UPDATE: New developments again on the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). On December 26, the court reversed its previous decision, and filing is suspended pending further litigation. Read on the latest update here. On December 23, 2024, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), reversing an earlier nationwide injunction that had paused... View Article
Increased Barriers for Foreign Talent Big changes may be coming for employers under the new administration, especially in hiring and compliance. A renewed focus on immigration enforcement could bring more scrutiny, particularly in industries like agriculture, construction, hospitality, and tech. Don’t sweat it—being prepared is everything. Here’s how to stay ahead and keep your business... View Article
As we approach the end of 2024, the impending reduction of the federal estate and gift tax exemption continues to be a key consideration for estate planning. The current exemption levels, set by the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act of 2017, remain at historically high levels of $13.61 million per individual and $27.22 million for... View Article
This article was originally published in Equinox Business Law’s website on June 7, 2018 as “Updates to Washington’s Equal Pay Act Go Into Effect”. On March 28, 2024, Governor Jay Inslee signed into law Substitute House Bill 1905, broadening the scope of Washington’s Equal Pay and Opportunities Act (EPOA). Since 1943, the EPOA prohibited sex- and gender-based... View Article
On August 20, a federal judge in Texas struck down the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) rule that would have banned noncompete agreements nationwide. This ruling has significant implications for both employers and employees across the United States. U.S. District Judge Ada Brown ruled that the FTC does not have the authority to implement a sweeping... View Article
Time rounding is designed to streamline payroll calculations benefitting both employers and employees. The Department of Labor and Industries in Washington has historically permitted this practice, provided it adheres to a strict neutrality policy. The rule is clear: any rounding must not favor the employer. In instances where bias is evident, the scales must tip... View Article
Now is the time to review your employment documents and identify any provisions that may be classified as noncompete provisions that will contravene the new Washington law and the federal Rule. Assess the potential risks these changes pose to your business and consider alternative risk management tools to safeguard your business interests. Make necessary changes to documents and processes to ensure compliance with Washington’s law. Compile a list of current and former employees impacted by the new federal Rule and be prepared to modify your documents again to comply with the Rule, should it come into effect.
On March 13, 2024, Washington’s noncompete law was amended to further limit the use of noncompete provisions and nonsolicitation provisions against employees and contractors. The changes are a significant shift, and most employment agreements that have restrictive covenants will be in violation of the new requirements. It’s critical to review and update these documents prior... View Article
NOTE: This rule is currently in litigation and has not taken effect. We will continue to monitor and update this post. Employers should be aware of the continuing trends toward employee rights and be prepared for this kind of rule from states and the federal government. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has rolled out... View Article
