Compliance Stuff

On July 8, 2025, the Supreme Court of the United States issued a stay in  Trump v. American Federation of Government Employees , No. 24A1174, permitting the implementation of President Trump’s Executive Order No. 14210, which directs federal agencies, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), to undertake large-scale reorganizations and workforce reductions. Coming days after the passage and enactment of the “ One Big Beautiful Bill Act ” ( H.R. 1 ) that largely incorporates OSHA’s fiscal year (FY) 2026 budget justification, continued reductions in agency headcounts appear inevitable. The Supreme Court’s action allows these measures to proceed while litigation continues, though it does not address the ultimate legality of the executive order or specific agency plans. Quick Hits The U.S. Department of Labor’s promise to modernize and use technology solutions to aid in performing its mission may be tested as a result of past and future headcount reductions a...

For the first time, the A ntitrust Division will offer substantial monetary rewards — between 15% to 30% of any criminal fines recovered — to individuals who provide credible and timely information about illegal activities such as price-fixing, bid-rigging, and market allocation for prosecutions of at least $1 million in fines. Notably, the US Securities and Exchange Commission offers whistleblowers a reward range from 10% to 30%. The DOJ entered a  memorandum of understanding , which outlines the program requirements, with the USPS and United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS OIG) to form the whistleblower program. Reports can be submitted through a dedicated webpage, and whistleblowers are encouraged to act promptly to help ensure fair competition and accountability. The government stressed that the newly established program is an example of the DOJ’s commitment to root out illicit behavior in all industries, which includes industries where the USPS procur...

Although the law addresses numerous policy areas at the federal level, several of its components specifically address, or will indirectly affect, economic and social dynamics within the District. Below is a detailed discussion of the major elements likely to influence local residents, businesses, and governmental entities, along with the possible implications. One prominent section relevant to the District is the modification of certain individual tax deductions relating to state and local taxes (often referred to as SALT). Under the bill, the limitation on these deductions is extended and further refined, with the changes taking effect for taxable years beginning after December 31. This can significantly affect District taxpayers who typically pay higher local taxes. As the District of Columbia functions both as a city and a quasi-state for many federal legal purposes, these tax changes will alter the after-tax disposable income of residents. This adjustment may influence real estate...

A number of California cities raised their minimum wages as of July 1 – do you need to adjust your pay practices? Check out our comprehensive chart below and contact your FP attorney if you have compliance questions. Conclusion We will continue to monitor developments and provide updates so make sure you are subscribed to  Fisher Phillips’ Insight System  to gather the most up-to-date information. If you have questions, please contact your Fisher Phillips attorney, the authors of this Insight, or any attorney in  our California offices . Summer law clerk   Jaden Deibo  contributed to the development of this Insight.   Source(s): Did Your California Local Minimum Wage Rate Jump on July 1? Check Our Comprehensive Chart . (2025). Fisher Phillips. https://www.fisherphillips.com/en/news-insights/did-your-california-local-minimum-wage-rate-jump.html ‌

Kansas has long been an enforcement-friendly state for restrictive covenants, and it just got friendlier. A new state law, which took effect July 1, provides clearer guidelines and stronger protections for businesses seeking to enforce restrictive covenants . The new framework is especially helpful for employers that use customer or employee non-solicitation terms in their employment contracts . We’ll explain everything Kansas employers need to know about these changes, and what steps you should take next. Quick Background Earlier this year, Gov. Laura Kelly signed a bill ( SB 241 ) into law that made clarifying changes to the Kansas Restraint of Trade Act. The SB 241 updates took effect on July 1. Prior to July 1, the state law required a presumption of enforceability for restrictive covenants in employment agreements so long as they were “reasonable in view of all the facts and circumstances” and did not “contravene public welfare.” While this standard was enforcement-friendly, wheth...

Tennessee just said goodbye to its longstanding civil rights enforcement agency and created a new enforcement division to handle employment discrimination complaints. What do employers in the state need to know about this transfer of power? What happened? In May, Gov. Bill Lee signed a bill ( HB 910/SB 861 ) into law requiring a transfer of power over civil rights enforcement duties held by the Tennessee Human Rights Commission (THRC), including its responsibilities for handling employment discrimination complaints. As a result of the new law, the THRC dissolved as a state agency on June 30, and the former state agency’s enforcement duties were transferred, effective as follows: State-level civil rights enforcement duties were transferred to a newly created  Division of Civil Rights Enforcement  (CRED) within the Tennessee Office of the Attorney General and Reporter (AG) . CRED is now the primary enforcement arm of the Tennessee Human Rights Act (THRA) and the Tennessee Disa...

The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” signed into law on July 4, 2025, makes two important changes to tax reporting requirements that should be of interest to employers.  1099 Reporting Threshold Increased to $2,000 and Indexed for Inflation Payments to non-employees for personal services must be reported on an “information return,” commonly called a Form 1099-NEC, if the payment is $600 or more in a calendar year. Similarly, payments of non-wages, such as for a settlement that includes penalties or emotional distress-type damages, are reportable on Form 1099-MISC if the payment is $600 or more. 1   Beginning in 2026, however, Section 70433 of the new Act increases the $600 threshold to $2,000, which will then be adjusted for inflation beginning in 2027 . In addition, requirements relating to backup withholding – required when the payee fails to provide a valid Form W-4 or Form W-9 using the taxpayer’s correct taxpayer identification number – will similarly be increased to $2,000 a...

T he U.S. Department of Labor just quietly launched one of the most sweeping deregulatory efforts in recent memory, advancing over 60 proposals that could reshape workplace rules across industries. From overtime and minimum wage exemptions to cuts in affirmative action and workplace safety oversight, the July 1 rollout is being called one of the most ambitious federal red tape rollbacks in recent decades. Here’s what your business needs to know – and what to watch for next. What Just Happened? Without much fanfare, the Department of Labor (DOL)  unveiled a broad set of regulatory rollbacks  in response to President Trump’s executive order calling for federal agencies to rescind 10 regulations for every new one issued. S ecretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s announcement called it “the most ambitious proposal to slash red tape of any department across the federal government.” What’s On The Chopping Block? Key proposals include: Workplace Safety:   Rolling back employer ...