On September 10, 2025, Representative Kevin Hern (OK-01), together with Democrat co-lead Representative Don Davis (NC-01), introduced the American Franchise Act (H.R. 5267, hereinafter “AFA”). The AFA is designed to provide consistency and clarity on when a franchisor may be considered a “joint employer” of a franchisee’s employees under the National Labor Relations Act (“NLRA”
The New York City Earned Safe and Sick Time Act (“ESSTA”) is expanding. On October 25, 2025, the ESSTA was amended to provide additional benefits to employees. These amendments go into effect on February 22, 2026, and will require covered New York City employers to adjust practices and leave policies in several key areas, including: (i) employers
On October 28, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit upheld the structure and authority of the National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”) against three constitutional challenges in NLRB v. North Mountain Foothills Apartments LLC (9th Cir. Oct. 28, 2025).
The 2024–2025 California legislative session came to an official close at midnight on October 13, 2025, when Governor Newsom’s deadline to sign or veto bills passed by the Legislature expired. Of the approximately 917 bills passed by the Legislature, the Governor signed 794 bills into law and vetoed 123 bills. The bills signed into law
On August 15, 2025, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed Senate Bill 2487 into law, amending the Illinois Human Rights Act (“IHRA”), 775 ILCS 5/7A-102. Among other reforms going into effect on January 1, 2026, the legislation fundamentally changes how the Illinois Department of Human Rights (“IDHR” or the “Department”) processes charges of discrimination.
Hot flashes at work? Rhode Island says: let’s cool things down. In a historic move, the Ocean State has become the first in the nation to mandate workplace accommodations for menopause and related conditions. Yes, you read that right—menopause is now officially protected under state employment law.
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has filed suit against the State of California and the California Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) seeking to block enforcement of Assembly Bill 288, a new law that would allow California to step into the NLRB’s shoes under certain conditions. The NLRB contends that AB 288 is preempted
On October 13, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom enacted Assembly Bill No. 692 (AB 692), effectively adding Section 16608 to the Business and Professions Code and Section 926 to the Labor Code.
Background
On September 4, 2025, the Washington Supreme Court answered a certified question from the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington about who qualifies as a “job applicant” under the pay transparency provision of Washington’s Equal Pay and Opportunities Act (“EPOA”), RCW 49.58.110. The opinion has important implications for Washington employers.
Last year, we reported that Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 399, codified as California Labor Code section 1137, into law. This statute bans employers from holding captive audience meetings, which are mandatory employer-sponsored meetings that discuss religious or political matters—including unionization. California is one of at least 12 states that have passed captive audience laws
