Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming recently passed laws aligning with recent executive orders issued by President Donald Trump defining sex as binary and immutable.
Articles About Utah Labor And Employment Law.
Two Utah Laws Related to Religious Expression in the Workplace Take Effect
The Utah legislature wrapped up its seven-week legislative session on March 1, 2024. In addition to passing a #MeToo-inspired law prohibiting confidentiality clauses regarding sexual misconduct, the legislature also passed two laws now in effect related to religious expression in the workplace for both public and private employers.
H.B. 396
Utah Updates to Breach Notification Requirements Take Effect
On May 1, 2024, amendments to Utah’s cybersecurity and data breach notification law took effect.
The state’s cybersecurity and data breach notification law requires an organization that conducts business in the State of Utah to prevent the unlawful use or disclosure of personal information collected by the organization.
Under the
Utah Becomes Latest State to Ban Nondisclosure Clauses Regarding #MeToo Claims
Earlier this year, Utah joined the growing number of states to enact legislation to ban employers from requiring confidentiality clauses or agreements that block employees from speaking openly about sexual misconduct allegations in the workplace.
Utah Expands Employee Religious Protections
The Utah Antidiscrimination Act has been amended to expand religious accommodation requirements for employers under Utah law.
Utah Enacts New #MeToo-Inspired Law Related to Confidentiality Clauses
Utah joins the growing list of states, including California, New Jersey and New York, enacting their own #MeToo-inspired laws prohibiting confidentiality clauses regarding sexual misconduct. The #MeToo movement seeks to limit confidentiality requirements that would prevent information about serial sexual harassers from reaching potential victims.
Proposed Utah Bill Would Have Extended Restrictions on DEI to Private Employers’ Training Programs
States across the United States have been taking up or passing laws to prohibit diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and programming in public schools, colleges, universities, and other institutions, but a bill recently considered by Utah lawmakers raised concerns for private employers as it would have extended such restrictions
Utah’s Vaccine Passport Prohibition: What Employers Need to Know
The new Utah Vaccine Passport Prohibition legislation (HB 131) prevents most Utah businesses from requiring employees or patrons to be vaccinated for any disease. The new law will take effect May 3, 2023.
Utah Enacts Law Restricting Use of Vaccination or Immunity Status in Employment Decisions
Utah H.B. 131 prohibits employers from requiring proof of immunity or vaccination status in making employment decisions. There are limited exceptions, including for federal contractors and jobs with certain vaccination requirements under state or federal law. The new law also extends to places of public accommodation.
Utah Enacts Law Allowing Employers to Obtain Workplace Violence Protective Orders
On March 14, 2023, Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox signed HB 324 into law amending Utah’s protective order statute to allow employers to petition for and obtain workplace violence protective orders against an individual who has engaged in or threatened potential workplace violence. The law will become effective on
Utah Becomes Fourth State to Enact A Comprehensive Privacy Law
Just as businesses are preparing to ensure compliance with similar laws in California, Colorado, and Virginia, they soon will need to consider a fourth jurisdiction, Utah. On March 24, 2022, Governor Spencer Cox signed a measure enacting the Utah Consumer Privacy Act (UCPA). The UCPA is set to take effect
Utah Amends Vaccination and Testing Requirements to Include Exemption for Previous COVID-19 Infection
On March 22, 2022, Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox signed HB 63 into law, amending legislation passed in the Utah Legislature’s second special session of 2021 related to vaccine mandates in the workplace. The law will become effective on May 3, 2022 (60 days from adjournment of 2022 legislative
Utah Enacts Law Related to COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Requirements in the Workplace
On November 16, 2021, Governor Spencer J. Cox signed SB2004 into law, placing limitations and additional obligations on Utah employers that have implemented vaccine or testing requirements on employees. The law was passed in the Utah Legislature’s second special session of 2021.
Relief from Employer Vaccination Requirements/Mandates
Utah is the 2nd State to Create a Safe Harbor for Companies Facing Data Breach Litigation
In mid-March, Utah Governor Spencer Cox signed into law the Cybersecurity Affirmative Defense Act (HB80) (“the Act”), an amendment to Utah’s data breach notification law, creating several affirmative defenses for persons (defined below) facing a cause of action arising out of a breach of system security, and establishing the requirements
New Requirements, Recommendations for Utah Employers Amidst COVID-19 Crisis
In response to the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), several states have implemented closure orders, shutting down most of their internal operations and requiring most of the public to stay home, or “shelter in place.” While Utah has not yet joined the list of states doing so, employers in Utah should keep in mind certain new restrictions and recommendations while navigating this national pandemic.