Hey, Warriors and Bosses!
Staying current with evolving state employment laws can be a significant challenge for employers. As new regulations are continuously enacted across different states, keeping your policies and practices compliant requires constant vigilance. To help you navigate these changes, we’ve compiled this comprehensive digest of upcoming major state law modifications.
This post covers key areas, including:
- Paid sick and safe leave laws
- Family and parental leave
- Recreational and medicinal marijuana use
- Workplace gun laws
- Salary history inquiry restrictions
- Unpredictable scheduling regulations
Recent Updates
October 2024
- Maryland: Pay transparency requirements took effect October 1
Upcoming Changes
November 2024
- Massachusetts: Expansion of qualifying reasons for earned sick leave (Effective November 21)
January 2025
- California:
- Enhanced anti-discrimination protections
- Increased SDI payments
- Expanded definition of “safe time” under paid sick leave law
- New captive audience ban
- Modified intersection between paid family leave statute and employer-provided vacation
- Connecticut: Expanded paid sick leave eligibility
- Delaware: Paid family and medical leave contributions begin
- Illinois: Equal Pay Act amendment takes effect
- Maine: Paid family and medical leave contributions commence
- Minnesota: New pay transparency requirements
- New York: Mandatory paid prenatal leave
- Rhode Island: Enhanced Temporary Caregiver Insurance (TCI) program
- Washington: Expanded paid sick leave law
February 2025
- Michigan: Paid sick leave expansion (Effective February 21)
July 2025
- New Hampshire: New accommodations for nursing mothers (Effective July 1)
- Maryland: Paid family and medical leave contributions begin (July 1)
- New York: Repeal of COVID-19 leave provisions (July 31)
Looking Ahead to 2026
- Connecticut: Further expansion of paid sick leave eligibility (January 1)
- Delaware: Paid family and medical leave benefits begin (January 1)
- Minnesota: Paid family leave contributions begin (January 1)
- Maine: Paid family and medical leave benefits available (May 1)
- Maryland: Paid family and medical leave benefits begin (July 1)
2027
- Connecticut: Paid sick leave law expands to cover all employees (January 1)
What to Watch
New York City is considering an update to its existing Earned Safe and Sick Time Act that would include care for pets as a qualifying reason for leave. This potential modification could set a precedent for similar changes in other jurisdictions.
Stay Informed
As these changes approach their effective dates, employers should:
- Review and update their existing policies
- Communicate changes to employees
- Ensure payroll systems are prepared for new contribution requirements
- Train managers on new compliance requirements
- Consider how these changes may affect other workplace policies
Lisa Smith, SPHR, SCP
Note: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Always consult with a legal professional for advice specific to your situation.
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Lisa Smith, SPHR, SHRM – SCP
Certified EEO Investigator (EEOC)
Lead Support and Content Chief – HelpDeskforHR.com
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