Illinois (Chicago) Increases Minimum Wage – On June 4, 2025, the City of Chicago announced an upcoming change to the minimum wage. Effective July 1, 2025, the Chicago minimum wage for employers with 4 or more employees will be $16.60 per hour, while the tipped employee minimum wage will be $12.62 per hour. For youth workers, subsidized temporary youth employment programs, and subsidized transitional employment programs, the minimum wage will be $16.50 per hour.
Read more: Chicago Minimum Wage
Maryland Clarifies Application of Parental Leave Act and FMLA – Maryland has enacted Senate Bill (SB) 785, amending the state’s Parental Leave Act (PLA) to clarify that it does not apply to employers while they are covered by the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The amendment takes effect Oct. 1, 2025.
Read more: Maryland Legal Update
Missouri Legislature Votes to Repeal Paid Sick Leave – On May 14, 2025, the Missouri General Assembly voted to repeal the state’s earned paid sick leave law, which took effect May 1. If Gov. Mike Kehoe signs the bill, earned paid sick leave will be repealed Aug. 28.
Read more: Missouri Legal Update
Oregon Expands Wage Statement Requirements to Time of Hire – On May 26, 2025, Oregon amended its rules regulating minimum wage, overtime, and working conditions to require employers to provide all employees a written explanation of earnings and deductions shown on itemized statements at the time of hire. This amendment becomes effective on Jan. 1, 2026.
Read more: Oregon Legal Update
Washington Amends Pay Transparency Law – On May 20, 2025, Washington amended the Equal Pay and Opportunities Act (EPOA) to allow employers to correct job postings that do not comply with the law’s pay transparency requirements until July 27, 2027, and limit potential damages, among other changes. The amendment takes effect July 27, 2025.
Read more: Washington Legal Update
Washington Enacts Mini-WARN Act – On May 13, 2025, Washington enacted the Securing Timely Notification and Benefits for Laid-Off Employees Act (Act), which requires covered employers to give 60 days’ advance notice prior to a mass layoff or business closing. The Act takes effect on July 27, 2025.
Read more: Washington Legal Update
Washington Expands Pregnancy and Lactation Accommodations – On May 20, 2025, Washington amended the Healthy Starts Act (Act), which requires covered employers to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnancy and related conditions. The amended Act, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2027, will cover more employers and expand employee protections.
Read more: Washington Legal Update
