HR Solutions Partners, Inc.: HR Alerts

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HR Solutions Partners now offers Human Resources Alerts updated twice a day. Get the information you need - when you need it.

As an HRSPI client you can receive these alerts, along with Health Care Reform Updates, directly. You will also receive our eNewsletters with valuable information for anyone managing Human Resources. On top of all that you get free access to our client portal powered by HR360.

Alerts for July

Proposed Rule Would Allow Changes to Certain Grandfathered Plans

(posted: Friday, July 10th, 2020)

On July 10, 2020, the Departments of Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Treasury issued a proposed rule that would allow grandfathered group health plans to make certain changes to cost-sharing requirements without losing grandfather status.

IRS: W-2 Reporting Required for FFCRA Leave Pay

(posted: Thursday, July 9th, 2020)

Employers are required to report sick and family leave wages paid to employees under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) on Form W-2, according to guidance from the IRS and the U.S. Treasury Department.

NY Order and Guidance Affect COVID-19 Leave for Employees

(posted: Tuesday, July 7th, 2020)

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has issued an order barring state COVID-19 leave for employees who travel to states on New York’s travel advisory. In addition, recent state guidance clarifies when health care workers under isolation or quarantine orders are eligible for leave under the New York law.

Colorado Passes Paid Sick Leave Law

(posted: Thursday, July 2nd, 2020)

The Colorado legislature has passed the Healthy Families and Workplaces Act (Act), requiring all Colorado employers to provide employees with different types of paid sick leave in different circumstances:

Alerts for June

IRS Issues Guidance on Leave Donation Programs for COVID-19

(posted: Tuesday, June 30th, 2020)

Employee leave donated to COVID-19 charities through employer-based programs will not be taxed as income of the donor employees, according to recent guidance by the IRS.

IRS Issues Proposed Regulations for Qualified Employee Transportation Fringe Benefits

(posted: Tuesday, June 30th, 2020)

The IRS has issued proposed regulations that provide guidance for employers determining the amount of nondeductible qualified fringe transportation expenses. The proposed rules also provide guidance for applying exceptions, and include definitions, special rules and methodologies.

DOL Issues Guidance on FFCRA Leave for Summer Camp Closures

(posted: Friday, June 26th, 2020)

The U.S. Department of Labor has issued Field Assistance Bulletin 2020-4, clarifying when employees may take paid leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act for the COVID-19-related closure of a summer camp, summer enrichment program or other summer program.

DOL Launches Employee Tool for Determining FFCRA Leave

(posted: Thursday, June 25th, 2020)

The U.S. Department of Labor has created an online tool to help workers determine whether they qualify for paid leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

DOL Issues Five New Fair Labor Standards Act Opinion Letters

(posted: Thursday, June 25th, 2020)

The New Letters Clarify Compliance Issues With the FLSA On June 25, 2020 the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) published five new opinion letters. Opinion letters provide the DOL’s official position on how labor and employment standards apply in specific

Federal Agencies Release More FAQs on Coronavirus-related Changes for Health Plans

(posted: Thursday, June 25th, 2020)

New FAQs Address a Variety of Health Coverage Issues Related to the COVID 19 Outbreak The Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and the Treasury have provided answers to a second set of FAQs (FAQs Part 43) about health

President Trump Suspends Entry of Certain Foreign Workers

(posted: Thursday, June 25th, 2020)

The Order Is Effective Between June 24 and December 31 On June 22, 2020, President Trump suspended the entry to the United States of certain foreign nationals holding specific working, nonimmigrant visas. The order becomes effective June 24, 2020 and

OSHA Issues Guidance for Reopening Nonessential Businesses

(posted: Monday, June 22nd, 2020)

OSHA's Publication Includes Charts and Examples Help Implement Safety Principles On June 18, 2020, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released guidance to help employers plan how to reopen nonessential businesses. The guidance also addresses issues employers should consider

EEOC Adds another FAQ to Guidance on Coronavirus and the ADA

(posted: Thursday, June 18th, 2020)

On June 17, 2020, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued an additional answer to frequently asked questions, indicating the ADA prohibits employers from requiring employees to take COVID-19 antibody tests.

