It is safe to say that spring 2020 will not soon be forgotten. While the COVID-19 pandemic dominated the news and the attention of federal and state governments alike, the Maryland General Assembly passed several new laws affecting the workplace. In addition to the emergency measures implemented to address
House Democrats Unveil “Phase 4” COVID-19 Relief Legislation, Including Expansion of Paid Sick and Family Leave, Hazard Pay, and Unemployment Benefits
On May 12, 2020, the Democratic leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives unveiled its opening bid in the next round of COVID-19 response legislation. As expected, the proposal—the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act—includes a number of labor and employment provisions of great significance to
Proposed Amendments to the Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave Regulations are Released for Public Comment
With less than eight months before benefits become available under the Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave Law (PFML), the Massachusetts Department of Family and Medical Leave (Department) released proposed amendments to regulations previously finalized on July 1, 2019.
Virginia Delays Phase One of its Business Reopening Plan in Northern Virginia Region
On May 12, 2020, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam issued Executive Order 62 and Order of Public Health Emergency Four (“Executive Order 62”), which delays the implementation of Phase One of the Commonwealth’s three-phase reopening plan for the Northern Virginia Region until May 29, 2020.
Is Karaoke Dead? An Employer’s Guide to Post-Pandemic Life
From social distancing to temperature checks, Kimberly Doud and Nancy Johnson consider the new workplace environment.
Association of Corporate Counsel
Reopen Connecticut Phase One: Sector Rules for May 20 Reopening
On May 9, 2020, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont and the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) released guidelines for businesses that will be allowed to reopen during Phase 1 of the state’s reopening plan.
Wisconsin Supreme Court Strikes Down COVID-19 Safer-at-Home Order: Considerations for Wisconsin Employers
Last month, Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) Secretary-Designee Andrea Palm issued Emergency Order No.
COBRA is Temporarily Social Distancing From its Election and Payment Deadlines
The IRS and DOL issued guidance on May 4, 2020 that adds a new level complexity to COBRA administration for employer-sponsored plans. In short, the relief suspends many key participant deadlines during the so-called “Outbreak Period.” The new rules define “Outbreak Period” to mean the period beginning March 1,
Bay Bridge Series: Oakland Enacts COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Ordinance
On May 12, 2020, Oakland joined the list of California localities that have enacted a law requiring supplemental paid sick leave for COVID-19 purposes, along with Los Angeles (City), Los Angeles County (Unincorporated),
Workplace testing guide may provide target for lawsuits
Do Your Employees Need to Wear Face Masks?
Alka Ramchandani-Raj and Devjani Mishra offer considerations on wearing face masks.
SHRM Online
Lee Schreter says Georgia State Law gave her a second act
Lee Schreter reflects on her experiences at the Georgia State University College of Law.
Final Title IX Regulations Adopt Sweeping Changes for Handling Sexual Harassment Claims at Institutions of Higher Education
On May 6, 2020, the Department of Education (DOE) issued its Final Rule adopting amended regulations implementing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX).1 The Final Rule enacts sweeping changes to Title IX regulations, much of which was previewed in the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) the
Despite Pandemic, Chicago’s Fair Workweek Ordinance to Take Effect as Scheduled
Chicago passed the Chicago Fair Workweek Ordinance in July 2019. This Ordinance, which is set to take effect on July 1, 2020, requires covered employers to provide advance notice of work schedules to their covered employees, and to pay additional wages if posted schedules are changed within a certain