Chicago Issues Final Rules for Paid Leave and Paid Sick and Safe Leave – The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BCAP) has published final rules for the city’s new Paid Leave and Paid Sick and Safe Leave Ordinance, which replaces Chicago’s current paid sick leave ordinance on July 1, 2024. This Legal Update provides information about key topics addressed in the final rules.
Read more: Illinois Legal Update
Illinois Issues Final Rules for Paid Leave for All Workers Act – The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) has published final rules for the state’s Paid Leave for All Workers Act (the Act), which took effect Jan. 1, 2024. The rules address the implementation of varied aspects of the law and include helpful examples. The rules took effect upon publication on April 30, 2024.
Read more: Illinois Legal Update
Maryland Adopts New Pay Transparency Requirements – On April 25, 2024, Maryland enacted the Wage Range Transparency Act (WRTA), which expands pay transparency requirements for employers under the state’s Equal Pay for Equal Work Act (EPEWA). The new law impacts all Maryland employers, regardless of size, and will become effective Oct. 1, 2024.
Read more: Maryland Legal Update
Maryland Paid Family and Medical Leave Amended, Delayed Again – Maryland has amended the Time to Care Act, the state’s paid family and medical leave (PFML) law, again delaying the start of the PFML program. PFML contributions are now slated to begin July 1, 2025, and workers will be able to submit PFML claims starting July 1, 2026. The amendments, which take effect Oct. 1, 2024, changed the law in other ways as well.
Read more: Maryland Legal Update
New York Passes Paid Prenatal Leave and Lactation Time, Ends COVID-19 Leave – The recently enacted New York budget for fiscal year 2024-25 includes provisions mandating paid employee prenatal leave and lactation break time, and repealing the state’s COVID-19 sick leave law. The provisions have different effective dates in 2024 and 2025.
Read more: New York Legal Update
Washington Creates New Retirement Savings Program – Washington has established a new automatic retirement savings program in the state, known as Washington Saves, that is intended to benefit employees who do not have the opportunity to save for retirement through an employer-sponsored retirement plan. The legislation generally becomes effective June 6, 2024, with a program launch date of July 1, 2027.
Read more: Washington Legal Update
Washington State Enacts Employee Free Choice Act – On March 28, 2024, Washington state enacted the Employee Free Choice Act to protect workers from retaliation for refusing to attend meetings or listen to their employer’s speech on religious or political matters, including speech regarding labor unions. The law takes effect on June 6, 2024.
Read more: Washington Legal Update