Supreme Court Rules Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Discrimination Violates Title VII

(posted: Monday, June 15th, 2020)

On June 15, 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision holding that discrimination based on homosexuality or transgender status necessarily involves intentionally treating individuals differently because of their sex, and that it is therefore prohibited under Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Act.

Reminder: D.C. Paid Family Leave Available July 1

(posted: Friday, June 12th, 2020)

On July 1, 2020, the District of Columbia will begin administering paid family leave to eligible employees. The program provides eight weeks to bond with a new child, six weeks to care for a family member with a serious health condition, and two weeks for the employee to care for his or her own serious health condition.

EEOC Issues new FAQs on Coronavirus and the ADA

(posted: Thursday, June 11th, 2020)

New FAQs Address How an Employee’s Age, National Origin, Pregnancy or Caregiver Roles May Affect an Employer’s Obligations Related to COVID 19 On June 11, 2020, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued additional answers to frequently asked

OSHA Issues FAQs on Face Masks and Respirators

(posted: Thursday, June 11th, 2020)

OSHA Recommends that Employers Encourage Workers to Wear Face Coverings at Work As the national economy reopens, an unprecedented number of workers will be required to wear faces masks in the workplace for the first time. To help

Paycheck Protection Program Amendments Signed Into Law

(posted: Tuesday, June 9th, 2020)

Since being established as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) in March 2020, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has been the subject of additional stimulus bills, legal guidance and interim final rules. In the

Alerts for May

West Virginia Creates Safe Harbor for Final Payment of Wages

(posted: Friday, May 29th, 2020)

Safe Harbor Will Encourage Resolution of Claims Before Lawsuits are Filed West Virginia has enacted a new law that regulates the payment of liquidated damages and attorney’s fees for lawsuits related to unpaid or underpaid wage claims. Beginning June 4,

DOL Finalizes New Method for Electronic Delivery of Retirement Plan Disclosures

(posted: Thursday, May 21st, 2020)

On May 21, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) published a final rule that will allow plan administrators to post retirement plan disclosures online or deliver them to employees by e-mail, as a default, to comply with their statutory duty to furnish documents under ERISA.

IRS Releases 2021 Health Savings Account (HSA) Limits

(posted: Thursday, May 21st, 2020)

The IRS has announced the 2021 inflation-adjusted amounts for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) as determined under the Internal Revenue Code.

New COVID-19 Guidance for Section 125 Mid-year Election Change Rules

(posted: Thursday, May 14th, 2020)

On May 12, 2020, the IRS released Notice 2020-29, which provides temporary flexibility for mid-year election changes under a Section 125 cafeteria plan during calendar year 2020.

IRS Provides More Options for Unused Funds in Health FSAs and DCAPs

(posted: Wednesday, May 13th, 2020)

Options Include an Extended Period for Incurring Expenses and Increased Health FSA Carryover Limit On May 12, 2020, the IRS announced more options with respect to unused amounts in health flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and dependent care assistance programs (DCAPs).

EEOC Delays EEO-1 and Related Reports Due to COVID-19

(posted: Tuesday, May 12th, 2020)

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, employers and unions that are subject to equal employment opportunity (EEO) reporting under Title VII of the Civil Right Act will not be required to file EEO surveys in 2020, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced on May 8, 2020.

FFCRA May 7 Update: DOL Publishes Additional FAQs

(posted: Friday, May 8th, 2020)

Newest DOL Publication Adds FAQs 89 Through 93 On May 7, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) added five new answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help employers comply with requirements set by the Families First Coronavirus Response

DOL Issues Updated Model COBRA Notices

(posted: Thursday, May 7th, 2020)

The General Notice and Election Notice Models Now Include Medicare Information On May 1, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor issued new model notices that group health plans may use to use to comply with COBRA notification requirements. Use of

EEOC Updates Guidance on Coronavirus and the ADA

(posted: Thursday, May 7th, 2020)

New FAQs Address Return to work Issues For At Risk Employees Who Are At High Risk of Becoming Ill From COVID 19 On May 7, 2020, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued additional answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Virginia to Increase State Minimum Wage Rate

(posted: Wednesday, May 6th, 2020)

New Rate Becomes Effective May 1, 2021 New legislation will progressively increase the state’s minimum wage rate to $15 per hour by 2026. The current rate in Virginia is equal to the federal minimum wage rate of $7.25 per hour.

