Latest Highlights

The Governor of Puerto Rico has signed into law Act 52-2022  (the “Act”) stipulating that beginning after Dec. 31, 2021, out-of-state businesses with remote workers in Puerto Rico will not be considered “engaged in industry or business in Puerto Rico.”

New York State has authorized bonuses for eligible health care and mental hygiene workers. Employer claims for the first wave of eligible employees are due by Sept. 2, 2022.

New York has enacted legislation (Assembly Bill 2035B and Senate Bill 5870) that will require employers to provide employees with information on the new sexual harassment prevention hotline and classify the release of certain employee information as retaliation.

New Jersey has enacted legislation (Assembly Bill 4222), which amends its child labor laws. Assembly Bill 4222 is effective immediately.

Jersey City, New Jersey, has passed an ordinance that calls for pay transparency and reinforces the state’s ban on salary history inquiries. The Ordinance is effective immediately.

Massachusetts has enacted House Bill 4554 that expressly prohibits discrimination against individuals based on traits associated with race, such as hair texture, hair type, hair length and protective hairstyles. House Bill 4554 takes effect Oct. 24, 2022.

A federal judge has granted a preliminary injunction blocking a Florida law that prohibits employers with 15 or more employees from subjecting an individual to training that endorses certain concepts about discrimination.

The California Department of Finance has announced that the minimum wage will increase to $15.50 per hour for all employees effective Jan. 1, 2023.   

On Aug. 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (HR 5376) was signed into law. The Act includes several tax changes, such as a "book-income" corporate alternative minimum tax, enhanced research credit against payroll tax for small businesses, a one percent excise tax on stock repurchases and increased IRS funding. 

The Act features $370 billion in spending on energy and climate change, including tax incentives and related provisions affecting transportation, manufacturing and many other industries. Examples include tax credits for developing renewable energy sources, and residential energy efficiency improvements, as well as a provision making certain energy credits transferable.

On Aug. 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (HR 5376) was signed into law. The Act includes several tax changes, such as a "book-income" corporate alternative minimum tax, enhanced research credit against payroll tax for small businesses, a one percent excise tax on stock repurchases and increased IRS funding. 

The Act features $370 billion in spending on energy and climate change, including tax incentives and related provisions affecting transportation, manufacturing and many other industries. Examples include tax credits for developing renewable energy sources, and residential energy efficiency improvements, as well as a provision making certain energy credits transferable.