State Employment Law Articles

TakeawaysThe NYC Fair Chance Housing Act prohibits discrimination against prospective and current housing occupants based on criminal history, with certain exceptions.The prohibition covers most housing providers authorized to sell, rent, or lease housing accommodations.Providers should consider rev

TakeawaysCalifornia state-level enforcement is on the rise as federal policies shift.The state is reinforcing its commitment to nondiscrimination in public contracting through increased oversight and compliance certification.California contractors should assess compliance with state law and other ap

California Supreme Court Takes a Bite Out of the Rigid Application of Arbitration Fee Deadlines: Hohenshelt v. Superior Court Case Background A sanitation employee at Golden State Foods Corporation, signed an arbitration agreement governed by the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) at the start of his emp

On October 1, 2025, California’s groundbreaking regulations on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and automated decision-making systems (ADS) in employment practices go into effect. The regulations, advanced by the California Civil Rights Council, aim to prevent algorithmic discrimination again

When Boards Collide: PERB vs. NLRB and the Compliance Clash Unless you’ve been skipping the news lately, it’s no surprise that California and the federal administration don’t see eye to eye on many policies, let alone labor relations. Cue AB288 – a bill just passed by the legislature that allows

California Court of Appeal Rules on Who Is an “Exempt” Employee for Paid Sick Leave Rate-of-Pay Purposes On August 4, 2025, in Hirdman v. tgelbman@littler.com Thu, 09/11/2025 - 13:43

Allegheny County, Pennsylvania Eyes Labor Regulation Via Executive Order With the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) still lacking the quorum necessary to issue decisions, local and state governments, now including Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, are continuing their attempts to fill the gap. tge

Contributions to Delaware’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program have kicked in, and employees will soon begin making claims for paid leave. A growing number of states have enacted paid family and medical leave laws in recent years.

In July, the City of Los Angeles put the minimum wage increase for hotel workers on hold. Certain provisions were to take effect on July 1, 2025. The decision to pause the ordinance came after a referendum petition against the ordinance was filed with the City Clerk’s office on June 27, 2025. On Sep

On August 21, 2025, the Supreme Court of California ruled that employers must demonstrate that they took reasonable steps to comply with minimum wage laws to mount a good-faith defense against liquidated damages. The decision in Iloff v. LaPaille overturned an earlier state appellate court decision.

On July 9, 2025, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein signed legislation ( Senate Bill (SB) 311 , Session Law 2025-71 ) that expands the state’s Workplace Violence Prevention Act’s (WVPA) definition of “unlawful conduct” to address certain forms of mass picketing. Employers may now seek civil no-conta

In a closely watched decision on September 4, 2025, the Washington State Supreme Court ruled that job applicants can sue for violations of the state’s pay transparency law without needing to prove they applied for the job in good faith or were otherwise “bona fide” applicants. In Branson v. Washingt

TakeawaysEmployers with at least 25 employees in Massachusetts must comply with the new pay transparency law beginning 10.29.25.The law also requires pay data reporting by employers that submit EEO reports to the EEOC.Employers covered by the new law should review and update their practices.Related

The Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training (DLT) issued new rules that clarify what constitutes “retail businesses” regarding calculations of overtime pay requirements and premium pay for work on Sundays and holidays. The rules confirm the general understanding of the overtime and premium pay

Checkout Checkmate: Long Beach Enacts Self-Checkout Ordinance Long Beach, California is often an incubator for novel employment laws. For example, in the hospitality industry, Long Beach was one of the “early adopters” of ordinances regulating workplace standards for hotel workers, including providi

TakeawaysAs federal affirmative action policies have shifted, state-level responsibilities can be a higher and different bar.California reinforces its commitment to nondiscrimination in public contracting through various requirements.California contractors should assess compliance with state law and

TakeawaysThe new regulations apply to all employers in California and pertain to any automated decision system — not just advanced “AI” tools, but also those using selection criteria for hiring, promotions or training.Employers are prohibited from using automated decision system (ADS) or criteria th

California lawmakers are considering several new employment bills ahead of the end of the 2025 legislative session that would impose new compliance obligations on employers. Here is a status report on employment-related legislation the California Legislature is considering.

Lawmakers Tee Up Colorado AI Act for Scaling Back in Upcoming Legislative Session In May 2024, Colorado enacted the nation’s most comprehensive law regulating the use of artificial intelligence (AI): Colorado Senate Bill 24-205 (the “Colorado AI Act” or the “Act”). ehubert@littler.com Fri, 08/29/202

On August 21, 2025, the Mayor of Long Beach approved an ordinance requiring staffing for self-checkout at drug retail establishments and grocery stores.