Compliance Stuff

Here are the top 10 workplace compliance items you should tackle in March 2026, based on the latest labor and employment law updates: _____ Prepare for shifting independent contractor rules.   The US Department of Labor just released a highly anticipated proposal that should soon make it easier for businesses to engage with independent contractors – including freelancers and gig worker s – while providing clearer lines on what aspects of the working relationship can trigger employee status. Here’s  everything you need to know and four steps to prepare . _____ Learn more about OSHA’s Safety Champions Program.  OSHA recently announced the launch of the voluntary, self-guided initiative outlining several core practices employers should incorporate into their workplace safety and health plans. Rather than another compliance checkbox, this program represents a shift away from harsh enforcement-based compliance toward encouraging proactive risk management and prevention. Here’s...

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...

  States and cities are as busy as ever passing new workplace regulations throughout the calendar year. Here is our mid-year report summarizing the notable labor and employment laws that take effect from roughly July through October.  Kansas Bill / Ordinance / Regulation Main Topic Summary Effective Date Kansas SB 241   Noncompete Agreements Provides that restrictive covenants in certain types of business contracts are enforceable and not considered a restraint of trade. 7/1/2025 This article provides a general snapshot of generally applicable labor and employment laws taking effect soon. Please note that while some of the laws listed below are industry-specific, this article is not meant to be all-inclusive. In addition, many state legislatures are still active, so new laws are taking effect on a near-daily basis. Littler monitors federal, state and local legislation, executive orders, and administrative regulations and other agency activity that impact the labor and emp...

A number of employment-related laws recently passed in various states that impact the workplace will take effect on July 1, 2025. Quick Hits New state laws will impact minimum wage, leaves of absence, restrictive covenants, child labor, and other workplace issues. These laws will take effect on July 1, 2025. Here is a roundup briefly summarizing the new state laws: Alaska Ballot Measure 1  increases the minimum wage to $13.00 per hour , establishes paid sick leave, and prohibits employers from holding mandatory meetings to share political or religious opinions. Employers will be required to provide one hour of paid sick leave per thirty hours worked. In California, Los Angeles County passed a  Fair Workweek Ordinance , which includes predictive scheduling provisions. It requires employers to provide advance notice of schedule changes, premium pay for schedule changes, and rest time between shifts. It applies to retail businesses that have at least 300 employees worldwide. In a...