California Passes Broad Range of Labor and Employment Laws – In late September 2024, California passed a series of bills that will make several important changes to the state’s labor and employment laws. Each of these new laws will take effect on Jan. 1, 2025.
Read more: California Legal Update
Maine Issues Workplace Poster and Other Materials for PFML – The Maine Department of Labor has published the workplace notice required by the state’s paid family and medical leave (PFML) statute. Payroll withholding to fund the PFML program begins Jan. 1, 2025, and benefits become available May 1, 2026.
Read more: Maine Legal Update
Michigan Issues FAQs and Other Materials for Earned Sick Time Act – The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity has published answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Earned Sick Time Act (ESTA) that will take effect Feb. 21, 2025. The department has also posted a brochure and sample workplace poster on its website, along with a recorded webinar discussing the law.
Read more: Michigan Legal Update
Missouri Voters Pass Paid Sick Leave Initiative – On Nov. 5, 2024, voters in Missouri passed Proposition A, a ballot initiative requiring employers to provide employees with earned paid sick time (EPST).
*Note that the Missouri election results are unofficial until they have been certified in accordance with state law, which may not happen until Dec. 10, 2024.
Read more: Missouri Legal Update
Nebraska Enacts Ballot Measure Requiring Paid Sick Leave – On Nov. 5, 2024, Nebraska voters passed Initiative Measure 436, joining the 15 states (and the District of Columbia) that have already enacted paid sick leave laws. Known as the Nebraska Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, the new law requires employers to provide 40-56 hours of paid sick time per year, depending on their size. Eligible employees can begin taking paid sick leave under the law on Oct. 1, 2025. Missouri and Alaska, like Nebraska, also passed paid sick leave ballot measures on Nov. 5.
*Nebraska election results are unofficial until the vote is certified on Dec. 2, 2024.
Read more: Nebraska Legal Update
New York PFL Contribution and Benefit Rates to Increase in 2025 – New York state has published paid family leave (PFL) updates for 2025 on its website for the program. Both the employee contribution rate and the maximum weekly benefit for the program will see increases over the rates for 2024. New York PFL is fully funded by employees through payroll deductions. Employers are not required to contribute.
Read more: New York Legal Update
