Call to Action: New COBRA Notices Due Soon
On April 12, 2021, Lake Effect HR & Law posted a blog notifying our readers about new COBRA provisions under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA). We encourage employers who are federal or state COBRA covered employers to take prompt action, as deadlines for notices are upon us. Starting April 1, 2021, employers […]
New COBRA Notice Requirements for Employers Under the American Rescue Plan Act
On April 7, 2021, the US Department of Labor published FAQs and model notices implementing the temporary COBRA premium assistance provisions of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA). Employers and other group health plan issuers are subject to new COBRA notice and other requirements. What: Under the ARPA, “Assistance Eligible Individuals” may elect […]
Dane County Public Health Emergency Order #15
Public Health Madison & Dane County (PHMDC) has issued a new public health order, Emergency Order #15, effective April 7, 2021. The new order includes significant changes to the face covering requirements, capacity limits for outdoor gatherings, and the requirements applicable to several industries including schools and childcare centers, gyms, and grocery stores. The new […]
Wisconsin Supreme Court Strikes Down Statewide Mask Mandate
On March 31, 2021, the Wisconsin Supreme Court struck down the most recent statewide mask mandate issued by Governor Evers on February 4, 2021. The first mask order was issued in August 2020 and was extended four times by Evers. In a 4-3 decision, the Court ruled that Evers exceeded his authority by unilaterally issuing […]
Leave for Employees to Donate Bone Marrow or an Organ
Wisconsin employers with 50 or more employees are required to provide up to six weeks of leave for employees who choose to donate their bone marrow or an organ under the Bone Marrow and Organ Donation Leave Act. The law counts employees nationwide, meaning the leave requirement covers, for example, employers with one employee in […]
American Rescue Plan Act Extends and Expands Voluntary Employer-Provided FFCRA Leaves
Under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), employers who opt to continue paid leaves originally required under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) can provide a greater amount of paid leave for a broader range of reasons and still receive tax credits to cover 100% of costs related to those leaves. FFCRA […]
New Law Limits COVID-19 Civil Liability For Wisconsin Employers
Governor Evers signed 2021 Wisconsin Act 4 into law on February 26, 2021, providing Wisconsin employers with broad protection from civil law claims relating to COVID-19. Effective March 1, 2020, Wisconsin businesses, schools, and non-profit organizations are immune from civil liability for the death of or injury to any individual or damages caused by an […]
Dane County Public Health Emergency Order #13
Public Health Madison & Dane County (PHMDC) has issued a new public health order, Emergency Order #13. The new order, effective February 10, 2021, includes significant changes to the face covering requirements, indoor and outdoor capacity limits, and permitted sports activities. The primary changes are summarized below and are outlined in PHMDC’s comparison of Emergency […]
Governor Evers Extends Statewide Public Health Emergency and Mask Mandate
On February 4, 2021, the Wisconsin Legislature struck down the existing statewide mask mandate and public health emergency. In response, Governor Tony Evers issued Executive Order #105, which declares a new state of emergency and public health emergency for 60 days or until it is revoked or overturned. Governor Evers also issued a new Emergency […]
OSHA Recommends Measures to Reduce Workplace Spread of COVID-19
Responding to a directive from the Biden administration, OSHA posted new guidance on January 29, 2021 to help non-healthcare employers identify COVID-19 risks and implement effective measures to minimize its spread in the workplace. The guidance is not a standard or regulation, and it creates no new legal obligations. It is advisory in nature, containing […]