Colorado Expands Paid Health Emergency Leave

(posted: Friday, May 1st, 2020)

On April 27, 2020, Colorado amended its emergency regulations mandating paid sick leave for certain workers affected by COVID-19.

Alerts for April

Federal Agencies Issue COVID-19 Relief for Employee Benefit Plans

(posted: Wednesday, April 29th, 2020)

Deadline relief for employee benefit plans and plan participants impacted by the COVID 19 outbreak On April 28, 2020, the Departments of Labor (DOL) and the Treasury (Departments) issued deadline relief to help employee benefit plans, plan participants and plan

CA Issues Workplace Poster for Paid Coronavirus Leave for Food Sector Workers

(posted: Monday, April 27th, 2020)

The California Labor Commissioner’s office has released a workplace poster for use by food sector employers subject to the state requirement for supplemental COVID-19 paid sick leave.

Court Suspends Enforcement of Dallas Paid Sick Time Ordinance

(posted: Friday, April 17th, 2020)

A federal judge has paused enforcement of the Dallas Earned Paid Sick Time Ordinance, which requires employers to grant eligible employees one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked in the city, pending the outcome of ongoing litigation over the law.

IRS Extends Deadline for Forms 5500 Due Before July 15, 2020

(posted: Tuesday, April 14th, 2020)

On April 9, 2020, the IRS issued Notice 2020-23 to extend key tax deadlines for individuals and businesses in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

DOL Issues Regulations for FFCRA Paid Leave

(posted: Wednesday, April 1st, 2020)

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has issued temporary regulations to implement the paid leave mandates of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The regulations provide direction for administration of the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act and the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act.

CARES Act Includes Changes for Health Plans

(posted: Wednesday, April 1st, 2020)

Coronavirus Relief Law Includes a Variety of Changes Affecting Health Plans On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) into law to provide $2.2 trillion in federal funding to address the

Alerts for March

DOL Provides Guidance on Small Employer Exemption to Coronavirus Paid Leave

(posted: Monday, March 30th, 2020)

New FAQs on the FFCRA Address Small Employer Exemption The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued new FAQs that address the small employer exemption to certain paid leave requirements under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). Small

DOL Issues Guidance Documents on FFCRA

(posted: Friday, March 27th, 2020)

Guidance materials on the new Families First Coronavirus Response Act are now available for employers from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Links to the materials, which explain how the law will be implemented and include required notices, can be found on a DOL webpage dedicated to COVID-19.

DOL: New Paid Leave Requirements Take Effect April 1

(posted: Wednesday, March 25th, 2020)

Coronavirus Response Act Applies to Leaves Taken April – Dec. 2020 The paid leave provisions of the recently enacted Families First Coronavirus Response Act will go into effect April 1, 2020, according to Q&As released by the U.S. Department of

Congress Passes Coronavirus Aid Law

(posted: Wednesday, March 18th, 2020)

On March 18, the U.S. Senate passed a coronavirus relief bill, called the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, that was passed by the House of Representatives over the weekend. President Trump is expected to sign the bill into law.

Health Plans Must Provide Free Coronavirus (COVID-19) Testing

(posted: Wednesday, March 18th, 2020)

Health Plans Must Cover COVID 19 Testing At No Charge On March 18, 2020, the U.S. Congress passed its second coronavirus relief measure – the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (Act). President Trump is expected to sign the bill into

House Approves Corrections to Coronavirus Relief Bill

(posted: Tuesday, March 17th, 2020)

On March 16, the U.S. House of Representatives passed technical corrections to the coronavirus relief bill, titled the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

House of Representatives Passes Coronavirus Relief Bill

(posted: Monday, March 16th, 2020)

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act on March 14, 2020, following negotiations with the White House. The U.S. Senate is expected to vote on the bill this week.

Deal Reached on Coronavirus Aid

(posted: Saturday, March 14th, 2020)

The White House and U.S. House of Representatives have reached a deal that would involve several billion dollars in federal spending and provide free medical testing, paid leave, food assistance for poor families, and other aid for people affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

CO Mandates Paid Employee Sick Days for COVID-19 Testing

(posted: Thursday, March 12th, 2020)

Effective immediately, Colorado employers in seven industries must give employees up to four days of paid sick leave for testing coronavirus (COVID 19) testing.

