Information contained in this publication is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or opinion, nor is it a substitute for the professional judgment of an attorney.
The following is a summary of the legislative and regulatory news for the week of February 15, 2009.
Arbitration
The Arbitration Fairness Act of 2009 (H.R. 1020), if enacted, would invalidate most employment-related pre-dispute arbitration agreements.
Business Restructuring
The Eagle Employers Act (H.R. 989) was reintroduced. This bill would provide employers with a tax incentive to create and maintain domestic jobs instead of outsourcing positions abroad.
Economic Stimulus
President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). Detailed analyses of the employment-related provisions of ARRA are now available.
Employee Benefits
The No Discrimination in Health Insurance Act of 2009 (H.R. 1092) would amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) to prohibit discrimination in group health coverage and individual health insurance coverage.
A new bill – the Economic Recovery Adjustment Act of 2009 (S. 431) would impose additional restrictions on executive compensation.
Immigration
The Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification and Illegal Immigration Control Act (H.R. 1096) was introduced. This bill would, among other things, create an electronic employment eligibility verification system and verification process for employers and increase penalties for Immigration and Nationality Act violations.
Labor/Management Relations
Three large and influential nurses’ associations have merged, forming the largest Registered Nurses (RN) union in the country.