Equinox Business Law Leagal Update: The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) created new privacy rights for consumers and data protection obligations for businesses operating in California. The CPRA, which went into effect on January 1, 2023, includes additional protections for consumers, employees, and small and non-profit businesses, and establishes a new government agency for data privacy enforcement. The CPRA applies to businesses with a gross annual revenue exceeding $25 million, those that buy, sell, or share personal information of more than 100,000 consumers or households per year, or those that derive 50% or more of their annual revenues from selling or sharing consumers' personal information. Businesses need to update their collection notices, privacy policies, opt-out notices, and financial incentive notices and implement proactive risk-based controls. The best way to prepare for compliance is to perform a data audit, map out data flows, construct a privacy policy, and establish good data hygiene processes.
You’re probably aware that Washington State is the first in the nation to implement a state-run long-term care trust to provide funds to residents to cover long-term care costs under the Long-Term Services and Supports Trust Act (“Washington Cares Fund”). We previously shared the details of the Act in one of our latest blogs. The... View Article
Due to exceptional heatwaves and wildfire smoke in the Pacific Northwest, Washington L&I has announced new emergency rules to protect workers in Washington from heat and wildfire smoke hazards. Heat Emergency Rule The heat emergency rules apply to Washington employers with employees who are expected to be outdoors and exposed to the heat. Effective July... View Article
In late April 2021, Washington state lawmakers approved a new capital gains tax that takes effect on January 1, 2022. The bill imposes a 7% tax on long-term capital gains exceeding $250,000, such as on profits on the sale of stocks, bonds, and businesses. Supporters of the capital gains tax see it as a solution... View Article
On January 5, 2021, Governor Jay Inslee announced the “Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery” Covid-19 recovery plan (the “Recovery Plan”). The plan presents a phased reopening of certain businesses and activities based on key health metrics in each Washington county. The Recovery Plan will officially go into effect on January 11, 2020, and all... View Article
We previously posted an article about the new non-compete legislation in Washington that was expected to be signed into law. Since that original article was posted, the bill was in fact signed and Washington employers should begin preparing for the new rules to take effect on January 1, 2020. But what do employers really need... View Article
If you are a business owner with more than 100 employees, you’re likely already familiar with the Employer Information Report (EEO-1). For anyone who is not already familiar, the EEO-1 Report is a “compliance survey mandated by federal statute and regulations… [which] requires company employment data to be categorized by race/ethniticy, gender, and job category.”[1]... View Article
Washington’s Employment Security Department (ESD) has finalized its second round of rulemaking regarding the State’s new Paid Family Leave Program. These rules provide additional information on employer reporting requirements, voluntary Paid Family Leave program requirements, deadlines, small business assistance, and other issues. The rules will take effect on December 3, 2018. Premium collection will begin... View Article
On October 1, 2018, the Seattle City Council passed an ordinance that requires employers of 20 or more workers to offer employees the opportunity to use pre-tax earnings to purchase commuter benefits. The ordinance is also limited to employees who work an average of 10 or more hours per week in Seattle. According to the... View Article
