Agencies Release First Rule on the No Surprises Act

Agencies Release First Rule on the No Surprises Act On July 13, 2021, the DOL, HHS, and IRS released a joint Interim Final Rule implementing specified provisions of the No Surprises Act, a new law included within the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021.  The No...

Employment Provisions of the American Rescue Plan Act

On March 11th, the President signed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) into law. The new law includes a wide range of provisions touching on nearly every aspect of the economy. Some proposed provisions, such as increasing the federal minimum wage were eliminated from...

COVID-19 Bill to Provide Subsidized COBRA Coverage

The latest COVID-19 relief bill, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is expected to pass the House and be signed into law this week. This latest bill is lighter on provisions that directly impact employers than previous bills, with at least one notable exception.Under...

OSHA Issues Stronger Workplace Guidance on Coronavirus

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued stronger worker safety guidance to help employers implement a coronavirus prevention program and better identify risks which could lead to exposure and contraction of the disease.“Protecting Workers:...

Paycheck Protection Program Reopens on Monday January 11th

The Department of the Treasury and the Small Business Administration have issued interim final rules on the revised Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The PPP was originally part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and ended on August 8,...

DOL Issues Updated Guidance on FFCRA Leave

The Department of Labor (DOL) has released updated guidance on COVID related leave under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act FFCRA as amended by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. Under the FFCRA, covered employers were required to offer paid leave to...

I-9 Update

DHS Extends Remote Inspection Rule Due to COVID-19The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has again extended its temporary rule allowing employers to remotely inspect documents related to the Form I-9 for new hires working remotely until January 31, 2021....

Numerous States Raised Minimum Wage on January 1, 2021

Numerous States Raised Minimum Wage on January 1, 2021On January 1, 2021 employees who earn minimum wage in the following twenty (20) states will see a rise in in their hourly earnings.Alaska – $10.34Arizona – $12.15Arkansas – $11.00California...

President Signs COVID-19 Relief Bill

Sunday, December 27th, President Trump signed the COVID-19 Relief Bill that was passed under the Consolidated Appropriations Act on December 21st. The President had previously raised doubts about whether he would sign the massive legislation after, among other things,...