USCIS Releases New Form I-9
As promised, the United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) has published a new Form I-9. Employers may continue to use the current Form I-9 through October 31, 2023, but must implement the new form after that date or face penalties. Please see Lake Effect’s prior blog for detailed information about the specific revisions made […]
Benefits Limits for 2023
Each year, the IRS sets new limits for employee benefits plans and retirement plans. Please see below for Lake Effect’s ready reference chart setting forth the Benefits Limits for the 2023 tax year. A PDF of this information is available here. 2022 2023 Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) Healthcare FSA max election […]
EEOC Issues Updated “Know Your Rights” Poster
On October 19, the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued an updated “Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination Is Illegal” poster. The poster replaces the prior “EEO is the Law” poster. It summarizes federal employment laws and explains steps individuals can take if they believe they have experienced any form of prohibited discrimination. Employers […]
Employers Face New Challenges Under Colorado’s Revised Non-Compete Law
Effective August 10, 2022, employers who aim to protect business interests by requiring employees in Colorado to sign non-compete and customer non-solicit agreements will face new challenges under amendments to Colorado’s restrictive covenant law. Key provisions include the following: Post-employment non-compete agreements, including customer non-solicitation agreements, are presumed void unless all of the following are […]
COVID-19’S Continuing Workplace Impact: EEOC Revises Pandemic Guidance Again
On July 12, 2022, the EEOC issued updated COVID-19 guidance for employers, reflecting the ever-changing but persistent impact of the virus on the workplace. Key updates include the following: Workplace COVID-19 testing Previously, employers could require COVID-19 testing (although it is a medical exam under the ADA) because the EEOC recognized that a person with […]
Chicago Expands Anti-Harassment Laws
Beginning July 2022, Chicago will require employers to provide employees with additional training, a new written policy, and a new posted policy on sexual harassment.
Biden Administration Bans Arbitration of Workplace Sexual Harassment Claims
On March 4, 2022, President Biden signed ithe “Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act,” a new law banning mandatory arbitration for workplace sexual assault and sexual harassment claims. Arbitration is a form of dispute resolution outside of the court system. Many employment contracts broadly require employees to resolve claims against employers […]
Dane County Face Covering Emergency Order #7
Public Health Madison & Dane County has issued Face Covering Emergency Order #7. The new order is effective February 1, 2022, and remains in place until March 1, 2022. The only change from the previous Order #6 (see Lake Effect’s summary of the previous orders here) is the extension of time. Lake Effect is here […]
OSHA Formally Withdraws COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing ETS
On the heels of the US Supreme Court’s recent ruling blocking enforcement of its COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS), OSHA issued a statement formally withdrawing the ETS as an enforceable temporary standard effective January 26, 2022. OSHA stated that it will continue to pursue the ETS as a proposed rule and focus […]
Supreme Court Decision on Vaccine Mandate
Supreme Court: OSHA Exceeded Its Authority by Requiring Large Employers to Adopt Mandatory Vaccination Policies, But Healthcare Providers Can Require Employee Vaccinations On January, 13, 2022, The US Supreme Court issued its much anticipated decision on two Biden Administration initiatives aimed at increasing COVID-19 vaccination rates across the nation: (1) OSHA’s Emergency Temporary Standard, which […]
