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Thompson Hine LLP, a full-service business law firm with approximately 400 lawyers in 8 offices, was ranked number 1 in the category “Most innovative North American law firms: New working models” by The Financial Times and was 1 of 7 firms shortlisted for The American Lawyer’s inaugural Legal Services Innovation Award. The firm has been recognized by the National Law Journal as a Legal Technology Trailblazer and featured by Bloomberg for its innovative service delivery models, which drive accuracy and predictability. The firm’s commitment to innovation is embodied in Thompson Hine SmartPaTHTM – a smarter way to work – predictable, efficient and aligned with client goals. For more information, please visit ThompsonHine.com and ThompsonHine.com/SmartPaTH.

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With new state employment laws continuously being enacted, it can be challenging to keep up on each change and ensure that your policies and practices are compliant. We have your solution.

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This monthly digest is designed to keep you apprised of upcoming major state law changes in areas including paid sick and safe leave laws, family and parental leave, recreational and medicinal marijuana use, workplace gun laws, asking candidates about salary history and unpredictable scheduling.

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California expands anti-discrimination protections effective January 1.&nbsp;

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California SDI payments increase January 1.

California expands definition of "safe time" under paid sick leave law effective January 1.

California captive audience ban effective January 1.

California changes paid family leave statute's intersection with employer-provided vacation effective January 1.

California Freelance Worker Protection Act imposes minimum requirements for freelance contracts effective January 1.&nbsp;

Connecticut expands paid sick leave eligibility effective January 1.

Delaware paid family and medical leave law contributions expected to begin January 1.

Illinois Equal Pay Act amendment imposes certain pay transparency requirements for job postings effective January 1.

Illinois prohibits employment discrimination based on an individual's family responsibilities or reproductive health decisions effective January 1.&nbsp;

Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act lengthens pay stub retention requirements effective January 1.&nbsp;

Illinois extends statute of limitations for filing a discrimination or harassment complaint under the Illinois Human Rights Act effective January 1.&nbsp;

Maine paid family and medical leave contributions begin January 1.

New York mandates paid prenatal leave effective January 1.

Minnesota pay transparency requirements effective January 1.

Rhode Island enhances its Temporary Caregiver Insurance (TCI) program effective January 1.

Washington expands paid sick leave law effective January 1.

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Michigan paid sick leave expansion effective February 21.

Missouri paid sick leave plans must be implemented by May 1. 

Alaska paid sick leave requirements effective July 1.

Alaska captive audience ban effective July 1.&nbsp;

New Hampshire accommodations for nursing mothers effective July 1.

Maryland paid family and medical leave contributions begin July 1.

New York repeals COVID-19 leave provisions July 31.

Nebraska paid sick leave law effective October 1. 

Connecticut further expands paid sick leave eligibility effective January 1.

Delaware paid family and medical leave benefits begin January 1.

Minnesota paid family leave contributions begin January 1.

Maine paid family and medical leave benefits available May 1.

Maryland paid family and medical leave benefits begin July 1.

Connecticut paid sick leave law covers all employees effective January 1.

Cook County, Illinois amends Paid Leave rules effective immediately.

Nebraska legalizes medical marijuana effective in December.

2025 may be a year of change in employment law. We’re watching to see whether the federal government curtails any of its policies from the last four years and/or whether states undertake their own agendas during a second Trump administration.

Employment Legislation Outlook – January 2025

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