Compliance Corner

The Massachusetts Attorney General's Fair Labor Division (FLD) has provided updated guidance to address leave and other issues related to the COVID-19 vaccine. The FLD's guidance is provided in the form of frequently asked questions and addresses various issues, including:

Illinois has enacted legislation (House Bill 158) that expands the state's Employee Sick Leave Act (ESLA). House Bill 158 is effective immediately.

The Chicago City Council has approved an ordinance that establishes protections for workers that take time off from work to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The ordinance applies to both employees and independent contractors and takes effect immediately.

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment has issued guidance that makes clear that all employers must provide paid leave to employees who need time off to receive the COVID-19 vaccination during the public health emergency.

Fully vaccinated employees in California are generally no longer required to be excluded from the workplace if they have had COVID-19 exposure as long as they are asymptomatic, according to updated guidance from the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR).

Santa Clara County (CA) has issued an order that requires employers to determine the vaccination status of all employees and contractors and to take certain other safety measures. The order took effect May 19, 2021 and supersedes the October 5, 2020 Risk Reduction Order of the Health Officer.

Arkansas has enacted legislation (Senate Bill 555) that amends the state's law concerning transportation and storage of firearms by employees in employers' parking lots. Senate Bill 555 takes effect on July 29, 2021.

West Virginia has enacted Senate Bill 272, also known as the West Virginia Employment Law Workers Classification Act (the Act). The Act takes effect on June 9, 2021.

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in Texas has ruled that employers are prohibited from discriminating against LGBTQ workers under the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act (TCHRA).