Federal Updates

• New DOL Salary Threshold for Most White-Collar Exemptions Is Now in Effect

  • As of July 1, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor’s new rule increased the salary threshold for white-collar exemptions to $43,888 per year. This threshold will rise again to $58,656 on January 1, 2025.

• Essential Summer Work Safety Practices for Employees

  • Extreme heat and humidity can impair a workers ability to safely operate equipment, work at elevations, work near traffic, or work with certain hazardous substances. Further, workers who are overweight, over age 65, have high blood pressure, or who take certain medications are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.

• I-9 Fine Increases Are Here—and More I-9 Inspections Are on the Horizon

  • The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently announced that it will impose higher fines against employers that fail to comply with the complex rules governing Form I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification). There are increases in fines for I-9 form violations and the anticipated rise in I-9 inspections, employers should ensure compliance with employment verification requirements.

• Justice Department’s Final Rule to Improve Web and Mobile App Access for People With Disabilities

  • The Justice Department has issued a final rule aimed at improving accessibility for people with disabilities on websites and mobile apps, enhancing digital inclusion.

• Terminating Employees? Ignoring State and Local Wage Laws Can Cost You

  • Employers are reminded of the importance of adhering to state and local wage laws when terminating employees to avoid costly penalties and legal issues.

• Expanded Information to Provide Regarding Workplace Injury

  • Employers are now required to provide expanded information regarding workplace injuries, ensuring transparency and proper reporting.

• Planning for a Catastrophe – Tips for Ensuring Proper Communications

  • The article offers tips for effective communication planning in the event of a catastrophe, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and clear communication channels.

State Updates

• California indoor heat protections approved and go into effect

  • California has approved new indoor heat protections, requiring employers to implement measures to safeguard workers from heat-related illnesses in indoor environments.

• New Requirement for California Labor Commissioner to Develop Whistleblower Posting for Employers

  • A new requirement mandates the California Labor Commissioner to develop and distribute a whistleblower protection poster that employers must display in workplaces.

• Cal/OSHA Passes Indoor Heat Regulation

  • Cal/OSHA has approved new regulations to protect workers from indoor heat, requiring employers to implement measures such as providing cool-down areas and monitoring indoor temperatures.

• California Gov. Signs Budget Bill Putting Health Care Minimum Wage on Pause

  • A budget bill signed by the California Governor has temporarily paused the implementation of a minimum wage increase for healthcare workers, pending further review.

• Illinois Minimum Wage 2024 Update–July 1 Increases to Chicago and Cook County Minimum Wages

  • Effective July 1, 2024, the minimum wage in Chicago increased to $16.20 per hour for non-tipped employees and $11.02 for tipped employees. Cook County’s minimum wage rose to $14.05 per hour for non-tipped employees, with the tipped wage remaining at $8.40.

• Effective July 1 Chicago Paid Leave and Paid Sick and Safe Leave Ordinance

  • Chicago’s new ordinance, effective July 1, 2024, mandates paid leave and paid sick and safe leave for employees, ensuring they have access to necessary time off for health and safety reasons.

• Minnesota 2024 Legislative Session—Employment Highlights

  • Key employment-related highlights from Minnesota’s 2024 legislative session include updates on wage laws, worker protections, and new employment regulations.

• Nebraska Adds to the List of States That Have Enacted a Comprehensive Consumer Data Privacy Law

  • Nebraska has joined other states in enacting a comprehensive consumer data privacy law, setting new standards for data protection and privacy.

• NYC Employers Must Post and Distribute a Workers’ Rights Poster

  • By July 1, 2024, NYC employers are required to post and distribute a “Know Your Rights at Work” poster in multiple languages. This poster must be visible in workplaces and provided to employees electronically or in print.

• Oregon OSHA Reminds Employers to Protect Workers From Potential Dangers of Heat Illness.

  • Oregon OSHA emphasizes the importance of protecting workers from heat illness by providing adequate water, rest, shade, and training. Employers must ensure compliance with heat illness prevention rules.

• Five City Ordinances Every Employer With Employees in Philadelphia Should Know

  • The City of Philadelphia maintains several employment-specific ordinances that enhance preexisting state and federal employee protections or create new employment rights. Some of these apply even if the employer has only one employee in Philadelphia. There are five key ordinances in Philadelphia that employers must be aware of, covering topics such as wage laws, paid leave, and worker protections.

• Pennsylvania Bans Most Non-Compete Agreements for Healthcare Practitioners

  • Pennsylvania has enacted a ban on most non-compete agreements for healthcare practitioners, aiming to enhance job mobility and access to healthcare services.

• New Law Guarantees Domestic Workers Minimum Wage in Rhode Island

  • Rhode Island has enacted a new law guaranteeing minimum wage protections for domestic workers, ensuring fair compensation for this workforce.

• Are You Ready for the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act?

  • The Texas Data Privacy and Security Act introduces new requirements for businesses to protect consumer data, emphasizing the importance of compliance and data security measures.

• Vermont Department of Labor Tips to Keep Employees Safe During Disaster Recovery

  • The Vermont Department of Labor provides tips for keeping employees safe during disaster recovery, focusing on safety protocols and support measures.