Legal Updates

Oregon Expands Criminal Liability for Labor and Construction Contractors

Oregon House Bill 4089, effective January 1, 2027, makes changes to the state’s criminal enforcement framework governing wage theft, contractor licensing, and labor contracting practices in the construction industry. Most notably, the law expands Oregon’s theft of services statute to ... Read More

Executive Order Targets “Racially Discriminatory” DEI Practices in Federal Contracting

On March 26, 2026, President Trump issued a new Executive Order entitled Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors, reinforcing the Administration’s approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. The Order declares it the policy of the United States to promote ... Read More

Washington Bars Employer‑Driven Microchip Implants

Washington has enacted House Bill 2303, a statute designed to draw a bright line around employee bodily autonomy and workplace privacy. The new law, effective June 11, 2026, prohibits employers from engaging in any practice that pressures workers—directly or indirectly—to ... Read More

Utah Eliminates Non‑Competes for Healthcare Workers

Utah has enacted House Bill 270, which introduces restrictions on post‑employment covenants for healthcare professionals. Effective May 6, 2026, non‑compete agreements between employers and covered healthcare workers will be void. The legislation reflects a growing policy trend aimed at supporting ... Read More

Tennessee Revises Wage‑Payment Rules for Piece‑Work and Commission Employees

Tennessee has enacted Senate Bill 2024, refining the state’s wage‑payment statutes by introducing new, specific timing requirements for employees compensated through piece‑work or commission arrangements. While the longstanding monthly wage‑payment requirements for traditional hourly and salaried employees remain unchanged, the ... Read More

Washington Eliminates Noncompetition Agreements

Washington’s newly enacted House Bill 1155 represents a shift in the state’s approach to restrictive covenants, declaring all noncompetition agreements void and unenforceable, regardless of when they were executed. The legislation aims to promote competition, innovation, and workforce mobility by ... Read More

Utah Significantly Restricts Veterinarian Non‑Compete and Related Agreements

Utah has enacted Senate Bill 111, introducing changes to employment restrictions involving veterinarians. The legislation updates terminology throughout existing law, replacing references to “post‑employment restrictive covenants” with the more familiar “non‑compete agreements.” It also adds several new definitions, including “veterinarian,” ... Read More

Michigan Passes Anti-SLAPP Statute

Michigan has enacted a sweeping new anti‑SLAPP statute designed to protect individuals and organizations from lawsuits that target constitutionally protected speech. The law creates a mechanism for early dismissal of claims arising from a person’s exercise of free‑speech rights on ... Read More

New Washington Law Clarifies Pregnancy Accommodation Rules and Strengthens Confidentiality

Washington has enacted Senate Bill 6014, introducing refinements to the state’s pregnancy‑related accommodation requirements. The legislation amends existing unfair practice provisions under chapter 49.92 RCW by clarifying when employers may request written certification to support accommodation requests. Notably, the bill ... Read More

Washington Updates PFML Premium Allocation Rules

Washington has passed legislation modifying how employer and employee contributions are allocated within the state Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program. Effective June 11, 2026, the bill responds to recent federal guidance on tax‑liability issues by restructuring the distribution ... Read More

Washington Enacts New Workplace Protections for Domestic Workers

Washington has enacted new legislation, effectiveJuly 1, 2027, establishing comprehensive labor protections for domestic workers across the state. The law extends minimum wage and overtime rights to domestic workers, requires written employment agreements, and creates new anti‑discrimination protections specific to ... Read More

Connecticut Passes New Quota Requirements for Warehouse Employees

Pursuant to a new Connecticut law, by August 1, 2026, covered employers must give all covered warehouse employees a written explanation of every quota they are expected to meet. This explanation must also include any possible negative consequences (like discipline) ... Read More