On March 20, 2026, the White House released its long-awaited policy framework for governing the use and development of artificial intelligence (AI) and automated decision-making technology. While not breaking new ground, the framework outlines the Trump administration’s legislative recommendations to remove burdens on AI development and establish federal preemption of
Archives for March 22, 2026
Beltway Buzz, March 20, 2026
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.
‘We Didn’t Know’ Is No Defense: Lessons for Construction Employers From a Cal/OSHA Appeals Board Decision
Every once in a while, the California Occupational Safety and Health Appeals Board publishes a Decision After Reconsideration that makes employers wince and leaves attorneys scratching their heads. On March 12, 2026, the Appeals Board did just that when it issued KPRS Construction Services, Inc., turning the employer’s full victory
White House Unveils ‘Center for Faith’ Website
On March 19, 2026, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) launched a new website for its “Center for Faith.” According to the DOL, the website “contains resources for Americans who may have faced religious discrimination in the workplace, as well as information for faith organizations on potential grant opportunities and
West Virginia Bill Would Authorize Portable Benefits for Independent Contractors
On March 14, 2026, the West Virginia Legislature passed a bill (House Bill (HB) 4009) to allow employers to contribute to a worker’s portable benefit account while still classifying that worker as an independent contractor. The bill is likely to be especially impactful for rideshare and food delivery companies that
Policy Week in Review – March 20, 2026
Policy Week in Review – March 20, 2026
White House Releases National AI Framework
ehubert@littler.com Fri, 03/20/2026 – 14:54
New York Broadens Workplace First Aid Requirements to Include Opioid Antagonists
New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed Senate Bill S5922-A/A2725-A into law on Dec. 12, 2025, expanding workplace first aid requirements to include opioid antagonists where first aid supplies are required under federal law. On Feb. 13, 2026, Assembly Bill A9453/S8770 amended this law to address several issues, as Governor Hochul had identified in her approval…
Job-seekers aren’t imagining things: the number of candidates getting ghosting by employers just reached a three-year high
More than half of job-seekers have experienced ghosting within the past year, reaching a three-year peak—and experts say it’s because hiring “hasn’t caught up” to an AI-driven world of applying.
Boss uses a recruiter-approved coffee cup test in every interview—and he won’t hire anyone who fails it
Think you nailed the interview? Failing this subtle coffee test could cost you the job—no matter your credentials, one hiring manager warns
Oregon’s Groundbreaking Unemployment Law for Striking Workers: What’s Happening and Why It Matters
Oregon made labor history in 2025 when Governor Tina Kotek signed Senate Bill 916, making Oregon the first state to extend unemployment insurance (UI) benefits to both public and private sector workers participating in strikes. We previewed this development last year, and the law took effect January 1, 2026. SB
I Was Rejected From Two Jobs. It Was The Best Part Of My Job Search
Rejection emails can feel like a gut punch. But this week was different. Here are two employers doing it right, and what others can learn from these rejections.
4 Top Workplace Challenges for 2026 and Beyond
Today’s workplace offers many challenges for leaders and team members. Here are four that are critically important in today’s world.
The Gender Pay Gap Could Last Until 2088—And New Research Reveals Why
A study of 900,000 job seekers shows the gender pay gap may start before women even apply for jobs. Experts share five ways women can break the cycle.
Hard-up workers are raiding their 401(k) in record numbers — here’s why, plus how to avoid it and preserve your savings
Beware the hidden cost of retirement account withdrawals.
The Hidden Tool To Avoid Getting Stressed When Your Job Zings You
Complications and disappointments at work are inevitable, but the cumulative job stress that often comes with it is avoidable when you find and use this inner tool.