California lawmakers passed several bills during the 2025 legislative session that would impose new compliance obligations on employers. Here is an overview of employment bills the California State Legislature has sent to the governor for approval.
Archives for September 23, 2025
Trump Gold Card Introduced With Fees Starting at $1 Million
On September 19, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order announcing the “Gold Card” program, an expedited immigrant visa program that allows individuals to receive permanent resident status in exchange for a significant financial contribution to the U.S. Department of Commerce.
The Trump Gold Card permanent residency pathway is
Connecticut to Become Thirteenth State to Adopt Uniform Mediation Act on October 1, 2025
All mediations in Connecticut initiated on or after October 1, 2025, will be governed by the Uniform Mediation Act (UMA), landmark legislation recently enacted that sets standards for fairness, confidentiality, and efficiency. The UMA will apply to all Connecticut mediation agreements beginning October 1, 2026.
Amazon sues to block New York state labor law
Amazon.com sued the New York State Public Employment Relations Board on Monday to block it from enforcing a new law that the online retailer considers an attempt to illegally regulate private sector labor relations.
Is the contingent workforce really taking over?
Popular claims suggest half the workforce will soon be contingent, but fragmented data shows a slower, uneven rise in nontraditional work.
FTC Steps Back from Noncompete Ban: What’s Next?
FTC Steps Back from Noncompete Ban: What’s Next?
The FTC said it is throwing out the noncompete ban, but Jim Witz says employers should expect continued individual enforcement activity, particularly focusing on employers who use “one-size-fits-all” noncompete agreements containing similar restrictions for both high-level executives and hourly employees alike.
HRO Today
FTC Drops Noncompete Ban, Signals Ongoing Enforcement
FTC Drops Noncompete Ban, Signals Ongoing Enforcement
Rachel Satinsky says the FTC’s decision not to ban noncompetes is not a free pass and the government still intends to play a role in ensuring that overbroad noncompete agreements are not used.
SHRM
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mfelling@littler.com Tue, 09/23/2025 – 15:22
Can an employee sue for discrimination after being placed on a Performance Plan?
Can an employee sue for discrimination after being placed on a Performance Plan?
We are about to put an employee on a Performance Improvement Plan. Can they sue us for employment discrimination?
Many employers use Performance Improvement Plans, or “PIPs,” as a way to provide clear guidance and direction to employees.
Law Professor Files First Amendment Lawsuit Against West Point
A law professor at the U.S. Military Academy has filed a federal lawsuit against the academy & several administrators, accusing them of violating his free speech rights.
Social Security chief says he won’t hike the retirement age amid the strain of America’s aging population and fears of benefit cuts
The administration continues to frame its approach around protecting benefits while exploring other avenues to bolster solvency.
How AI is impacting workers’ compensation claims
Alan G. Brackett and Lejla Alibasic of Mouledoux, Bland, Legrand & Brackett examine how artificial intelligence is impacting workers’ compensation claims, from streamlining processes to posing new compliance challenges.
EEOC Sues iPro Dental for Pregnancy Discrimination
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – iPro Dental Laboratory, Inc., a Fort Lauderdale manufacturer of dental restoration products used by dental practices nationwide, violated federal law when it fired a recently hired employee because she was pregnant, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit announced today.
Presidential Proclamation Imposes $100,000 Fee on New H-1B Visas
On Friday, September 19, 2025, President Trump signed a proclamation restricting entry by nonimmigrants to perform services in a specialty occupation under 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of the INA unless accompanied by a $100,000 fee.
Why can’t employers get neurodivergent-friendly work policies right?
Despite an increase in interest in these workplaces, actually finding one can be hard.
The Rise of Retaliation Claims: What’s Driving Them and How to Respond – Workplace Wake-Up with Jen Shaw
Retaliation claims now top the EEOC’s charge list, and California employers are no exception. Why are these claims on the rise, and what everyday employer decisions trigger risk? Jen explains the trends, the traps, and the tools HR needs to prevent retaliation while still enforcing accountability.