Effective July 1, 2021, Connecticut has legalized the use of recreational cannabis for adults over the age of 21. This now means that employers in Connecticut cannot discriminate against an employee or a job applicant for engaging in off-duty cannabis use. However, an employer can prohibit, and in some cases, implement discipline for the use, possession, and distribution…
Read Full PostNew York Hero Act Requires NY Employers to Adopt Airborne Infectious Disease Prevention Plan by August 5
As we have previously discussed, private employers in New York, including nonprofit organizations, will be required to adopt an airborne infectious disease prevention plan in accordance with the NY HERO Act (the Act) by August 5, 2021. New York State has issued a model plan for general businesses and 11 industry-specific plans (found here) that an employer…
Read Full PostNew Jersey Again Significantly Increases the Risks and Penalties Relating to Both Misclassifying Workers as Independent Contractors and Other Employment Compliance Failures
The New Laws For the second time in two years, New Jersey has enacted several laws that have substantially increased the risks and financial penalties for companies that misclassify workers as independent contractors or violate numerous state wage, benefit, and tax laws. Among other things, one of the laws enacted earlier this month: Permits the…
Read Full PostNew York State Audit Threshold Increases as of 7/1/2021
As of July 1, 2021, the threshold triggering the requirement for an audit in NYS increased from $750,000 to more than $1 million of gross annual revenue and support. Nonprofits that conduct business and/ or raise funds in NY State are required to file an annual financial report with the Charities Bureau of the NY State…
Read Full PostOSHA Issues New, Time-Sensitive COVID-19 Guidance
OSHA Issues Mandatory COVID-19 “Emergency Temporary Standard” for Healthcare Employers and Updates Advisory Guidance Applicable to Other Employers Immediate Action Required by Employers Providing Healthcare Services On June 10, 2021, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) released: An advance copy of its new, mandatory COVID-19 “Emergency Temporary Standard” to protect healthcare employees from contracting coronavirus; Updated advisory guidance to help protect unvaccinated…
Read Full PostLegal Alert: New York Passes NY HERO Act
NY HERO Act Requires New Safety Protocols for NY Employers to Help Prevent the Spread of Airborne Diseases On May 5, Governor Cuomo signed the New York Health and Essential Rights Act (“NY HERO Act” or the “Act”) requiring the New York Department of Labor (“NY DOL”) to create minimum safety protocols with the aim…
Read Full PostVolunteer Spotlight: Bassam Zohny, Reed Smith LLP
Reed Smith has been volunteering with Pro Bono Partnership for over 20 years, during which time nearly 70 attorneys from both their New York and New Jersey offices have provided critical legal assistance to our nonprofit clients. Last year alone, Reed Smith attorneys worked on 23 legal matters for 22 New York and New Jersey-based…
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