News & Analysis as of

Employee Rights State Labor Laws Anti-Discrimination Policies

Most countries provide some degree of workplace protection for employees and job applicants. Depending on the jurisdiction, these protections generally include safety precautions and policies, anti-discrimination... more +
Most countries provide some degree of workplace protection for employees and job applicants. Depending on the jurisdiction, these protections generally include safety precautions and policies, anti-discrimination policies, collective bargaining and unionizing rights, meal and rest requirements, minimum wage rules, and medical and family leave rights to name a few. In the United States, the federal framework for employee rights stem from statutes such as the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, and the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). In addition, employee rights statutes are implemented and enforced by regulatory authorities such as the EEOC, NLRB, OSHA, and the Department of Labor. Further, many state and local governments provide additional and localized protections for employees that are enforced by local regulatory entities. less -
Jackson Lewis P.C.

Refresher on California’s CROWN Act

Jackson Lewis P.C. on

In 2019, California became the first state to pass the CROWN Act—short for Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair. This legislation prohibits discrimination based on natural hair textures and protective...more

Husch Blackwell LLP

Tennessee Attorney General’s Office Launches New Civil Rights Enforcement Division: What Employers Need to Know

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On July 1, 2025, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti announced the launch of the Civil Rights Enforcement Division (CRED), a newly established unit within the Attorney General’s Office. This significant structural...more

Littler

Rhode Island Becomes First State to Mandate Workplace Accommodations for Menopause

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On June 24, 2025, Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee signed into law House Bill No. 6161, making Rhode Island the first state in the nation to expressly require employers to provide workplace accommodations for applicants and...more

Fox Rothschild LLP

NJ Appellate Court Reaffirms Employees’ Right to Bring LAD Claims in Court

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The New Jersey Appellate Division recently issued an important decision clarifying how claims brought under the Law Against Discrimination (LAD) interact with agency proceedings in employment matters. Specifically, it made...more

Morgan, Brown & Joy, LLP

Recent Amendments to Rhode Island Employment Laws Require Employer Action

The Rhode Island General Assembly recently enacted several amendments to existing employment laws that will impact employers immediately and into 2026. These changes include expanded anti-discrimination protections, new...more

Littler

Puerto Rico Prohibits Discrimination Against Breastfeeding Mothers in the Workplace

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Puerto Rico Governor Jeniffer González has signed Act No. 29-2025 into law, modifying the Act to Regulate the Breastfeeding or Breast Milk Extraction Period, as amended (“Act 427-2000”), which provides certain nursing...more

Jackson Lewis P.C.

Puerto Rico New Act 29-2025: Essential Employer Obligations for Breastfeeding/Pumping Activities

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On June 23, 2025, Governor Jennifer González signed Act 29-2025, amending Puerto Rico’s Act 427-2000, “Act to Regulate Breastfeeding and Breast Milk Extraction Periods,” and strengthening protections for nursing employees....more

Weintraub Tobin

The CA Civil Rights Dept. Issues New Notice on Qualifying Acts of Violence Leave & Accommodation

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On July 1, 2025, the California Civil Rights Department (“CRD”) issued its new Notice entitled “Survivors Of Violence And Family Members Of Victims Right To Leave And Accommodations.” The new Notice was issued pursuant to...more

Fisher Phillips

End of NY Legislative Session Leaves Employers Watching Key Workplace Bills

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New York’s two-year 2025-2026 legislative session hit its midpoint in June, with lawmakers wrapping up the first year by passing a slew of workplace-related bills that now await action from Governor Hochul. As federal labor...more

Littler

Colorado Amends its Anti-Discrimination Law, Adding New Protections for Transgender Employees and Disabled Persons in Places of...

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In the 2025 legislative session, Colorado lawmakers enacted two laws that amend the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA) in distinct and material ways. The first, HB25-1312, clarifies CADA’s prohibition on gender...more

Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete, LLP

The feds may be backing down on LGBTQ protections, but should employers?

Don't overreact. (Or underreact.) This June, as corporations continue to roll back public support and funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, it is important for employers to be familiar with the current...more

Jackson Lewis P.C.

Oregon Employment Law: Key Legislative Changes for 2025

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Oregon employers should note several significant legislative enactments that either recently took effect or will become effective later in 2025. These changes in the law span a range of employment law areas, including...more

Littler

Politics in the Workplace and the New Administration

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In the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election, employers navigated the difficult terrain of managing employees’ expressions of diverging political and social beliefs in the workplace. Now that the 2024 election has passed...more

Littler

Think Before You Ask: Oregon Cracks Down on Age-Related Hiring Questions and Increases Age Discrimination Protections for...

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Oregon is widely considered an employee-friendly state with a robust framework of statutes prohibiting various forms of discrimination and retaliation in employment. When it comes to age, Oregon is one of only a handful of...more

Jackson Lewis P.C.

Potential Unlawful Conduct + Employment Decisions: Wisconsin Court Redefines Arrest Record Discrimination

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The Wisconsin Supreme Court has clarified that non-criminal, municipal citations are covered by the prohibition on arrest record discrimination under the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act (WFEA). The court also narrowed the...more

Farella Braun + Martel LLP

2025 California Employment Law Changes Every Employer Needs to Know

California has long been known for its expansive employment protections, and recent legislative updates have further complicated the landscape. For HR professionals and employment lawyers, staying up to date with the latest...more

Morgan, Brown & Joy, LLP

Employee Handbook Notices Now Mandated by New York State’s Reproductive Health Bias Law

Recent appellate court action has activated a new handbook requirement affecting New York employers. Initially, a lower court issued an injunction blocking certain provisions of the 2019 New York State Reproductive Health...more

Seyfarth Shaw LLP

Signs You Can’t Ignore If You’re Doing Business in California

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California law is complicated. When doing business in California, it helps to get the small things right – like mandatory postings. Keep reading for the signs California employers must post in the workplace...more

Holland & Hart - Employers' Lawyers

Wyoming Legislature Considers Eleven Employment Bills

The Wyoming Legislature convened last week, and our elected representatives have a full agenda of proposed employment laws. From changing the rules for time off for voting to prohibiting mandatory DEI training, the proposed...more

Davis Wright Tremaine LLP

New Year, New Policies: Oregon Employers, Update Your Employee Handbook for 2025

With the new year upon us, employers should review their employee handbooks and ensure they are compliant with more recent updates to both Oregon and federal law....more

Venable LLP

Eight Employment Law Changes That Are Important to Illinois Independent Schools

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Illinois lawmakers passed a number of changes to employment laws effective January 1, 2025. The following is a summary of each law...more

Epstein Becker & Green

New York’s Reproductive Health Handbook Notice Requirement Reinstated

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Don’t finalize your 2025 handbooks just yet! On January 2, 2025, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit vacated a permanent injunction, which had blocked a requirement that New York employers with...more

Meyers Nave

Employment Law 2025 Legal Update

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STAY AHEAD OF 2025’s LEGAL CHANGES - Review your employee handbook and employment contracts for necessary updates on these changes to the law, effective January 1, 2025. Employer Captive Audience Meetings are Banned...more

Foley & Lardner LLP

Illinois Human Rights Act Now Protects Employees With “Family Responsibilities”

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As of January 1, 2025, Illinois became the latest in a minority of states and municipalities to expand employment protections for employees who act as family caregivers. House Bill 2161, which passed in August 2024, amends...more

Fox Rothschild LLP

Doing Business in California Guide Updated for 2025

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The allure of doing business in California is undeniable. It is the world’s fifth (and moving towards fourth) largest economy and a market of over 39 million people. For employers, however, California presents unique...more

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