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 May 3, 2026
California Legislature Proposes 90-Day Layoff Notice Requirement Due to Employer’s AI Use
The California Legislature recently introduced a bill (Senate Bill (SB) 951) that would establish the California Worker Technological Displacement Act—a first-of-its-kind law that would require employers to provide advance written notice when artificial intelligence (AI) or automation drives workforce reductions or hiring freezes.
Policy Week in Review – May 1, 2026
Policy Week in Review – May 1, 2026
U.S. Supreme Court to Decide Whether Agencies Can Levy Monetary Fines Without Going to Court
tgelbman@littler.com Fri, 05/01/2026 – 14:29
DOL Rethinks Joint Employer Standard: Proposal Revisits, Revises 2020 Rule
TakeawaysThe DOL has proposed a new rule that would reshape how joint employer status is analyzed under the FLSA. The standard, if finalized, would also define joint employment under the Family and Medical Leave Act and the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act.Although the proposed rule draws from the DOL’s 2020 framework, it moves back toward a more expansive and practical view of joint employment, particularly in light of recent court decisions.The public comment period ends on 06.22.26.Related links
IRS Guidance Section 127 Education Assistance Programs: 2024 vs. 2026
In April 2026, the IRS released updated FAQ (FS-2026-10) that supersedes the prior 2024 FAQ (FS-2024-22) addressing Section 127 educational assistance programs. While the core statutory framework remains largely unchanged, the updated guidance reflects both amendments made by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and additional IRS clarifications that may influence how employers evaluate…
Can the DOL Seek Punitive Damages for FLSA Retaliation? A Kentucky Case May Shape the Answer
In Sonderling v. Ikes Artisan Pizza LLC, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is pursuing a legal theory that, if adopted by the court, would allow the DOL to seek punitive damages in Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) retaliation lawsuits.
California Privacy Agency Invites Comments on CCPA Application to Employee and Applicant Data
When assisting businesses with the commercial aspects of the California Consumer Privacy Act, we advise them that this same law, with “consumer” in its name, also applies to data related to job applicants, employees, contractors, and other California state residents. Some are surprised, but we get to work addressing some nuanced issues, as some CCPA…
Beware of FLSA Violations with Unpaid Interns
With summer approaching, many employers are looking to hire interns to increase staffing during a busy season or to build a pipeline for future full-time hiring. But employers need to be careful about making decisions to allow any work to go unpaid.
Wildfire Smoke at the Workplace: Safety and Legal Considerations for Employers
Businesses in the agriculture, construction, and tourism industries may need to take extra safety precautions as required under federal and state laws to protect their employees in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, where smoke from wildfires that ignited in April 2026 are causing unhealthy air quality.
Law.com Highlights Christin Carey’s Addition to Maynard Nexsen
Five Steps to Preparing for the Deposition of an Organization
Corporations and other organizations can be deposed under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 30(b)(6) and state law counterparts. These depositions are unique because the deponent speaks for the corporation, and the testimony binds the entity – not the individual – often with consequences that are difficult to unwind later.
Opinion | Why the A.I. Job Apocalypse (Probably) Won’t Happen
The feeling of efficiency should be mistrusted.
The AI Mindset That Keeps Employees Relevant At Work
AI is not just a tool to learn. It changes how you work, think, and decide where to spend time. The right mindset helps you use it as a partner and stay relevant.
Is Tooth Brushing at Work Gross?
Plus: Is it insane to refuse a raise?
5 Ways You Are Training AI To Replace You At Work
AI is learning from how you work every day. Understand how it improves from you and how to stay relevant by strengthening your judgment, visibility, and impact.