State Laws

Albany, NY — Assaulting a retail worker is now a felony in New York state, under a new law signed May 1.

Sacramento, CA — Legislation recently introduced in California would help ensure workers have uninterrupted personal time by establishing a “right to disconnect” from emails, texts and calls outside of work hours.

New York — The New York City Department of Buildings has issued a construction advisory on the dangers of aging brick facades, which could create unsafe conditions that lead to catastrophic events.

Phoenix — The Phoenix City Council on March 26 unanimously passed an ordinance requiring contractors and subcontractors who work with the city to have a written safety plan that addresses severe heat.

Providence, RI — Rhode Island lawmakers have reintroduced legislation intended to protect workers from psychological abuse – such as bullying – on the job.

Tallahassee, FL — Legislation that would prohibit local municipalities, counties or any other “political subdivision” in Florida from enacting regulations requiring worker protections against heat exposure is awaiting the governor’s approval.

Salem, OR — Bipartisan legislation recently introduced in Oregon would strengthen the penalty for assaulting a hospital worker and require hospitals to work harder on preventing violence.

New York — The New York State Supreme Court has indicted a company for operating a “sham safety training school” connected to the death of a “trainee” on a construction site.

Frankfort, KY — A bill that would allow 16- and 17-year-olds to work longer and later hours, among other child labor law rollbacks, is advancing in the Kentucky Legislature.

Denver — Legislation recently introduced in Colorado would require hospitals, freestanding ERs, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and federally qualified health centers to establish a workplace violence prevention committee.