State Laws

New York — More than six months after New York legalized recreational use of marijuana, the state’s department of labor has published a guidance document intended to help employers navigate the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act.

Springfield, IL — Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) has signed into law a bill that amends the state’s Health Care Right of Conscience Act to clarify that it isn’t a violation to implement workplace measures intended to prevent the spread of deadly communicable diseases such as COVID-19.

Albany, NY — Legislation signed into law by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) on Oct. 28 expands whistleblower protections for the state’s private-sector employees.

Sacramento, CA — California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) on Sept. 22 signed into law a bill intended to further protect the health and safety of warehouse workers.

Salem, OR — In response to “the extraordinary hazards that have been exacerbated by climate change,” Oregon OSHA has adopted a pair of emergency temporary rules that increase worker protections against wildfire smoke and high heat in employer-provided housing.

St. Paul, MN — An amendment to Minnesota law recently signed by Gov. Tim Walz (D) will strengthen workplace protections and offer flexibility for new and expectant mothers, the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry has announced.

Tumwater, WA — The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries has issued an emergency rule that increases protections for workers exposed to unhealthy air caused by wildfire smoke.

Tumwater, WA — Spurred by “the real impacts of climate change,” the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries has issued an emergency rule that increases protections for workers exposed to extreme heat and published a hazard alert on heat illness.

Salem, OR — Oregon OSHA has adopted an emergency rule that strengthens employer requirements for protecting workers from the effects of high and extreme heat, including expanded access to shade and cool water, after a farm worker in St. Paul died on the job during a recent record-breaking heat wave.

Tumwater, WA — Fully vaccinated workers are not required to wear a face covering under updated COVID-19 workplace protection rules and guidance issued by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries on June 30.