In this month’s update, we highlight significant employment law changes and practical compliance insights to keep your business compliant, minimize risk, and empower a productive workforce. Need a customized, legally compliant employee handbook? Visit our Handbook page to build yours in just a few clicks.
HR & Legal Updates
U.S. Department of Labor Clarifies Interaction of PTO and FMLA
- On January 14, 2025, the DOL issued an opinion letter clarifying that employers can’t require employees to use (and employees can’t unilaterally choose to use) available paid time off while on FMLA leave if the employee is also receiving benefits under a state or local paid family or medical leave program. But in this situation, the employer and employee can mutually agree that the employee will use available paid time off to supplement the paid family and medical leave benefits, so long as that’s allowed by state law. We’ve updated our FMLA policy to align with this opinion letter.
Indiana Updates its Teen Work Hour Poster
- Indiana updated its Teen Work Hours poster (now named Work Restrictions for Youth Employees) to reflect changes to the law that went into effect on January 1. Employers should replace their existing posters. We’ve added the updated version to the 50-State Hiring Kit.
Massachusetts Wage Transparency Reporting Requirements Take Effect
- Last year, Massachusetts Governor Healy signed Bill H.4890, implementing new wage transparency requirements, which take effect on different dates depending on employer size. Beginning February 1, 2025, employers with 100 or more employees in Massachusetts must provide annual wage data reports to the State Secretary. Beginning October 29, 2025, employers with 25 or more employees in Massachusetts must provide wage ranges to applicants on all job postings, to employees who are offered a new position, and to both applicants and employees upon request.
Massachusetts Updates its Earned Sick Time Poster
- Massachusetts updated its Earned Sick Time poster last month. Employers should replace their existing posters. We’ve added the updated version to the 50-State Hiring Kit.
Michigan Updates its Paid Sick Leave and Minimum Wage and Tip Credit Laws
- Last year, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that the Michigan Legislature violated the state Constitution by adopting voter-initiated paid sick leave and minimum wage laws and later amending those laws in the same legislative session. The court ruled that the rules must be reinstated as they were written when adopted. This affects both paid sick leave and minimum wage requirements. Effective February 21, 2025, the state’s paid sick leave requirements will greatly expand. Also on February 21, 2025, the state minimum wage will be $12.48 per hour and the state minimum tipped wage amount will be $5.99 per hour.
New Jersey Updates its Wage and Hour Law Abstract Poster
- New Jersey updated its Wage and Hour Law Abstract poster last month. Employers should replace their existing posters. We’ve added the updated version to the 50-State Hiring Kit.
New York Introduces Non-Compete Bill
- On January 9, 2025, the New York legislature introduced a new bill restricting non-compete agreements. This bill was introduced likely as a substitute for the failed ban proposed a year ago. This bill still allows non-competes to be executed, but it imposes significant restrictions and notice requirements. This bill is still in its infancy, but we will monitor its progress and update our tools as necessary.
New York Passes Retail Worker Safety Act
- On September 4, 2024, Governor Hochul signed the Retail Worker Safety Act into law, requiring employers with at least 10 retail employees to develop a workplace violence prevention policy and workplace violence prevention training by March 3, 2025. Employers may develop their own policies and training or use the model plans to be released by the NYDOL. Further, beginning January 1, 2027, employers with 500 or more retail employees nationwide must provide access to panic buttons for employees to immediately contact police.
Washington Updates its Paid Family and Medical Leave Poster
- Washington updated its Paid Family and Medical Leave poster. Employers should replace their existing posters. We’ve added the updated version to the 50-State Hiring Kit.
Disclaimer: The information in this HR & Legal Update is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Akamai HR Solutions, LLC is not a law firm, and no attorney–client relationship is created by your use of this content. Laws may change or apply differently to your business. For legal guidance tailored to your specific circumstances, please consult a qualified attorney.