Compliance Stuff

  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.  Maine Bill / Ordinance / Regulation Main Topic Summary Effective Date Maine LD 238 (SP 104) Healthcare; Independent Contractor Provides that the Maine Emergency Medical Services Act cannot be construed to prohibit a licensed emergency medical services person from rendering medical services as a volunteer or contractor. 9/3/2025 Maine LD 1157 (HP 762) Unemployment Provides for unemployment benefits during certain training periods; amends the unemployment reporting and payment requirements for employee leasing companies. 9/30/2025 Maine LD 894 (SP 383) Leave of Absence Clarifies intermittent leave requirements under the state's paid family and medical leave law; establishes penalties for delinquent contributions and successor employers who fail to ...

When an employee is on an extended leave of absence, there is often confusion regarding whether and to what extent the employer must continue to provide coverage to the employee under the employer-provided health plan.  To determine whether coverage is required, the employer should consider the terms of the plan, COBRA requirements, and whether the leave is covered by FMLA.  The Plan Terms.    Employer-provided health plans include continuing service requirements for continuing eligibility.  For example, it is common for a health plan to require employees to perform an average of at least 30 hours of service per week to be eligible for coverage under the plan.  When an employee goes out on a leave of absence, and the employee’s average hours of service typically fall below the minimum coverage requirement, the employee may no longer be eligible for coverage under the plan.     FMLA Leave.   Suppose an employer is subject to the Family and Med...