The impacts of COVID-19 have been felt in every corner of Florida and have dramatically affected the way that we do business, the way we interact, and the way we live. This article offers guidance on Florida’s progress toward loosening COVID-19 restrictions. We begin by briefly tracing the history
Archives for June 5, 2020
USCIS Settles H-1B Cases Over Policies, Will Withdraw Onerous Guidance
USCIS has entered into a broad settlement agreement that requires it to withdraw certain H-1B policies.
H-1B denials have skyrocketed since 2017, especially following enactment of the “Buy American, Hire American” Executive Order. In February 2018, USCIS issued further guidance specifically placing additional onerous documentation requirements for H-1B employees working at
Beltway Buzz, June 5, 2020
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.
IRS Provides Relief for Retirement Plan Elections and Consents Required to be Notarized or Witnessed
The Internal Revenue Service has relaxed spousal notarization and plan representative witness requirements in 2020 for retirement plan elections in IRS Notice 2020-42. The notice addresses the physical presence requirement for notarization or witnessing of certain plan elections and provides temporary relief permitting remote notarization and witnessing subject to certain
Much Anticipated PPP Flexibility Act Signed into Law
Rev. June 12, 2020
June 12, 2020 Update: On June 10, 2020, the SBA released the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) – Revisions to First Interim Final Rule (“Revised IFR”). The Revised IFR was released to reflect modifications to the PPP by the PPP Flexibility Act. Most of the Revised IFR is a reiteration of the PPP Flexibility Act as summarized below. However, it also provides the following additional clarifications:
Severe or Pervasive Remains the Standard to Evaluate Claims of Sexual Harassment in Minnesota
This week, the Minnesota Supreme Court issued a unanimous decision affirming that the severe or pervasive standard remains the test for assessing claims of sexual harassment under the Minnesota Human Rights Act (MHRA). In doing so, the court rejected efforts by the plaintiff’s bar to modify the standard in
Video Job Interviews: Legal Issues With Remote Access for Applicants
Many businesses are continuing to hire for open positions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Employers that need to continue their hiring processes may see video conferencing platforms as a valuable tool to complete job interviews while maintaining physical distancing. While affording interview participants a more personable experience than a simple telephone
Supreme Court: Plaintiffs Who Suffered No Injury Lack Standing to Sue under ERISA
The plaintiffs’ expectations surely suffered a blow after reading the Supreme Court’s initial observation in their case: “If [the plaintiffs] were to lose this lawsuit, they would still receive the exact same monthly benefits that they are already slated to receive, not a penny less. If [the plaintiffs] were to win this lawsuit, they
Five Issues to Consider When Returning Furloughed and Laid Off Employees to Work
As the nation slowly reopens for business, employers and employees are understandably filled with uncertainty. For many employees, there is uncertainty about the risks involved with returning to work. For many employers, there is uncertainty about the scope of their legal obligations to employees and others during a continuing pandemic.
Tackling the Realities of COVID-19, Part I: Screening, Safety, Returning to Work, and My Trip to the Dentist
South Carolina has slowly begun to reopen over the last few weeks. While every state and many individual jurisdictions have different reopening criteria, in South Carolina, close contact businesses are now open.
New Ohio Orders and Restrictions Extended Until July 1, 2020
On May 29, 2020, Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Health Director Amy Acton issued the “Director’s Updated and Revised Order for Business Guidance and Social Distancing.” As expected, the new order extends many of the same requirements and guidelines previously in place through the (now expired) “Stay Safe
Virginia Prepares to Enter “Phase Two” of its Reopening Plan Everywhere Except Northern Virginia and Richmond
On June 2, 2020, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam issued Executive Order 65 and Order of Public Health Emergency Six (“Executive Order 65”), which is set to take effect at 12:00 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2020. In entering the Order, the governor cited “remarkable progress” in addressing the COVID-19