State Legal Trends: Crucial Changes for Employers

This week, we’re looking at recent state-level changes and legal trends that have varying degrees of impact on employers.

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Massachusetts Pay Equity Law

Massachusetts is the most recent state to enact a pay equity law. The law establishes new pay range disclosure requirements for employers that employ 25 or more employees in Massachusetts.

Illinois Amends BIPA

Illinois’ new law limits penalties under the Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) and clarifies consent procedures. Employers can now be held liable only for a single violation per person rather than for each alleged use of biometric data.

Michigan Supreme Court Reinstates Wage and Leave Laws

In Michigan, employers will have to reckon with a new decision from the state’s Supreme Court that reinstated two laws that were created through a public initiative. One law provides for annual increases to the minimum wage and a gradual elimination of a wage differential for tipped workers, while the other expands paid sick leave obligations.

Federal Courts Strike Down Controversial Florida Laws

In Florida, a federal district court judge permanently blocked the state’s Stop WOKE Act, which restricted workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion training. And a different federal judge in Florida overturned the state’s ban on transgender health care.

Other Highlights

Michigan’s Supreme Court Has Spoken: Expanded Paid Sick Leave, Increased Minimum Wage and Phased-Out Tip Credits
Wage and Hour Defense Blog
Adam S. Forman, Nancy Gunzenhauser Popper

Insurers in the Crosshairs, Part II: New York’s Final Insurance Circular Letter on Consumer Data and AI-Infused Insurance Underwriting and Pricing
Workforce Bulletin
Frances M. Green

California Supreme Court Concludes That PAGA Plaintiffs Lack Standing to Intervene in Other PAGA Lawsuits
Wage and Hour Defense Blog
Heather M. Domingo

New York City Prohibits Provisions Shortening Statutes of Limitations for Complaints and Civil Actions Related to Discrimination, Harassment, or Violence
Workforce Bulletin
Nancy Gunzenhauser Popper, Brittany J. Finder

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