Georgia employers may be experiencing some whiplash from the latest updates to the state’s unemployment and partial unemployment rules and regulations in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Articles About Georgia Labor And Employment Law.
Atlanta Mayor Issues Indoor Mask Mandate Due to CDC Guidance and Increase in COVID-19 Cases
On July 28, 2021, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms issued an indoor mask mandate via executive order that requires “all persons in an entity or a public place [to] wear a facial covering or mask over the mouth and nose at all times when indoors.”
Non-Compete News: Restrictive Covenant Act Case Decided by Georgia State-Wide Business Court
In May 2011, Georgia’s Restrictive Covenant Act (OCGA 13-8-50 et seq.) (“RCA”) became effective and applied to all agreements executed on or after May 11, 2011.
New Georgia Decision Clarifies Scope of Computer Trespass Statute
Just as the United States Supreme Court recently limited the reach of the federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (“CFAA”) in Van Buren v. United States, the Georgia Supreme Court has now reined in the Georgia state law counterpart to the CFAA.
Georgia Prohibits COVID-19 ‘Vaccine Passports’ for Public Employers, Also Limiting Private Employers
While many states have issued orders prohibiting inquiries about an individual’s COVID-19 vaccination status, Georgia has become the first to restrict public employers from requiring proof of a COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment.
Georgia Prohibits State-Implemented COVID-19 Vaccine Passport Programs and Restricts Disclosure of Individuals’ Vaccination Status
On May 25, 2021, Governor Brian Kemp signed an Executive Order (Order) prohibiting any state agency, provider of state services, or state property from implementing a Vaccine Passport Program (VPP)1 or otherwise requiring an individual to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. The Order further states that no data from the
Ambiguous Offer of Judgment Cannot Support Attorney’s Fees Award, Georgia Court of Appeals Holds
An unaccepted offer of judgment that contains internal inconsistencies and ambiguities as to its scope is neither enforceable nor supports an award of attorney’s fees under Georgia’s Rule 68. Reversing a trial court’s $837,445 award of attorney’s fees to defendants, the Georgia Court of Appeals held the defendants’ offer of
Peach State Garnishment Update – 2021 Changes
Effective January 1, 2021, several key components of Georgia’s existing garnishment code were amended. The main changes are discussed below.
Who Can Be Served?
Plaintiff-creditors may now serve garnishments on a defendant-debtor’s employer or another person or entity “under periodic obligations for payment” to the defendant-debtor.
Calculating Disposable Earnings
Take a Break! Georgia Amends Its Lactation Break Law
The state of Georgia has had a lactation break law on the books for quite some time, but with House Bill 1090 the legislature made some important changes, effective August 5, 2020. As most employers know, the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) provides lactation break requirements for employers, so
Georgia Enacts COVID-19 Legal Immunity for Healthcare Providers, Businesses
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has signed into law Senate Bill 359, which, like legislation enacted by several other states, is designed to protect healthcare facilities, businesses, and other entities from civil liability related to the spread of COVID-19, except in limited situations that include where there is a showing of gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
New Georgia Legislation Requires Employers to Provide Paid Lactation Breaks
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has signed new legislation requiring employers to provide paid lactation breaks and private locations at the worksite where working mothers can express breast milk. The new law is effective immediately.
Georgia Law Shields Businesses from COVID-19 Liability
Georgia recently became the ninth state1 to shield businesses from liability stemming from COVID-19. Governor Brian Kemp signed the new law, the Georgia COVID-19 Pandemic Business Safety Act, on August 5, 2020, and the new law took effect immediately.
Georgia Department of Labor Revises Employers’ Obligations for Filing Partial Unemployment Claims
On July 17, 2020, the Georgia Department of Labor issued updated emergency Rules concerning unemployment benefits in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The new Rules went into effect on July 19 and continue through November 16, 2020, or until the Department proposes and enacts subsequent rules or guidance.
Georgia Legislature Passes Bill to Limit Liability From COVID-19-Related Claims
On June 26, 2020, the Georgia General Assembly passed Senate Bill (SB) 359 to limit liability for COVID-19-related claims. The bill, which is titled “Georgia COVID-19 Pandemic Business Safety Act,” has not yet been signed by Governor Brian Kemp. Several states have enacted similar legislation, including Alaska, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky,
Georgia Pushes Forward: Latest Order Offers Detailed Reopening Steps and A Preview for Other States
On April 23, 2020, Governor Brian Kemp signed an Executive Order (Order) relaxing the statewide Shelter in Place Order issued on April 2, 2020, and providing additional guidance related to the performance of work for Critical Infrastructure businesses and non-Critical Infrastructure businesses, including businesses recently permitted to reopen. The Order also requires individuals at higher risk of severe illness to continue sheltering in place and some businesses to remain closed to the public. The Order is in effect from Friday May 1, 2020 at 12:00 a.m. until May 13, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.
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