California Labor Commissioner Issues Guidance on Coronavirus

(posted: Thursday, March 12th, 2020)

The FAQs address issues such as leave for employees under quarantine or at risk of exposure, questioning employees about their travel to high-risk areas, and the effect of operational shutdowns on employee compensation.

DOL Issues Guidance on COVID-19 and FMLA

(posted: Wednesday, March 11th, 2020)

DOL Issues Guidance on COVID 19 and FMLA Q&As Apply Broadly to Public Health Emergencies The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has issued Q&As on the federal Family and Medical Leave Act in the context of

IRS Allows HDHPs to Pay for COVID-19 Testing and Treatment

(posted: Wednesday, March 11th, 2020)

HDHPs Can Pay Benefits for COVID 19 Without a Deductible On March 11, 2020, the IRS issued Notice 2020 15 to advise that high deductible health plans (HDHPs) can pay for COVID 19 testing and treatment before plan deductibles have

Dealing with COVID-19 in the Workplace

(posted: Thursday, March 5th, 2020)

Employers Must Do What They Can to Maintain a Safe and Healthy Work Environment As the number of reported cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID 19) continues to rise, employers are increasingly confronted with the possibility of an outbreak in

Vermont Sets Minimum Wage Increases for 2021 and 2022

(posted: Monday, March 2nd, 2020)

New Rate Becomes Effective Jan. 1, 2021 The Vermont state legislature has approved two more increases to the state’s minimum wage rate, as shown below A new rate of $11.75 per hour becomes effective Jan. 1,

Alerts for February

NLRB Issues New Joint-employer Final Rule

(posted: Wednesday, February 26th, 2020)

The New Joint employer Standard Becomes Effective Apr. 27 On Feb. 25, 2020, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) announced it's changing the standard it uses to determine whether employers are considered joint employers under the National Labor Relations Act.

California Supreme Court Clarifies that Time Spent in Security Screenings is Compensable

(posted: Friday, February 21st, 2020)

The Court's Decision Is Enforceable and Retroactive The California Supreme Court issued a decision in Frlekin v. Apple, Inc. (Frlekin) clarifying that, under state law, compensable time or “hours of work” includes the time an employee spends on the employer’s

Reminder: Creditable Coverage Disclosures due to CMS by Feb. 29 for Calendar Year Plans

(posted: Thursday, February 13th, 2020)

Employers that offer prescription drug coverage to Medicare-eligible individuals are required to complete an online disclosure form with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on an annual basis and at other select times, indicating whether the plan's prescription drug coverage is creditable or non-creditable.

Two New Model COBRA Notices Available from the DOL

(posted: Tuesday, February 11th, 2020)

The Department of Labor (DOL) has released updated versions of its model COBRA General Notice and model COBRA Election Notice, both with an expiration date of Jan. 31, 2023.

DOL Releases New Model Employer CHIP Notice

(posted: Tuesday, February 11th, 2020)

The Department of Labor (DOL) has released a new model Employer CHIP Notice with information current as of Jan. 31, 2020.

Virginia Employers Must Provide Itemized Wage Statements to All Employees

(posted: Thursday, February 6th, 2020)

The requirement Became Effective January 1 Beginning this year, employers in Virginia must provide their employees with an itemized wage statement each regular pay date. Before this requirement became effective, Virginia employers were required to provide wage statements only upon

Maryland Enacts “Ban the Box” Law

(posted: Wednesday, February 5th, 2020)

Law Takes Effect Feb. 29, 2020 Maryland has enacted a "Ban the Box" law. Highlights of the law are presented below. Covered Employers The new law applies to Maryland employers with 15 or more full time

Employers Must Begin Using New Form I-9 by May 1

(posted: Monday, February 3rd, 2020)

The New Form Will Expire on Oct. 31, 2022 On Jan. 31, 2020, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) published a new version of Form I 9 Employment Eligibility Verification. The previous version of this form expired Aug.

