Regulatory Radar

REGULATORY RADAR - On January 15, the New York legislature passed the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA), which prohibits discrimination based on the bases of gender identity of expression.

REGULATORY RADAR - The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued a new standard for determining if workers are considered independent contractors or employees.

REGULATORY RADAR - Workers in New Jersey will see the minimum wage rise beginning on July 1, 2019. A new bill signed by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, mandates that the state’s minimum wage will increase each year on January 1 by $1 per hour until 2024, when it will reach $15 per hour.

REGULATORY RADAR - The SEC has issued new guidance (Question 116.11) clarifying disclosure requirements for director qualifications under items Item 401(e) and Item 407(c)(2)(vi) of Regulation S-K, which dictates reporting requirements for public companies.

REGULATORY RADAR - On January 14, President Trump signed the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act, which provides local communities flexibility in prioritizing water infrastructure projects to meet requirements under the Clean Water Act.

REGULATORY RADAR - Australia has passed new legislation expanding protections for whistleblowers. The new protections extend whistleblower protections to the family members of former officers, employees, and suppliers, as well as expand the types of disclosures protected under whistleblower statutes.

REGULATORY RADAR -On February 19, 2019, New Jersey’s Governor, Phil Murphy, signed a new paid family leave law that extends greater benefits to employees within the state.

REGULATORY RADAR - New York City’s Commission on Human Rights has issued new guidelines in February 2019 making it illegal to discriminate based on hair type or style.

REGULATORY RADAR - The Federal Election Commission has increased contribution limits under the Federal Election Campaign Act.

REGULATORY RADAR - A new bill designating one million acres of land for public conservation has passed both houses of the U.S. Congress with bipartisan support.

REGULATORY RADAR - Portland, Oregon has amended its civil rights code to include “non-believers” as a protected class.

REGULATORY RADAR - New York became the second state to mandate a state-wide ban on plastic bags with new legislation signed by Governor Cuomo on March 31, 2019 as part of a larger budget package.