The Beltway Buzz ® is a weekly update summarizing labor and employment news from inside the Beltway and clarifying how what's happening in Washington, D.C., could impact your business.

For nearly a century, independent federal agencies have operated with a degree of insulation from presidential control. That changed dramatically on June 29, 2026.

Employment Arbitration Lives to Fight Another Day

Nineteen states and the District of Columbia have filed a lawsuit challenging the federal government's rollout of Executive Order (EO) 14398, "Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors." The coalition of plaintiff states challenges the EO and federal agency actions taken to implement what they allege are unclear requirements across new and existing contracts. Filed on June 10, 2026, the complaint names the United States, the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council (FAR Council), and n…

The U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts recently blocked the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) efforts to withhold funding from states and grant recipients that have not confirmed their compliance with Trump administration policies on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), “gender ideology,” women’s and girls’ sports, and immigration.

Washington State Published Updated Notice for Fair Chance Amendments Effective July 1, 2026. As previously reported, amendments to Washington's Fair Chance Act became effective July 1, 2026 for employers with 15 or more employees.

On May 14, 2026, Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger vetoed Senate Bill (SB) No. 378 / House Bill (HB) No. 1263, legislation that would have extended collective bargaining rights to the Commonwealth’s approximately 500,000 public employees.

On June 22, 2026, the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights (MCCR) published its Elements of Proof Guidance , a comprehensive document setting forth the elements of proof that the MCCR applies for claims of employment discrimination, as well as other forms of discrimination, such as in housing and public accommodations, under Maryland State Government Article, Title 20.

On June 30th, California’s Governor signed Assembly Bill (AB) 2155, which concerns the enforceability of written arbitration agreements in California. The bill amends Code of Civil Procedure Section 1281 and provides that any agreement unenforceable under the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) is also unenforceable under the California Arbitration Act (CAA). AB 2155 takes effect January 1, 2027. The legislation underscores the importance of regularly reviewing arbitration agreements to ensure they r…

NLRB Advice Memoranda Signal a Major Shift for Employers—But California Employers Shouldn't Celebrate Too Soon

California Courts Have Wide Latitude To Reduce PAGA Penalties and Fees