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by Bradley T. Cave A new law taking effect on July 1 defines “misconduct” in Wyoming’s unemployment benefits statute. The definition outlines the circumstances in which a former employee will be disqualified from unemployment benefits. Wyoming law already states that an employee will be disqualified from benefits if the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS) […]
by Bradley T. Cave A Wyoming law going into effect on July 1 creates a new criminal offense—computer trespassing—that may give employers a new tool to prevent employee sabotage. Computer trespassing occurs when a person knowingly and without authorization sends malware, data, or a program that (1) alters or damages a computer, system, or network […]
by Rachael E. Luzietti A new Virginia law taking effect on July 1 will make more military spouses eligible for unemployment benefits. Senate Bill 18, which was proposed by Senator Mamie E. Locke (D-Hampton), provides that “good cause” exists if an employee leaves his job to accompany a spouse on active military duty who is […]
by Tammy Binford Puerto Rico employers may soon be required to take steps to prevent workplace bullying. The territory’s legislature passed Senate Bill 501, an antibullying measure, on June 3. If the bill is signed by Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla, Puerto Rico will become the first U.S. jurisdiction to pass a comprehensive law against workplace […]
by John R. Merinar, Jr., and Carolyn A. Wade A new West Virginia law taking effect June 4 means employers in the Mountain State must make reasonable accommodations to a job applicant’s or employee’s known limitations involving pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. The Pregnant Workers’ Fairness Act amends the West Virginia Human Rights Act. […]
by David L. Johnson On May 13, the Tennessee General Assembly passed House Bill 1954/Senate Bill 2126, which will significantly amend the Tennessee Human Rights Act (THRA) and the Tennessee Public Protection Act (TPPA) in a manner favorable to employers. Governor Bill Haslam is expected to sign the bill later this month. Once signed, it […]
Illinois’ same-sex marriage law, which was passed last fall, is set to take effect June 1. The new law will affect Illinois employers in various ways. Employers will need to treat same-sex spouses the same way they treat opposite-sex spouses. This will have ramifications for employer-sponsored health plans with spousal coverage and retirement plans. Also, […]
by Paul Saito The Hawaii Legislature has passed a bill that will increase the minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10, with hikes every year from 2015 to 2018. Senate Bill (SB) 2609 also will increase the state’s tip credit from 25 cents to 75 cents over the next two years. The bill will be sent […]
by Kevin C. McCormick Employers in Baltimore will face new restrictions in conducting criminal background checks now that the city council has passed a tough new “ban the box” law. Bill 13-0301, titled “Ban the Box—Fair Criminal Records Screening Practices,” passed the Baltimore City Council on April 28 and was expected to gain Mayor Stephanie […]
by Saul C. Glazer The question of whether employers can require applicants or current employees to divulge social media passwords has been hotly debated both from a legal and a moral standpoint. On April 8, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker signed a bill protecting nonpublic social media accounts. This bill, which takes effect April 10, prohibits […]