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 November

Florida Minimum Wage Will Rise Gradually to $15 per hour

(posted: Tuesday, November 10th, 2020)

Florida Will See Two Minimum Wage Rate Increases in 2021 On Nov. 3, 2020, voters in Florida approved a constitutional amendment that will raise the state minimum wage rate each year until it reaches $15 per hour in 2026. Beginning

Colorado Voters Pass Paid Family and Medical Leave Initiative

(posted: Monday, November 9th, 2020)

On Nov. 3, 2020, Colorado voters passed Proposition 118, creating a paid family and medical leave insurance program for workers in the state.

Alerts for October

No Change in 2021 Limits for Qualified Transportation Benefits

(posted: Wednesday, October 28th, 2020)

The IRS has released Revenue Procedure 2020-45, which includes cost-of-living adjustments for employee qualified transportation fringe benefits for the 2021 taxable year

IRS Releases 2021 Retirement Contribution Limits

(posted: Tuesday, October 27th, 2020)

The IRS has announced the cost-of-living adjustments for 2021 that affect amounts employees can contribute to 401(k) plans and IRAs.

Michigan OSHA Adopts Emergency COVID-19 Standard

(posted: Friday, October 23rd, 2020)

The New Standard Applies to All Employers Covered by the State OSHA Program On Oct. 14, 2020, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) adopted an emergency COVID 19 workplace safety standard (the Standard) for all businesses covered by

CAL/OSHA Takes Steps Toward Temporary Emergency Standard for COVID-19

(posted: Thursday, October 22nd, 2020)

New Regulations Would Increase the Agency's Authority to Enforce COVID 19 Safety Standards On Sept. 17, 2020, the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board (the Board), part of the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal OSHA), approved

SBA Issues New FAQs for Paycheck Protection Program Loan Forgiveness

(posted: Thursday, October 22nd, 2020)

Borrowers and Lenders May Rely on the Guidance Provided in the New FAQs On Oct. 13, 2020, the Small Business Administration (SBA) published a new set of answers to frequently asked questions about the forgiveness of loans issued under the

New York State Issues FAQs for Paid Sick Leave

(posted: Thursday, October 22nd, 2020)

New York state has published frequently asked questions about its new paid sick leave law, covering 11 different topic areas.

Florida Announces $8.65 Minimum Wage Rate for 2021

(posted: Tuesday, October 20th, 2020)

The New Rate Becomes Effective Jan. 1, 2021 Florida has published new minimum wage posters announcing an $8.65 per hour minimum wage rate for 2021. Florida’s minimum wage rate is adjusted annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. However,

California Expands Employee Leave Protections for Victims

(posted: Friday, October 16th, 2020)

California has expanded its employee leave protections for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking to apply to a broader category of victims, in amendments that take effect Jan. 1, 2021.

Ohio Announces $8.80 Minimum Wage Rate for 2021

(posted: Thursday, October 15th, 2020)

The New Rate Becomes Effective Jan. 1, 2021 Ohio has published a new minimum wage poster announcing an $8.80 minimum wage rate for 2021. Ohio’s minimum wage rate is adjusted annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. The

Washington Announces $13.69 Minimum Wage Rate for 2021

(posted: Tuesday, October 13th, 2020)

The New Rate Becomes Effective Jan. 1 Washington state has announced a $13.69 minimum wage rate for 2021. Washington’s minimum wage rate is adjusted annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. However, employers should be mindful of local

California Adds HR Personnel and Supervisors as Mandatory Reporters

(posted: Tuesday, October 13th, 2020)

The New Law Becomes Effective Jan. 1, 2021 On Sept. 29, 2020, California amended its existing child abuse reporting law to add two new classes of mandatory reporters for employers with five or more employees Human resource employees

California Eases Sexual Harassment Training Requirements for Previously Trained New Employees

(posted: Friday, October 9th, 2020)

New Employees Who Already Received the Required Training May Be Placed on Two Year Schedule from Date of Last Training Effective Sept. 28, 2020, California has amended its law that requires employers with five or more employees to provide sexual

HHS Renews COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

(posted: Friday, October 9th, 2020)

Renewal Extends the Duration of Certain Coverage Mandates Related to the COVID 19 Pandemic On Oct. 2, 2020, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) renewed its determination that a public health emergency exists as a result of the

Pennsylvania Increases Salary Threshold for Overtime Exemptions

(posted: Tuesday, October 6th, 2020)

The State Salary Level Will Reach $875 per week by 2022 On Oct. 2, 2020, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) announced a new overtime rule that increases the salary threshold that must be satisfied for executive, administrative

OSHA Clarifies COVID-19 Reporting Requirements

(posted: Tuesday, October 6th, 2020)

The New FAQs Clarify When Employers Must Report COVID 19 Hospitalizations and Fatalities The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published two additional answers to its list of COVID 19 frequently asked questions (FAQs). The new answers clarify when