New Jersey Expands Wage Statement Requirements

(posted: Monday, February 3rd, 2020)

New Requirements Become Effective May 20 State law already requires New Jersey employers to notify their employees of their payroll deductions, for each period when a deduction is made. However, on Jan. 21, New Jersey amended its law to require

Alerts for January

New Jersey Employers To Provide Severance Pay for Mass Layoffs

(posted: Friday, January 31st, 2020)

New Requirements Become Effective July 19 On Jan. 21, 2020, New Jersey adopted significant changes to the Millville Dallas Airmotive Plant Job Loss Notification Act (New Jersey WARN Act). The New Jersey WARN Act, much like its federal counterpart, the

Colorado Employers to Comply with New Wage Payment Requirements

(posted: Wednesday, January 29th, 2020)

The new Overtime and Minimum Pay Standards Order Becomes Effective March 16 On Jan. 22, 2020, the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) announced the adoption of the Colorado Overtime and Minimum Pay Standards Order #36 (COMPS 36). COMPS

New Poster Requirement for New Jersey Employers

(posted: Tuesday, January 28th, 2020)

The New Poster Must be Displayed by April 1 Employers in New Jersey will need to add an employee classification poster to their required workplace posters and notices by April 1. The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development

HHS Increases Civil Penalties for HIPAA Violations

(posted: Tuesday, January 21st, 2020)

Privacy and Security Rule Violations Impacted by Rule On Jan. 17, 2020, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) published a final rule increasing the civil monetary penalties for violations of the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules. HHS is

DOL Increases Penalties for Group Health Plan Violations

(posted: Wednesday, January 15th, 2020)

2020 DOL Penalty Amounts for ERISA Violations Issued The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has increased the penalties employers face under ERISA for group health plan reporting and disclosure failures. These new amounts apply to penalties assessed after Jan. 15,

DOL Adopts New Joint Employer Determination Test

(posted: Tuesday, January 14th, 2020)

On Jan. 12, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a new four factor balancing test to determine whether two or more organizations should be considered “joint employers” under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The final rule establishing

DOL Publishes Guidance on Lump Sum Bonuses and Per-Project Payments

(posted: Friday, January 10th, 2020)

Opinion Letters Provide an Insight on How the DOL applies the Law to Specific Facts On Jan. 7, 2020 the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued two opinion letters that clarify how the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) applies in

New York Eliminates Tipped Employee Minimum Wage in Miscellaneous Industries

(posted: Friday, January 10th, 2020)

New Rate will Phase in Beginning June 30 On Dec. 31, 2019, New York amended its wage order for miscellaneous industries to eliminate the subminimum wage for tipped employees. Please note that the current tipped employee minimum wage rates still

Temporary Injunction on California AB 5 for Trucking Industry

(posted: Tuesday, January 7th, 2020)

Temporary Injunction Applies Only to the Trucking Industry A district court in San Diego has issued a temporary injunction to prevent enforcement of California’s recent AB 5 law for the trucking industry. This injunction does not affect other industries and

Alerts for December

IRS Announces 2020 Standard Mileage Rates

(posted: Tuesday, December 31st, 2019)

On Dec. 31. 2019, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued the 2020 optional standard mileage rates, which are used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes.

Washington Increases Threshold for Overtime Exemptions

(posted: Tuesday, December 17th, 2019)

New Law Becomes Effective July 1, 2020 On Dec. 11, 2019, Washington amended its wage and hour laws to increase the salary threshold white collar employees must satisfy to qualify for the state’s overtime exemption. The amendments also update some

Pennsylvania Extends E-Verify Requirement to Construction Industry

(posted: Tuesday, December 17th, 2019)

New Law Takes Effect Oct. 7, 2020 A new law in Pennsylvania law will require employers in the construction industry to use the federal E Verify system to confirm the employment eligibility of new hires. E Verify is a federal

DOL Updates Regular Rate of Pay Rules

(posted: Friday, December 13th, 2019)

Final Rule Clarifies What to Include in the Regular Rate On Dec. 12, 2019, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), announced a new final rule that clarifies how to calculate an employee’s regular wage rate under the Fair Labor Standards

DOL Issues 2020 Form W-4

(posted: Friday, December 13th, 2019)

Employers Must Begin Using the New Form Jan. 1 On Dec. 5, 2019, the Internal Revenue Service released an updated version of its W 4 form, also known as the “Employee’s Withholding Certificate.” Employers use IRS

Alerts for November

Court Halts San Antonio Paid Sick Leave

(posted: Wednesday, November 27th, 2019)

San Antonio’s paid sick leave law will not go into effect Dec. 1 as scheduled as a result of a temporary injunction granted Nov. 22.

