SAME-SEX HEALTH BENEFITS AND DISCRIMINATION

Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson, Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler and Human Rights Commission (HRC) Executive Director Sharon Ortiz have released a joint letter to Washington state employers, insurance companies and benefit plan administrators regarding healthcare benefits.  The letter applies in Washington state; however, the logic may apply elsewhere, too.

NEW YORK CITY EXPANDS EARNED SICK TIME ACT

In June 2013, the New York City Council passed the Earned Sick Time Act into law.  With the support of newly elected Mayor Bill de Blasio, an overwhelming majority of the City Council voted to expand the Earned Sick Time Act.  This law will go into effect on April 1, 2014.

INDEFINITE LEAVE COULD BE REASONABLE IN NEW YORK CITY

The New York Court of Appeals has ruled that indefinite leave is not a reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities under the New York State Human Rights Law (the State HRL); however, it could be considered a reasonable accommodation under the New York City Human Rights Law (the City HRL).  Employers in New York City should thoroughly analyze each request for a leave of absence due to a disability before concluding that a request is not reasonable.

NEW YORK CITY APPROVES PAID SICK TIME LAW

The New York City Council overrode a veto by Mayor Bloomberg, approving a new law that will require employers to provide paid sick leave.  New York City joins San Francisco, Seattle, Washington, D.C. and the state of Connecticut in requiring paid sick leave.

UPDATE ON STATE AND LOCAL DEVELOPMENTS

Anyone who has worked for or with a multi-state employer knows that one of the most difficult aspects of absence management is keeping up with changes in state and local laws.   This posting is an effort to provide some of the more recent information about changes in state and local laws, including case law. 

Update on Same-Sex Marriage and Civil Unions

Earlier this year, this blog reported that Hawaii and Illinois had passed legislation recognizing civil unions.  Since then, Delaware and Rhode Island have also recognized civil unions and New York has recognized same-sex marriage.