OSHA Advice on Wearing Face Coverings in Hot, Humid Environments

(posted: Thursday, October 1st, 2020)

Hazardous Heat Exposure Can Occur Indoors or Outdoors Under the Right Conditions OSHA has also issued guidance on safety protocols employees can use when wearing cloth face coverings in hot, humid indoor and outdoor work conditions. Wearing face coverings has

Alerts for September

Arizona Announces $12.15 Minimum Wage Rate for 2021

(posted: Wednesday, September 30th, 2020)

The New State Rate Becomes Effective Jan. 1, 2021 On Sept. 17, 2020, Arizona announced a $12.15 minimum wage rate for 2021. Arizona’s minimum wage rate is adjusted annually to reflect changes in the cost of living. However, employers should

NYC Changes Paid Sick Leave Law

(posted: Wednesday, September 30th, 2020)

New York City has amended its Earned Safe and Sick Time Act (ESST) to align with the state’s paid sick leave law, which was passed earlier in the year as part of the state budget. Both the amendments to the city ESST and the accrual and notice portions of the state law take effect Sept. 30, 2020.

California Expands Family and Medical Leave Under CFRA

(posted: Friday, September 25th, 2020)

Effective Jan. 1, 2021, amendments to the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) expand the law’s leave requirements to cover employers with at least five employees, provide new grounds for leave and remove leave limits.

DOL Proposes Changes to FLSA Independent Contractor Classification Test

(posted: Wednesday, September 23rd, 2020)

Proposed Rule Would Establish An Economic Realities Test to Determine Worker Status Under the FLSA On Sept. 22, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a proposed rule to clarify how employers should classify their workers as either employees

California Authorizes Stop-Work Orders and Requires Worker Exposure Notices for COVID-19

(posted: Wednesday, September 23rd, 2020)

On Sept. 17, 2020, California enacted a new law (AB 685) that authorizes the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (the Division) to issue stop work orders for facilities or operations that pose an imminent COVID 19 hazard to

DOL Updates Q&As on Employee Leave Under the FFCRA

(posted: Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020)

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has released three new questions and answers (Q&As) and has updated six of its existing Q&As about emergency paid sick leave and expanded Family and Medical Leave Act leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).

DHS Extends Remote Verification of I-9 Documents to Nov. 19

(posted: Friday, September 18th, 2020)

Without Extension, Exemption Would Have Expired Sept. 19 Because of the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is allowing employers that are operating remotely to conduct a remote

California Extends Workers’ Compensation Presumption for COVID-19

(posted: Tuesday, September 15th, 2020)

On Sept. 1, 2020, California amended its workers’ compensation (WC) law, under Senate Bill 1159 (SB1159), to provide a presumption that COVID-19 is a compensable, work-related condition under certain circumstances.

DOL Revises FFCRA Regulations in Response to Court Decision

(posted: Monday, September 14th, 2020)

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has issued revisions to regulations that implement the paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).

California Mandates Paid Sick Leave for COVID-19

(posted: Monday, September 14th, 2020)

California has enacted a new law that requires supplemental paid sick leave statewide for workers for COVID 19 related purposes, effective Sept. 19, 2020.

New York Announces Paid Family Leave Rates for 2021

(posted: Friday, September 11th, 2020)

The New York State Department of Financial Services has announced that for calendar year 2021, employers may deduct 0.511% of an employee’s weekly wage, up to an annual cap of $385.34, to pay the premium cost for state paid family leave insurance.

DOL Announces 2021 Minimum Wage Rate for Federal Contractors

(posted: Friday, September 11th, 2020)

New Rate Applies Between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2021 On Aug. 31, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced that the minimum wage rate for federal contractor employees will increase from $10.80 to $10.95 per hour on Jan.

California Exempts Additional Occupations from Independent Contractor Classification Test (AB 5)

(posted: Friday, September 11th, 2020)

The Amendments Became Effective Sept. 4 On Sept. 4, 2020, California amended the list of occupations exempted from using the state’s employee classification test, also known as “the ABC test” (AB 5). When the ABC test is not required, including

Federal Court Strikes Down Part of the DOL Joint Employment Rule

(posted: Wednesday, September 9th, 2020)

The DOL Is Currently Exploring Options to Challenge the Lower Court’s Ruling On Sept. 8, 2020, a federal district court struck down parts of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) joint employer rule. This new rule became effective March 16,

EEOC Updates Guidance on Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the ADA

(posted: Tuesday, September 8th, 2020)

New FAQs Address Questions Employers May Ask to Screen Employees for COVID 19 and ADA Requirements for Handling Employees’ Medical Information On Sept. 8, 2020, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued additional answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about

Reminder: Medicare Part D Notices Are Due Before Oct. 15, 2020

(posted: Tuesday, September 1st, 2020)

Employers who sponsor group health plans that 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.

