Employers with employees in multiple states must comply with all federal, state and municipal level laws in which they conduct business. The complex legal requirements, with costly penalties possible for noncompliance can present many challenges.

Conflicts in applying employment laws may exist State by State and even with Federal requirements. Employers knowing how to write their policies to be in compliance and stay in compliance can be quite a daunting task.

State and local laws cover topics including wages, benefits, background checks, medical leave, disability income, paid sick leave –the list goes on. Each of these, may need to be managed differently in different locations because they are dependent on state or local law requirements.

For example, employers with  employees in these locations*:

• Arizona
• California
• Connecticut
• District of Columbia
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• New Jersey
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• Vermont
• Washington

They have enacted statewide paid sick leave laws, each with its own rules for covered employers, qualifying reasons for leave and amount of paid leave. In addition, numerous cities and counties across the country have enacted local ordinances that mandate paid sick leave. Employers must generally comply with both the statewide paid sick leave law and local ordinance, and review against any Federal mandates to know which regulations are applicable.

Employers with employees in these states*:

• California
• Hawaii
• New Jersey
• New York
• Puerto Rico
• Rhode Island

They operate state disability insurance (SDI) programs that may be required even if the employer offers disability insurance to their employees. 

Laws and regulations are created and revised all the time, making it a constant effort to keep up-to-date. Understanding and complying with the many employment laws is easier said than done. And yet, it is incredibly important to do so.

Do you need help navigating the challenges and complying with the laws? 

If you feel you would benefit from a consultation with an experienced benefit consultant, who provides tools to help their clients navigate the challenges, comply with the law and keep up on the latest compliance and legal developments, let me know!

 

*Information is current as of 1/1/2019