California Legislature Expands COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Through September 30, 2021 for Employers with More than 25 Employees: FAQ Guide

On March 19, 2021, Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 95, which requires employers in California with more than 25 employees to provide COVID-19 supplemental paid sick leave to covered employees.  The bill takes effect on March 29, 2021, at which time the requirements will apply retroactively to January 1, 2021.  California’s previous supplemental paid leave expired on December 31, 2020 and SB 95 broadens the scope in various material ways. (Read More)

Federal Labor Law Front and Center in the U.S. Congress

Federal labor law is in the crosshairs of the U.S. Congress. In recent days, the House of Representatives passed the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act (H.R. 842), which, among other things, would (1) prohibit employers from retaliating against employee unionization efforts, (2) protect workers’ right to strike, and (3) override state “right to work” laws that allow employees to opt out of paying dues in unionized workplaces. (Read More)

American Rescue Plan Signed into Law

As anticipated, President Biden signed the $1.9 trillion “American Rescue Plan” into law today (Thursday), after the sweeping COVID-19 relief package passed both the House and Senate.

The law goes a long way toward turning the corner on the pandemic and kickstarting the U.S. economy left suffering in its wake. As mentioned in a previous alert by Michelman & Robinson, LLP, individuals, state and local governments, small businesses, and/or schools can look forward to the following, among other things: (Read More)

At Long Last, Clarity Regarding Subsequent Violations Under PAGA

On the surface, a case just decided by the U.S. Court of Appeal for the 9^th Circuit looks to be one primarily of interest to those in the aviation space. In Bernstein v. Virgin America Inc., a Ninth Circuit panel ruled on February 23 that California wage and hour laws pertaining to meal and rest breaks are not preempted by federal law; namely, the Federal Aviation Act. (Read More)

Senate Approves $1.9 Trillion COVID Relief Bill

After a dose of suspense and a 24-hour-plus voting session that bled into the weekend, the U.S. Senate passed the $1.9 trillion “American Rescue Plan” to provide much-needed relief to individuals, state and local governments, small businesses, and schools in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill now goes back to the House of Representatives for final approval, before being sent to President Joe Biden’s desk for signature. (Read More)

California Department of Insurance to Hold Public Discussion on Mitigation in Rating Plans and Wildfire Risk Models

The California Department of Insurance has invited the public to participate in a pre-notice discussion regarding a contemplated addition to the California Code of Regulations (“CCR”) dealing with mitigation in rating plans and wildfire risk models. The web-based virtual event will be held on March 30, 2021 at 1:00 pm (PST), and those interested in attending can register here. (Read More)

Attention Employers: California's High Court Has Nixed Rounding Meal Breaks

When is a 30-minute lunch break a 30-minute lunch break?

Certain employers have made it a practice of rounding time—up or down, typically in five- to 15-minute increments—in lieu of recording the actual time that employees spend working or for meal breaks. Until now, California law has generally permitted rounding time, provided certain criteria are met. For instance, an employer’s rounding policy must be fair and neutral on its face and cannot systematically undercompensate employees over a period of time. (Read More)

New $1.9 Trillion COVID Relief Bill Passes House, Moves to Senate

Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a massive $1.9 trillion relief bill advanced by President Joe Biden and his administration. Dubbed the “American Rescue Plan,” the legislation now heads to the Senate, where Democrats are hopeful it will reach President Biden’s desk for signature before March 14 (the day unemployment aid programs are set to expire). (Read More)

A Trend Toward COVID-19-Related Business Interruption Coverage

Based upon a couple of recent rulings, the insurance coverage lawyers at Michelman & Robinson, LLP anticipate that additional courts may give a broader meaning to the phrase “direct physical loss” as it applies to insurers' business interruption coverage responsibilities stemming from COVID-19-related losses. (Read More)