May begins the legislative homestretch for a number of states. Nearly half of the state legislatures have adjourned for the year, and another nine are expected to end their sessions by the end of the month.
On April 23, 2018, the Minnesota House Majority Leader introduced a bill to amend the Minnesota Human Rights Act to change the legal standard for sexual harassment. If passed, the bill would do away with the “severe or pervasive” standard.
A new Washington law (SB 6027) impacts the scope of discovery of a plaintiff’s medical records in litigation brought under Washington’s Law Against Discrimination.
In Rizo v. Yovino, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit recently examined whether an employer can justify a wage differential between male and female employees by relying on prior salary.
Effective June 7, 2018, Washington State amended its domestic violence leave law to require employers to provide reasonable safety accommodations. The amendments also prohibit discrimination and retaliation based on actual or perceived victim status.
Washington State has joined the ranks of jurisdictions that have adopted expanded equal pay legislation. The Equal Pay Opportunity Act will take effect on June 7, 2018.
Both the New York State Legislature and the New York City Council recently adopted new legislation targeting sex discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace.
Employers that use criminal record screening policies must continue to be vigilant about compliance with all applicable laws. A recent settlement by one of the nation’s leading retailers reinforces this point.
