Compliance Stuff

Employee Count as of 2025.12.15 Workplace law compliance was a wild ride in 2025, and now it’s time to catch our breath and prepare for what’s next. More than 50 new workplace laws will kick in on January 1 in more than half the states across the country, and several “Big Beautiful Bill” provisions taking effect in 2026 will impact employers nationwide . We’ll cover the top five trends and give you a quick list of all the new laws rolling out at the turn of the year. Top 5 Trends Among New State Laws Effective January 1, 2026  1. Minimum Wage Increases At least 19 states will see minimum wage hikes on January 1, and statewide rates will hit or exceed $15 per hour  for the   first time  in Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii,  Maine ,  Missouri , and Nebraska. Check out our  Minimum Wage Map  and our “Quick List” below to learn more. Remember to also check whether any higher rates are required at your local level or whether special rules apply (such as diffe...

Washington lawmakers were busy this year, and a wave of new laws will have a major impact on the workplace. Employers must be aware of significant workplace laws taking effect within the next year, including 11 new laws that kicked in this month. Nearly all add more compliance requirements to your plate, and the changes even ramp up the penalties for failures to comply. Here’s a quick guide to help you keep track of it all and prepare for the changes. 11 New Washington Workplace Laws Taking Effect in July 2025 Effective July 1, 2025 Major Expansion of the Equal Pay and Opportunities Act ( HB 1905 - 2024 ).  Washington’s pay transparency law adds age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, and honorably discharged veteran or military status. It also includes the presence of sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability to the gen...