Georgia, Rhode Island and Washington Change Notice Requirements: Posters Added, Employment Law Manual Updated

Authors: XpertHR Editorial Team

A number of states have implemented recently passed legislation by adding new posters or updating existing notice requirements. Georgia and Rhode Island employers should be particularly mindful to update their notices based on imminent compliance deadlines.

Georgia employers must use the updated Georgia Workers' Compensation Bill of Rights Poster by October 1, 2015. In addition, any outdated forms received after October 1 will be returned by the State Board of Workers' Compensation.

Rhode Island employers that have already posted the Rhode Island Pregnancy, Childbirth and Related Conditions Rights Notice also have a looming compliance deadline: existing employees must receive written notice of the state's expanded protections by October 23, 2015. In addition, any new hires or individuals notifying an employer of a pregnancy or related condition must also receive written notice.

Employers in the Pacific Northwest should note that Tacoma, Washington, has created a model notice for use by employers regarding its paid leave ordinance, which goes into effect on February 1, 2016.

Other states that have updated or expanded posting requirements due to recent legislative changes include:

• California family leave and pregnancy protections (replaced Notice B);
• District of Columbia pregnancy discrimination protections (new);
• Florida pregnancy discrimination protections (updated);
• Massachusetts earned sick time notice (new);
• Minnesota minimum wage (updated);
• North Dakota minimum wage (updated);
• Vermont workers' compensation reinstatement rights (update); and
• West Virginia wage and payment collection (update).

State-specific content in the Employee Communications section of the Employment Law Manual and the State Workplace Labor and Employment Law Posters Quick Reference chart contain up-to-date employer notice-posting requirements.

In addition, the following sections of the Employment Law Manual have been updated with relevant information:

• Disabilities (ADA): District of Columbia;
• Disabilities (ADA): Rhode Island;
• New Hire Paperwork: Rhode Island;
• New Hire Paperwork: Washington; and
• Other Leaves: Washington.