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.
Archives for April 6, 2025
Second Circuit Adopts Broad Reading of ADA Protections in Recent Workplace Accommodations Case
In a decision issued on March 25, 2025, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals clarified the scope of protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regarding workplace accommodations. The court’s ruling in Tudor v. Whitehall Central School District establishes that employees with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodations,
A man who used an AI avatar in court because he thought it would present an argument well says he got chewed out by a panel of judges
Jerome Dewald said he used a product created by a San Francisco tech company to create the avatar.
Former EEOC Officials Defend DEI Programs in Response to Acting Chair’s Technical Assistance
On April 3, 2025, a group of former U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) officials issued a statement defending specific employer diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in response to technical assistance issued by the acting director of the EEOC last month.
New AI Laws May Go Into Effect As Early As July 1, 2025
By: New AI Laws May Go Into Effect As Early As July 1, 2025
On March 21, 2025, the California Civil Rights Council adopted its final regulations regarding automated decision-making systems. In the employment context, automated decision-making systems can include a wide range of tools that employers use to increase efficiency, such as AI systems to assist in hiring, firing, promotion, cost-cutting, and more. In response to businesses’ growing interest in utilizing automated decision systems, California legislators are looking to address legal concerns associated with such systems.
Previously, on February 7, 2025, the Civil Rights Council published its second round of modifications to proposed employment regulations regarding automated decision systems and invited public comments. Since then, the deadline to submit public comments passed on February 24, 2025. Shortly after, the Civil Rights Council adopted the most recent proposed regulations as final. Once the final regulations are approved by the Office of Administrative Law and published by the Secretary of State, they will likely become effective on July 1, 2025.
As a reminder, below are some highlights to keep in mind (more details can be found here):
- The definition of “agent” now includes anyone acting on behalf of an employer, such as third parties involved in recruitment, hiring, or promotion through AI systems.
- Employers may face a higher burden to prove they have tested for bias and made efforts to prevent discrimination. A lack of evidence could be used against them.
- Employers must keep AI-related records for four years. These include applications, personnel files, and data from automated decision systems.
- Employers using AI to filter applicants must show the criteria are job-related and necessary, with no less discriminatory alternative that meets their goals.
AI tools will likely become integral to many businesses to maximize efficiency. It is important to work with legal counsel to understand the implications of potential legal liabilities and stay informed about the laws in this area.
Feel free to contact Linda Wang or your preferred CDF attorney for a consultation.
IRS starts laying off 20,000 workers, eliminates civil rights office
The U.S. Internal Revenue Service began making sweeping cuts to its workforce on Friday, the agency’s leadership said in an email to staff on Friday, and among the first to go will be employees of its civil rights office.
Policy Week in Review – April 4, 2025
Policy Week in Review – April 4, 2025
Former Democratic EEOC Officials Issue Statement on Employer DEI Efforts
tgelbman@littler.com Fri, 04/04/2025 – 14:29
Return-To-Office Survival Guide: Tackle Bad Breath, Stinky Lunches, and More
Many of us are back in shared spaces with quirky coworkers. Here’s how to tackle everything from loud talkers, stinky lunches, and close talkers with bad breath.
Downsizing’s Next Target – NIOSH
Downsizing’s Next Target – NIOSH
On April 2, 2025, most of the leadership and research scientists at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) were terminated from employment. The termination resulted in a reduction of at least two-thirds of the NIOSH staff, or approximately 873 people.
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How To Set Firm Boundaries At Work For A Stress-Free Vacation
Only 1 in 4 professionals truly disconnect on vacation. Learn how to set clear boundaries at work so you can return refreshed, focused, and stress-free.
The Best Workplace TV Shows of All Time
Forget about stress from your own job by watching one of these great series.
How To Make Wellness Your Job
Wellness jobs are no longer HR perks—they’re strategic roles that drive performance, reduce burnout, and deliver measurable business impact. Here’s how!
How AI Is Impacting Skills Of Gen Zers In The Workplace
AI, which which can shore up the workplace skills of Gen Z workers, is also posing some challenges for them.
Third Circuit Affirms Home Health Care Aides Must Be Paid for Travel Between Clients
Companies that employ nonexempt workers who travel between worksites in a single workday need to review their policies and procedures to ensure they are compliant with a recent decision from the Third Circuit Court of Appeals
Do Dogs Belong at Work?
Plus, how to talk about office cleavage. (Yes, you can talk about it.)