DOL Proposes Revisions to Fluctuating Workweek Overtime Method

(posted: Wednesday, November 13th, 2019)

Comments on Proposed Rule are Due by Dec. 5 On Nov. 5, 2019, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) published a proposed rule to update the “fluctuating workweek” method for calculating employee overtime wages under the Fair Labor Standards Act

California Increases Overtime Threshold for Medical and Computer Employee Exemptions

(posted: Friday, November 8th, 2019)

New Requirements Take Effect Jan. 1, 2020 The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) has published updates to the minimum salary threshold that computer employees, physicians and surgeons must receive in order to qualify for the state’s overtime exemptions. The

2020 QSEHRA Contribution Limit Announced

(posted: Thursday, November 7th, 2019)

Contribution Limit to Increase in 2020 The IRS has announced that the contribution limit for qualified small employer health reimbursement arrangements (QSEHRAs) will be $5,250 per employee and $10,600 per family in 2020. For 2019, the contribution limit is $5,150

2020 Health FSA Contribution Limit Announced

(posted: Thursday, November 7th, 2019)

Contribution Limit to Increase $50 in 2020 The IRS has announced that the contribution limit for health flexible spending arrangements (health FSAs) will be $2,750 in 2020. For 2019, the contribution limit is $2,700.

IRS Releases 2020 Retirement Contribution Limits

(posted: Wednesday, November 6th, 2019)

The IRS has announced that the amounts employees can contribute to 401(k)s and some IRAs will increase in 2020.

Alerts for October

HHS Rescinds Health Plan Identifier (HPID) under HIPAA

(posted: Tuesday, October 29th, 2019)

On Oct. 25, 2019, HHS released a final rule that officially withdraws the HPID requirement.

Washington's Domestic Violence Poster Is Now Available

(posted: Thursday, October 24th, 2019)

New Law Took Effect July 28 Last May, Washington adopted a new law requiring employers to display a poster about domestic violence. The poster was published recently by the Washington Employment Security Department (ESD) and it includes instructions employees can follow

DOL Proposes New Method for Electronic Delivery of Retirement Plan Disclosures

(posted: Thursday, October 24th, 2019)

On Oct. 23, 2019, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) published a proposed rule that would allow plan administrators to make retirement plan disclosures available on a website.

Florida Announces 2020 Minimum Wage Rate

(posted: Wednesday, October 23rd, 2019)

Florida has announced an $8.56 minimum wage rate for 2020.

California Strengthens Lactation Accommodation Protections

(posted: Friday, October 18th, 2019)

California has adopted a new law that strengthens lactation accommodation protections for employees. The new law becomes effective on Jan. 1, 2020 and is similar to San Francisco’s lactation accommodation law.

South Dakota Announces 2020 Minimum Wage Rate

(posted: Tuesday, October 15th, 2019)

The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation announced that the state minimum wage rate will increase $9.30 per hour on Jan. 1, 2020.

Vermont Announces 2020 Minimum Wage Rate

(posted: Monday, October 14th, 2019)

Vermont has announced that the state minimum wage rate will increase to $10.96 per houron Jan. 1, 2020.

DOL Proposes to Amend Employee Tip Regulations

(posted: Thursday, October 10th, 2019)

On Oct. 8, 2019, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) published a proposed rule to amend employee tip regulations under the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Montana Announces 2020 Minimum Wage Rate

(posted: Thursday, October 10th, 2019)

On Sep. 30, 2019, the Montana Department of Labor and Industry announced that the state minimum wage rate will increase from $8.50 to $8.65 per hour.

