State Laws

Sacramento, CA — An emergency regulation in California intended to protect outdoor workers from potentially dangerous wildfire smoke was enacted July 30 by the state’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health, also known as Cal/OSHA.

Hartford, CT — Beginning Jan. 1, 2022, workers in Connecticut will have the option to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave to care for themselves or family members.

Carson City, NV — Nevada has become the first state to prohibit almost all employers in the state from denying employment to job candidates who test positive for marijuana.

Trenton, NJ — Calling it the first state law of its kind, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) on June 11 signed a bill intended to help protect hotel housekeeping and room service workers against assault and harassment.

Carson City, NV — Nevada has become the latest state to require hospitals and other health care facilities to create and implement workplace violence prevention programs and report incidents.

Concord, NH — Public-sector workers in New Hampshire will receive additional workplace safety protections under legislation signed into law May 20 by Gov. Chris Sununu (R).

Springfield, IL — A new Illinois law permits workers who have developed latent injuries or illnesses from on-the-job exposure to toxic substances to pursue legal judgments against employers beyond the previous statute of limitations.

Augusta, ME — Workers in Maine will now be able to accrue paid time off, under new legislation signed into law May 28 by Gov. Janet Mills (D).

New York — A new law in New York City bans employers, labor organizations and employment agencies from testing job applicants for marijuana and tetrahydrocannabinols, or THC – the active ingredient in marijuana.

Olympia, WA — A Washington state law slated to go into effect Jan. 1 requires nurses and other health care professionals at larger hospitals to receive uninterrupted meal and rest breaks.