DOL Publishes Four Additional FLSA Opinion Letters

(posted: Tuesday, September 1st, 2020)

Employers Can Rely on Opinion Letters to Establish Good Faith Compliance Under the Law On Aug. 31, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) published four new opinion letters. Opinion letters provide the DOL’s official position on how labor and

IRS Issues Guidance on Payroll Tax Deferment Presidential Order

(posted: Tuesday, September 1st, 2020)

Deferred taxes must be recouped between Jan. 1 and Apr. 30, 2021 On Aug. 8, 2020, President Donald Trump ordered the U.S. Department of Treasury (the Department) to defer collecting certain payroll taxes from wages earned between Sept. 1 and

Alerts for August

Minnesota Announces 2021 Minimum Wage Rate

(posted: Monday, August 31st, 2020)

New Rate Becomes Effective Jan. 1, 2021 On Aug. 28, 2020, Minnesota announced the following minimum wage rates, effective Jan. 1, 2021 $10.08 per hour for large employers (employers with an annual gross revenue of $500,000

Remote Verification of Form I-9 Documents Extended to Sept. 19

(posted: Friday, August 28th, 2020)

Without Extension, Exemption Would Have Expired Aug. 18 Because of the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have announced yet another 30 day extension of the exemption for the

DOL Publishes FAQs Addressing FFCRA Leave and Return to School

(posted: Friday, August 28th, 2020)

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has published new frequently asked questions about whether employees qualify for paid leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act in different school reopening situations, including those that blend in-person with distance learning.

IRS Offers Guidance on COVID-19 Employee Leave-sharing Plans

(posted: Wednesday, August 19th, 2020)

In recently issued answers to frequently asked questions, the IRS said employers may set up leave-sharing plans under IRS Notice 2006-59 to benefit employees adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

DOL Releases Updated Model Employer CHIP Notice

(posted: Tuesday, August 18th, 2020)

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

Interim Final Rule Issued on Leave for Federal Workers

(posted: Tuesday, August 18th, 2020)

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management has published an interim final rule to implement the Federal Employee Paid Leave Act, which provides paid leave to certain federal employees covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act.

DOL Guidance Addresses Federal Contractors and FFCRA Leave Pay

(posted: Tuesday, August 11th, 2020)

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has issued questions and answers on when federal contractors must include Service Contract Act (SCA), Davis-Bacon Act (DBA) or Executive Order 13706 fringe benefits for workers taking leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).

President Trump Orders Payroll Tax Deferment

(posted: Monday, August 10th, 2020)

The Department of Treasury Will Stop Collecting Certain Payroll Taxes Between Sept. 1 and Dec. 31 On Aug. 8, 2020, President Donald J. Trump ordered the U.S. Department of Treasury (the Department) to defer collecting certain payroll taxes from Sept.

NY Federal Court Partly Strikes Down FFCRA Leave Regulations

(posted: Tuesday, August 4th, 2020)

In a case brought by the New York attorney general, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York has vacated portions of regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Labor under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

Virginia Adopts Safety and Health Standard for COVID-19

(posted: Monday, August 3rd, 2020)

The New Emergency Temporary Standard Requires Job Risk Assessments, Employee Training and Customized Control and Prevention Measures Virginia has adopted an occupational safety and health standard to protect employees within the state from COVID 19. This Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS)

Virigina Adopts Safety and Health Standard for COVID-19

(posted: Monday, August 3rd, 2020)

Massachusetts Finalizes Amendments to PFML Regulations

(posted: Monday, August 3rd, 2020)

On July 24, 2020, the Massachusetts Department of Paid Family and Medical Leave published final amendments to regulations issued under the state’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program.

Alerts for July

Remote Verification of Form I-9 Documents Extended to Aug. 19

(posted: Tuesday, July 28th, 2020)

According to the DHS This Will Be the Final Extension The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that the exemption for the physical inspection of Form I 9 documents has been extended to Aug. 19, 2020.

NLRB Changes Rules for Abusive or Offensive Conduct By Employees

(posted: Wednesday, July 22nd, 2020)

On July 21, 2020, the National Labor Relations Board issued a decision that eases the way for employers to discipline or discharge an employee based on abusive or offensive conduct—such as racist or profane remarks—committed while the employee was also engaged in activities that are protected under the National Labor Relations Act.

DOL Publishes More Q&As on Employment Laws and Coronavirus

(posted: Monday, July 20th, 2020)

On July 20, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced the agency’s publication of additional questions and answers about the operation of the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) in workplace situations involving COVID-19.

DOL Revises FMLA Forms, Seeks Input on Regulations

(posted: Friday, July 17th, 2020)

The U.S. Department of Labor has issued a Request for Information about federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) regulations. The agency has also revised its FMLA notice and certification forms.

DOL Issues RFI on Paid Family and Medical Leave

(posted: Wednesday, July 15th, 2020)

In a Request for Information (RFI) issued July 15, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced it is seeking information about the effectiveness of current state- and employer-provided paid leave programs, and how access (or lack of access) to these programs impacts workers and their families.

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