Vermont Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI) Program Overview
Vermont has introduced a new Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI) program that will allow employers to offer paid leave benefits to their workforce beginning in 2025. The voluntary program provides partial wage replacement for employees who need time off for family caregiving, personal medical needs, or certain military-related situations. Employers considering participation should understand the program’s structure, benefit options, and administrative responsibilities before deciding whether to include FMLI as part of their employee benefits package.
Maryland Pay Transparency and Pay Statement Law Update
Maryland has introduced new pay transparency and pay statement requirements that employers must follow beginning October 1, 2024. The laws require businesses to include compensation ranges and benefit information in job postings while also providing employees with detailed written pay statements each payday. Employers operating in Maryland should review their hiring practices, onboarding procedures, and payroll documentation to ensure they meet the updated transparency and reporting standards.
Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave Law: Employer Guide
Maine has enacted a new Paid Family and Medical Leave program that will provide eligible workers with up to 12 weeks of paid leave beginning in 2026. To fund the program, payroll contributions from employers and employees will start in 2025. Businesses operating in Maine should understand the upcoming contribution requirements, leave eligibility rules, and employer responsibilities to ensure they are prepared for the program’s implementation.
Connecticut Paid Sick Leave Law Update: What Employers Need to Know
Connecticut has expanded its paid sick leave law, significantly increasing the number of employers and employees covered under the new requirements. Beginning in 2025, the law will gradually apply to smaller employers while also increasing leave accrual rates and broadening the reasons employees may use paid sick time. Employers operating in Connecticut should review these changes carefully to ensure their leave policies, payroll systems, and compliance procedures align with the updated law.
California Freelance Worker Protection Act (SB 988) Guide
California’s Freelance Worker Protection Act (SB 988) introduces new requirements for businesses that hire freelance workers, including mandatory written contracts and strict payment timelines. Beginning January 1, 2025, hiring parties must clearly document service terms, compensation, and payment schedules while retaining contracts for several years. Employers and staffing firms working with independent contractors should review their agreements and payment practices to ensure compliance with the new protections for freelance workers.
Michigan: Earned Sick Time Act Guide for Employers
Michigan’s Earned Sick Time Act requires employers to provide paid sick leave to eligible employees, expanding workplace protections across the state. Under the law, employees accrue paid sick time based on hours worked and may use it for personal illness, family care, or certain emergency situations. Staffing firms and other employers should review their policies, payroll systems, and compliance procedures to ensure they meet the new sick leave requirements.
Senate Introduces Bill to Address Air Traffic Controller Shortage
Lawmakers are working to address the growing shortage of air traffic controllers, a challenge that has contributed to flight delays and increased operational pressure across the aviation industry. A bipartisan proposal in the U.S. Senate seeks to invest in training technology, expand recruitment pipelines, and strengthen workforce support for controllers. The initiative reflects broader efforts to modernize air traffic control infrastructure and improve staffing levels nationwide.
Illinois One Day Rest in Seven Act (ODRISA) Guide for Employers
The Illinois One Day Rest in Seven Act (ODRISA) requires employers to provide employees with a full day of rest each week and specific meal breaks during longer work shifts. Although the law has been in place for decades, recent increases in enforcement and complaints have made compliance more important than ever. Employers operating in Illinois should review scheduling practices, meal break policies, and recordkeeping procedures to ensure they meet the requirements and avoid potential penalties.
Alaska Paid Sick Leave Law: Employer Guide
Alaska has enacted a new paid sick leave law that will require most employers to provide paid sick time to employees beginning July 1, 2025. Under the law, employees will accrue sick leave based on hours worked and may use it for personal illness, family care, or certain safety-related situations. Employers should review their policies, payroll systems, and employee notices to ensure they are prepared to comply with the new statewide requirements.
FUTA Credit Reduction 2025: What Staffing Firms Need to Know
The FUTA credit reduction for 2025 may increase federal unemployment tax costs for employers operating in certain states. When states borrow from the federal government to fund unemployment benefits and fail to repay those loans in time, employers in those states receive a reduced FUTA tax credit. Staffing firms with large payrolls should understand which states are affected, how the credit reduction works, and how these changes may impact payroll costs and budgeting for the year ahead.