New York Enacts Legislation Imposing New Legal Obligations for New York Hospitality Employers to Combat Human Trafficking

restaurant interior

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed legislation into law that aims to prevent human trafficking and will impose new posting and training requirements on most hospitality industry employers.  Human Trafficking Awareness Posting Requirements Pursuant to the new legislation, establishments that sell alcoholic beverages or adult entertainment are required to post visible information notices […]

President Biden Enacts the SECURE Act 2.0

senior couple looking at laptop in their living room

The “SECURE Act 2.0” was signed into law by President Biden and is effective immediately. The new legislation includes almost 100 different changes that are linked to retirement plans. Following is a brief summary of some of the changes that may affect your company’s retirement plans. Effective Immediately Child Birth/Adoption Expenses. The optional repayment period […]

FTC Issues Proposed Rule That Would Ban Most Non-Compete Agreements

two people reviewing a contract

On January 5, 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) issued a notice of proposed rulemaking that would prohibit non-compete agreements between employers and employees.  The full draft of the proposed “Non-Compete Clause Rule” can be found here. Specifically, the proposed rule would provide it is an unfair method of competition for an employer to enter […]

New York State Expands Accommodations for Breastfeeding in the Workplace

woman standing up by laptop on a desk

Governor Hochul has signed legislation that will require private sector employers throughout New York State to meet new time, space and notice requirements for accommodating employees who pump breast milk in the workplace.  The new law will be effective on June 7, 2023. Specifically, pursuant to the new law, employers must provide a nursing employee […]

President Biden Enacts the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

pregnant woman at work who is tired

On December 29, 2022, President Bident signed into law the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (“PWFA”).   Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, as amended by the Pregnancy Discrimination Act in 1978, prohibits sex discrimination, including pregnancy discrimination, but does not require employers to provide reasonable accommodations to employees. Relatedly, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) […]

New York State Provides Protection for Individuals Based on Citizenship and Immigration Status

man handing in visa application

On December 23, 2022, Governor Hochul signed into law New York State Assembly Bill A6328A, amending the New York Executive Law § 292 (the New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL)), to prohibit employment discrimination against employees and job applicants based on citizenship and immigration status. This amendment, which became effective immediately upon Governor Hochul’s signature, prohibits […]

New York State Enacts Pay Transparency Law – Effective September 17, 2023

woman uploading resume in job posting online

On December 21, 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation that will require employers with four or more employees to disclose salary ranges in advertisements for jobs, promotions, or transfer opportunities.  The law will become effective September 17, 2023.  Pursuant to the new law, employers that advertise a job, promotion, or transfer opportunity must include: (1) […]

Governor Hochul Vetoes New York State Freelance Isn’t Free Act

man busy at work

The New York State Legislature recently passed the Freelance Isn’t Free Act (the “Act”).  If signed into law, the Act, which mirrors New York City’s Freelance Isn’t Free Act, would have provided protections to freelance workers/independent contractors. However, on December 23, 2022, Gov. Hochul vetoed Bill A9368/S8369B. The bill was modeled after the Freelance Isn’t […]