With the 2026 mid-term elections right around the corner and early voting opening soon in several states, now is the time for employers to brush up on their obligations. Navigating the patchwork of state and local voting leave laws can be tricky. My colleagues give helpful guidance for employers in this article: https://www.jacksonlewis.com/insights/election-2026-employers-state-local-obligations-employee-voting-time
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Illinois’ Menopause Equity and Care Act Expands Employment Protections
On August 7, 2026, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed the Illinois Menopause Equity and Care Act, making Illinois one of the first states to include menopause-related conditions as a protected status under the state’s anti-discrimination laws. Rhode Island and Philadelphia adopted similar laws in 2025.
Effective January 1, 2027, the new law amends the Illinois…
Maryland FAMLI: What Employers Need to Know About the Latest Regulations
The Maryland Department of Labor’s final regulations implementing the new paid family and medical leave insurance program provide important guidance for employers. Our Maryland colleagues provide insights as employers prepare for payroll contributions beginning Jan. 1, 2027, and for benefits and leave to begin January 2028.
Rule Change! What Employers Need to Know About Recent Changes to NYC ESST Rules
As the July 23, 2026 effective date quickly approaches, employers should review and prepare to comply with the recent changes to the New York City Earned Sick and Safe Time regulations. You can read our colleague’s deep dive on the new rules here: From Rulemaking to Reality: NYC’s Finalized Employer ESSTA Obligations Take Effect July…
Hawaii Expands Family Leave Protections for Military Families
Hawaii has enacted a new law expanding the state’s family leave law to better support military families. Hawaii’s family leave statute will allow eligible employees to take unpaid family leave for qualifying military exigencies connected to a family member’s active-duty service.
What the New Law Does
Starting July 1, 2026, in addition to the birth…
Allegheny County Considers Requiring Employers Provide Paid Parental Leave
Pennsylvania’s Allegheny County Board of Health has unanimously approved seeking public comment on a proposal to expand Allegheny County’s Paid Sick Leave rules and to adopt paid parental leave obligations for employers.
The public comment period will remain open for at least 30 days, to June 12. A public hearing is scheduled for June 2…
California Paid Family Leave Gets Extended to Cover Leave for Designated Persons
Beginning July 1, 2028, benefits under California’s paid family leave program will be available to eligible employees taking leave to care for a designated person. Read more about this new development from our California colleagues here.
Bell Rings for New Leave Rights Effective October for Certain Connecticut School Employees
- Connecticut expands paid leave and state FMLA rights to “non-certified school employees” of public schools and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools starting 10.01.25.
- Employees may be entitled to up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave with additional leave available for some pregnant employees, as well as, wage replacement benefits.
- Employers should review and revise
Delaware Amends Paid Family and Medical Leave Law: What Employers Need to Know
- Employers preparing for the January 1, 2026, rollout of Delaware’s Paid Family Medical Leave Insurance Program should review recent amendments to the Healthy Delaware Families Act. Among other things, the amendments prohibit employers from requiring employees to use employer-provided paid time off such as vacation or sick leave before using Paid Family Leave
Rhode Island First in Nation to Require Accommodation of Employee’s Menopause, Effective Immediately
Rhode Island is the first state to expressly require employers to provide workplace accommodations for job applicants and employees who are experiencing menopause and menopause-related medical conditions. This requirement went into effect immediately upon the Governor’s signature on June 24, 2025.
The new protections for menopause-related conditions were passed as an amendment to the…