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What I've Been Reading This Week: New Laws Edition


I only came across a few articles this week that really jumped out at me; namely a couple that deal with new laws that will impact California and Massachusetts employers an employees over the next few months.  I always caution employers (and employees) in states with new employment laws like these to take the time to review the specifics of the law...failure to do so could open both employers and employees up for unwanted (and avoidable) exposure.

As always, below are a few articles that caught my eye this week.


6 Steps California Employers Should Take in Preparation for AB 1897

This is one of the better articles I have come across in regard to the impact that AB 1897 is going to have on California employers starting January 1, 2015.  For those not familiar with AB 1897, California employers will now be on the hook when labor contractors fail to follow the law.  (ie  a California employer has a labor contractor provide workers.  The labor contractor classifies the workers as independent contractors but the government rules they are actually employees.  Guess what California employer?  You are now on the hook too).  This article has a few things that employers should review ahead of AB 1897 becoming a law.  


Massachusetts Voters Approve Paid Sick Leave Law

Earlier this month on election day, voters in Massachusetts approved a paid sick leave law (referred to on ballots as Massachusetts Ballot Question 4.  Under the law set to take effect on July 1, 2015, employees that work in Massachusetts are entitled to earn and use sick time.  In essence, employees who work for employers that have 11 or more employees may earn up to 40 hours of paid sick time per calendar year.  Employees who work for employers with 10 or fewer employees may earn and use up to 40 hours of unpaid sick time per calendar year.  The article I have linked to this note includes additional information that both Massachusetts employers and employees should review.


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