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Employment Law Updates in the United States for 2025
The employment landscape in the United States for 2025 is marked by significant legislative changes aimed at promoting worker rights, enhancing workplace transparency, and addressing modern workforce challenges. Here's a comprehensive overview of the key updates in employment law :
California Employment Law Changes
AB 3234 - Social Compliance Audits:
Businesses that voluntarily conduct social compliance audits to ensure no child labor is used in their operations must post a link to the audit report on their website. This promotes transparency and accountability in labor practices.
SB 1100 - Driver's License Requirement:
Employers are now prohibited from stating in job postings that applicants must possess a driver's license unless driving is a necessary job function. This law expands job opportunities for those who do not drive.
AB 2123 - Vacation and Paid Family Leave:
Employers cannot require employees to use their accrued vacation time before accessing state-provided Paid Family Leave (PFL) benefits, offering more flexibility in managing leave.
SB 399 - Captive Audience Meetings:
This law bans "captive audience" meetings where employers discuss religious or political matters, including union organizing, aiming to protect employees from coercion.
AB 2299 - Whistleblower Rights:
A new poster must be displayed by employers, detailing employee rights and responsibilities under whistleblower laws, enhancing transparency and advocacy for workplace issues.
Illinois Employment Law Developments
New Leave Policies:
Enhanced protections for crime victims, including expanded rights to take leave, and new laws allowing employees to use accrued leave for any reason.
Anti-Discrimination Laws:
The state extends the statute of limitations for filing discrimination claims and adds new protected classes, focusing on comprehensive workplace equality.
Washington State Legislative Changes
Pay Transparency:
Employers must include salary ranges in job postings, promoting pay equity by ensuring potential employees are aware of compensation expectations from the start.
Independent Contractors:
New laws aim to provide clearer guidelines on classifying workers, offering more protections to those considered independent contractors.
Federal Employment Law Adjustments
Overtime Regulations:
Although a proposed increase in salary thresholds for overtime exemption by the Department of Labor was vacated, discussions and potential new rules continue, indicating a focus on worker compensation.
Non-Compete Clauses:
The FTC's attempt to ban non-compete agreements was blocked, but state laws continue to evolve, with many states imposing restrictions or bans, especially for lower-wage workers.
Harassment and Discrimination:
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has issued new guidelines on harassment, expanding the definition and offering more protection against workplace harassment.
General Trends Across States
Minimum Wage:
Many states are setting their minimum wage above the federal level, with some cities having even higher requirements. This trend continues into 2025, reflecting adjustments to living costs.
Remote Work and Accommodations:
More states are clarifying laws around remote work, ensuring fair treatment in pay, benefits, and workplace safety for remote employees.
The employment law updates for 2025 reflect a broader movement towards protecting workers, promoting transparency, and adapting to the evolving nature of work. Employers across the U.S. must stay vigilant, regularly updating their policies to comply with these new regulations. HR professionals, legal advisors, and business leaders should engage in continuous learning and adaptation to these legal changes to foster fair, compliant, and positive work environments.
Sources: California State Senate Bill 1100 Epstein Becker Green: Illinois Employees Need to Know Nine New Employment Laws for 2025 Jackson Lewis: Employer Compliance Check: Washington State Employment Laws 2024 + 2025 Washington State Department of Labor & Industries: Changes to Overtime Rules
Compliance Posters: Click the following links for related "Employment Law Updates in the United States for 2025" compliance posters: