With 2025 now upon us, so is a slew of new laws and regulations that will affect California businesses. Every year, laws passed by the state Legislature and signed into law by the governor take effect, and 2024 was a busy legislative session in Sacramento. The end result is another round of new legislation that…
Linda is a junior partner in a law firm and drives a car that the firm owns and insures. The firm’s auto insurance covers her as a partner and she doesn’t own another car, so she sees no need to have her own policy. Most of the time, this is not a problem. However, spring…
The percentage of employers who are covering new and trendy weight-loss drugs has risen in 2024, continuing a trend of increasing coverage despite the costs, according to a new survey. The study, by Mercer, also found that employers are increasingly offering to cover in vitro fertilization for employees who may be having trouble getting pregnant.…
Since the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act took effect in June 2023, there’s been a huge spike in lawsuits against employers alleging failure to reasonably accommodate workers covered by the landmark legislation. In the first 11 months following enactment of the law, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission received 1,869 complaints from workers who allege their employer…
New guidance issued by the IRS expands the types of preventive care benefits that high-deductible health plans are required to cover with no out-of-pocket costs on the part of plan enrollees. The changes are aimed at reducing out-of-pocket costs for diabetes-related expenses, certain cancer screenings and contraceptives. The guidance, released in two notices — N-2024-71…
On-the-job accidents may increase during the holidays as distractions in the workplace increase and decorations can pose safety issues. Normal routines and schedules are disrupted, and your staff — like everyone else — are also rushing around to crowded and chaotic stores and malls after work and on weekends. Be aware that accidents may be…
Natural disasters, such as hurricanes and earthquakes, cause extensive property damage, physical injuries and loss of life. The distress might not end there, however. Mental health experts say that many victims of disasters experience post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety in the months following these events. The loss of loved ones, jobs, material goods and…
As employers have found in the last few years, hiring has become more difficult as the labor market has tightened amid a strong economy. With slim pickings, many firms are having to settle for workers they may not normally hire – but that can lead to issues. Some employers even have a hard time finding…
A new wave of class-action lawsuits is targeting employers that apply health insurance premium surcharges to employees who use tobacco, accusing them of discrimination and violating the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), according to two new blogs by prominent law firms. The lawsuits, according to a blog by Chicago-based Thompson Coburn LLP, assert that…
When employee files a federal Family and Medical Leave Act request to either deal with a health issue or care for a loved one, their employer is often put in a tight spot, particularly if the person serves a vital role in their organization. There are also a number of rules that employers need to…