The majority of updates concern fair employment. Colorado passed SB 23-058, barring employers from asking applicants about their age. Governors of Colorado, Hawaii, and Illinois will likely sign SB 23-105, SB 1057, HB 3129, requiring employers to publish expected compensation in job ads.
Minnesota’s HF 100 restricts an employer’s ability to test for marijuana, while Washington’s SB 5123 prohibits employers from hiring discrimination against a person for off-duty marijuana use.
Some states added protected classes to civil rights laws. Michigan’s SB 147 protects individuals that have abortions from being harassed or discriminated against in the workplace. New York City’s Int. No. 209-A prohibits discrimination based on height or weight. Texas’ HB 567 banned race-based hair discrimination.
Other states amended their paid family leave laws. Georgia’s SB 61 requires employers to allow employees to use sick leave for the care of family members. Maryland’s SB 828 and Minnesota’s HF 2 update paid family and medical leave insurance programs.
Two states updated their non-compete laws. Maryland passed SB 591, increasing the salary threshold for a valid non-compete agreement, and Minnesota passed SF 3035, broadly banning non-competes between employers and employees or contractors.Employers also should be aware of New York’s WARN Portal.