Compliance Stuff

New York lawmakers ended the 2026 legislative session by passing a wide range of workplace bills that could affect severance agreements, employment contracts, job postings, personnel files, wage-and-hour practices, arbitration, artificial intelligence, and workers’ compensation. While none of these measures are law yet, many are expected to be sent to Governor Hochul for consideration later this year. Some of the proposals would take effect immediately if signed, leaving employers little time to update policies, agreements, and compliance practices. Here are the top bills employers should know about and begin preparing for. Note: Even if Governor Hochul signs a bill, she may do so with an agreement that lawmakers will add chapter amendments when they return next session. Employers should confirm final action before treating any proposal as effective. Severance Agreements and Employment Contracts The No Severance Ultimatums Act ( S372A ) Employers offering covered severance agreements w...

On June 2, 2026, the White House unveiled another executive order on artificial Intelligence (“AI”), entitled “ Promoting Advanced Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Security ”.  This executive order follows previous issuances, including: January 23, 2025 Executive Order on “Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence” revoking prior AI orders from the Biden administration as well as agency implementations thereof; July 23, 2025 Executive order releasing “America’s Action Plan“ plus 3 other related executive orders; Nov 23, 2025 Executive Orde r launching the “Genesis Mission“ to be led by the Department of Energy, to accelerate AI-driven scientific discovery; December 11, 2025 Executive Order on “Ensuring a National Policy Framework for Artificial intelligence”, calling for a National AI Policy Framework and the preemption of conflicting state AI laws (as well as a DOJ Task force to identify such laws; and March 20, 2026 Release of the National A...

On March 20, 2026, the White House released its long-awaited policy framework for governing the use and development of artificial intelligence (AI) and automated decision-making technology. While not breaking new ground, the framework outlines the Trump administration’s legislative recommendations to remove burdens on AI development and establish federal preemption of AI governance, though implementation remains uncertain. This move contrasts with the approach many other countries have taken, which is to focus regulations on protecting individual rights and liberties. 0:00 6:19 Quick Hits The Trump administration released an AI policy framework, largely reiterating the administration’s previously stated policy goals to promote AI. In particular, the framework urges Congress to establish preemption of state and local regulations to promote innovation. The likelihood of these policy goals being fully implemented is uncertain at this time. The “ National Policy Framework for Artificial ...

Baker Botts and ACC Houston hosted a half-day seminar on January 29, 2026 that featured timely discussions on AI, employment law, and what’s ahead for the workplace. Partners Rich Harper, Paul Morico and Scott Nelson and Latasha McDade, Senior Counsel at Exxon Mobil Corporation, Tenley Krueger, Vice President, Global Intellectual Property at Technip Energies and Courtney Flores, Managing Compliance Counsel at Motiva Enterprises participated in a session titled “Where AI, Employees, and the Law Intersect.” Key Takeaways   AI use in employment has shifted from experimentation to accountability.   Employers of all sizes are using AI to inform hiring, pay, promotion, discipline, and workforce reductions. The central legal question is no longer focused on a manager’s intent. The focus is now on how AI tools are trained, governed, documented, and reviewed. Weak documentation, limited human involvement, or overreliance on vendor tools increases risk even where no discrimin...