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.

PROPOSED REGULATIONS ON SMALL BUSINESS HEALTH CARE TAX CREDIT

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued proposed regulations that provide guidance on the tax credit available to small eligible employers that offer health insurance coverage to their employees.  An eligible employer must have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees for a tax year, the average annual wages must be less than $50,000 per FTE, and the employer must maintain a qualifying arrangement.

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.

Hawaii Recognizes Civil Unions

Effective January 1, 2012, civil unions will be recognized in Hawaii.  The law states “Partners to a civil union lawfully entered into pursuant to this chapter shall have all the same rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities under law, whether derived from statutes, administrative rules, court decisions, the common law, or any other source of civil law, as are granted to those who contract, obtain a license, and are solemnized pursuant to chapter 572.”

Sick Leave Legislation Introduced in Hawaii

HB 341 has been introduced in the House in Hawaii.  This bill makes it an unlawful practice for any employer or labor organization to bar or discharge from employment, withhold pay from, or demote an employee solely because the employee uses accrued and available sick leave.

State Disability Insurance Changes

The New Year will bring some changes to State Disability Insurance programs.