Ohio Announces 2020 Minimum Wage Rate

(posted: Tuesday, October 8th, 2019)

New Rate Becomes Effective on Jan. 1 Ohio has announced a new minimum wage rate of $8.70 per hour for nonexempt employees. The state minimum wage rate applies to employers that gross $319,000 per year or more. The

Alaska Announces 2020 Minimum Wage Rate

(posted: Wednesday, October 2nd, 2019)

New Rate Becomes Effective on Jan. 1 The state of Alaska has announced a minimum wage rate of $10.19 per hour for 2020. The minimum wage in the state is adjusted annually using the Consumer Price Index for urban consumers

California Adopts New Worker Classification Standard

(posted: Tuesday, October 1st, 2019)

California has adopted a new law that changes the process for determining whether a worker should be classified as an employee or independent contractor.

Alerts for September

DOL Issues New Salary Limits for Overtime Exemptions

(posted: Tuesday, September 24th, 2019)

On Sept. 24, 2019, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a new final rule that updates the salary thresholds that some individuals must meet in order to qualify for a minimum wage and overtime exemption under the federal Fair Labors Standards Act (FLSA).

Reminder: Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 are Key Massachusetts PFML Deadlines

(posted: Thursday, September 19th, 2019)

The end of the month marks important employer deadlines for Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML).

Minnesota Announces $10 State Minimum Wage for Large Employers

(posted: Tuesday, September 17th, 2019)

Minnesota Announces $10 State Minimum Wage for Large Employers

New York State Requires Employee Leave for Domestic Violence Victims

(posted: Friday, September 13th, 2019)

New York state has amended its Human Rights Law, effective Nov. 18, 2019, to require employers to provide leave to employees whom the employer knows are victims of domestic violence.

Reminder: Medicare Part D Notices Are Due Before Oct. 15

(posted: Thursday, September 12th, 2019)

Employers whose health plans offer prescription drug coverage to Medicare-eligible individuals must provide a Medicare Part D Creditable or Non-Creditable Coverage Notice to those individuals before October 15.

Illinois Expands Applicability of Discrimination Laws

(posted: Wednesday, September 11th, 2019)

A recent change in the law will expand anti-discrimination provisions to employers with at least one employee.

New York State Announces Paid Family Leave Rates for 2020

(posted: Wednesday, September 11th, 2019)

The New York State Department of Financial Services has announced that for calendar year 2020, employers may deduct 0.270% of an employee’s weekly wage, up to an annual cap of $196.72, to pay the premium cost for state paid family leave insurance.

Reminder: SAR Deadline is Sept. 30 for Form 5500 Filers

(posted: Tuesday, September 10th, 2019)

Employers required to provide plan participants with a Summary Annual Report (SAR) must do so by Sept. 30, 2019, if they sponsor calendar year plans. The SAR is a summary of the plan’s Form 5500.

Illinois Enacts Strict Workplace Harassment Laws

(posted: Monday, September 9th, 2019)

Effective Jan. 1, 2020, all employers in Illinois must provide annual employee training on workplace sexual harassment prevention.

Washington Enacts Employee-Paid Long-Term Care Program

(posted: Monday, September 9th, 2019)

Washington state has passed legislation to establish a state-operated public insurance program for long-term care.

Reminder: EEO-1 Component 2 Reports Due Sept. 30

(posted: Monday, September 9th, 2019)

EEO-1 filers must submit Component 2 data (on employee compensation and hours worked) for calendar years 2017 and 2018 by Sept. 30, 2019, via a designated online portal.

California Extends Sexual Harassment Training Deadline to Jan. 1, 2021

(posted: Thursday, September 5th, 2019)

California employers with five or more employees now have until Jan. 1, 2021, rather than Jan. 1, 2020, to comply with new sexual harassment prevention training requirements.

California Swaps Email for Web in Reporting of Serious Workplace Injuries

(posted: Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019)

On Aug. 13, 2019, California adopted a new law that will require employers to report cases involving a serious injury or illness, or death to the Division of Occupational Safety and Health by phone or through a specified online mechanism that will be established by the state for this purpose.

Oregon Adopts Equal Pay Law

(posted: Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019)

Beginning Jan. 1, 2020, Oregon state law will prohibit employers from paying different wages to employees solely because they belong to a protected class.

Colorado Adopts Temporary Rules to Protect Wage and Hour Rights

(posted: Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019)

On Aug. 20, 2019, Colorado adopted temporary rules to strengthen employee protections under the state’s wage and hour laws. These temporary rules are also being proposed as permanent amendments to the law.