Categories for News

Legal Update: California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)

LEGAL UPDATE: California Consumer Privacy Act and California Privacy Rights Act

by | April 20, 2023

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.

Washington Cares Fund

Should Your Employees Opt Out of the Washington Cares Fund?

by | July 28, 2021

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

heat and wildfire smoke rules

What You Need to Know About WA’s Heat and Wildfire Smoke Rules

by | July 28, 2021

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

capital gains tax

Planning for Washington’s New Capital Gains Tax

by | May 10, 2021

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

non-compete

9 FAQs About Washington’s New Non-Compete Restrictions

by | September 3, 2019

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

EE Component

Updated Employer Reporting Requirements Under the New EEO-1 Component 2

by | June 30, 2019

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

Happy Children

Paid Family Leave Program Premiums begin Jan 1st – Employers, are you ready?

by | November 12, 2018

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