Expert Compliance Insights & Tips for Businesses
New Lawsuits Seek to Block Final Rules on Overtime and OSHA Inspections
June 4, 2024
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Previously, Personnel Concepts reported that two final rules were released by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Specifically, one of the final rules announced in April 2024 focused on new overtime protections. The other rule focused on representation during Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) workplace inspections. Since mid-May, however, multiple business groups filed lawsui...
IRS Releases 2025 HSA Contribution Limits
May 29, 2024
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On May 24th, 2024, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released a revenue procedure regarding Health Savings Accounts (HSA) contribution limits. Specifically, Rev. Proc. 2024-25 provides 2025 HSA limits adjusted for inflation. Additionally, the IRS’s revenue procedure communicates the maximum amount newly available for excepted benefit health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs). The revenue proced...
OSHA Announces Final Rule Updating the Hazard Communication Standard
May 23, 2024
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On May 20th, 2024, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced a final rule updating the current Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). Specifically, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) created the update to better protect workers. Explicitly, the changes improve the information on labels and safety data sheets (SDSs). This will allow workers and first responders to react quickly...
HHS Issues New Affordable Care Act Nondiscrimination Regulations
May 21, 2024
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On May 6th, 2024, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a final rule under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Specifically, the HHS’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) drafted the rule. Chiefly, it advances protections against discrimination in health care. Earlier, in late 2023, the HHS adjusted Health Insura...
DOL to Restructure OSHA Regional Operations
May 14, 2024
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On May 8th, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced future changes to the structure of OSHA regional operations. Basically, the DOL believes that these updates to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) structure will direct resources more effectively. Additionally, OSHA would become more resilient when investigating workplace safety hazard complaints. Markedly, ...
EEOC Updates Workplace Guidance on Harassment
May 7, 2024
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On April 29th, 2024, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued revised workplace guidance on harassment. In summary, “Enforcement Guidance on Harassment in the Workplace” explains the legal standards and employer liability applicable to harassment claims. Significantly, those legal standards are the federal employment discrimination laws enforced by the EEOC. Recently, in mid-Ap...
FTC Announces Rule Banning Noncompete Agreements
May 2, 2024
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Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a final rule banning noncompete agreements in most aspects of employment. Specifically, the agency believes the ban will help promote competition between businesses. As a result of eliminating noncompete agreements, the FTC says a worker’s fundamental freedom to change jobs is now protected. Additionally, the agency believes that innovation wi...
Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Final Regulations Issued
April 30, 2024
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On April 15th, 2024, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) issued a final rule to implement the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA). Overall, the final rule is guidance from the federal agency regarding how they will interpret the PWFA. Markedly, the final rule was published in the Federal Register on April 19. It becomes effective June 18th, 2024. It is important to realize that ...
DOL Announces Final Rule on Overtime Protections
April 26, 2024
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On April 23rd, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the Biden Administration announced a final rule that expands overtime protections. Specifically, the final rule ensures overtime pay for most low-paid salaried workers who earn less than $844 a week (or $43,888 a year). Additionally, the final rule includes an automatic increase within six months of its effective date. By the DOL’s est...
Supreme Court: “Significant Harm” Not Required in Title VII Cases
April 23, 2024
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On April 17th, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court (Court) issued a ruling involving employees and the concept of “significant harm.” Chiefly, under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (Title VII), employees do not need to suffer significant harm to claim discrimination. Consequently, the ruling rejected a level of proof of harm that many lower courts required. Explicitly, that level of proof limited cl...