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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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Washington, D.C.

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 ban on “stay-or-pay” employment contracts effective January 1.

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California adds workplace protections for victims of violence effective January 1.

California expands Equal Pay Act and amends pay transparency laws effective January 1.

California amends payroll and employee data storage requirements effective January 1.

Colorado expands FAMLI benefits to NICU parents effective January 1.

Connecticut further expands paid sick leave eligibility effective January 1.

Delaware paid family and medical leave benefits begin January 1.

Illinois enacts paid lactation break law on January 1.

Illinois limits use of AI in hiring effective January 1.

Minnesota paid family leave contributions begin January 1.

Minnesota amends meal and rest break requirements effective January 1.

New Hampshire enacts new unpaid leave for childbirth and child-related medical appointments on January 1.

Oregon new hire notice requirements effective January 1.

Oregon expands uses for paid sick leave effective January 1.

Pittsburgh changes to paid sick leave law effective January 1.

Rhode Island new hire notice requirements effective January 1.

Washington expands domestic violence leave law effective January 1.

Washington amends paid family and medical leave law effective January 1.

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New California workers’ rights notice must be distributed by February 1.

Changes to New York City Earned Safe and Sick Time and Temporary Schedule Change Acts effective February 22.

California employers must provide current employees with the opportunity to name an emergency contact by March 30.

Maine paid family and medical leave benefits available May 1.

Illinois enacts unpaid parental leave for employees with a child who is a patient in a NICU on June 1.

Washington expands “ban the box” law effective July 1.

California expands pay data reporting law effective January 1.

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

Maryland paid family and medical leave contributions begin January 1.

Washington expands Healthy Starts Act effective January 1.

Maryland paid family and medical leave benefits begin January 3.

California expands employees’ eligibility to receive state paid family leave benefits to those who are taking time off work to care for a seriously ill “designated person” effective July 1.

California regulations of AI use in employment decisions effective October 1.

Connecticut Fair Employment Practices Act to add victims of sexual assault or human trafficking as protected classes effective October 1.

Maryland limits the definition of “employer” under the state's parental leave law effective October 1.

Michigan paid sick leave requirements for small businesses effective October 1.

Nebraska paid sick leave law (as amended) effective October 1.

Nevada Civil Air Patrol leave effective October 1.

Montana adds job protection for volunteer first responders as of October 1.

Cleveland pay transparency law effective October 27.

Massachusetts pay transparency law changes effective October 29.

The IRS extended for an additional year the transition period provided in Revenue Ruling 2025-4 for states administering paid family and medical leave programs and employers participating in such programs with respect to the portion of medical leave benefits a state pays to an individual that is attributable to employer contributions. As a result, calendar year 2026 will be regarded as an additional transition period for purposes of IRS enforcement and administration.

Employment Legislation Outlook – January 2026

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