiring prospective employees to complete Read more
On January 1, 2016, the minimum wage rate in the state of Massachusetts increased from $9.00 per hour to $10.00 per hour. The minimum wage rate increase is the second in a series of three annual increases required by Senate Bill 2195 signed in 2014 by Governor Deval Patrick. The next increase is scheduled for Read more
The paid sick leave momentum continues in the state of New Jersey. Two new municipal paid sick leave laws are anticipated to go into effect in early 2016. Both laws are expected to be similar to the other New Jersey municipalities’ paid sick leave laws. New Brunswick New Brunswick’s approved paid sick leave law is Read more
