California Employee Leave Laws (Frequently Asked Questions) – California employers are obligated to comply with many state laws providing employee leave in a variety of situations. These answers to frequently asked questions address common issues raised by the state’s major leave compliance mandates.
Read more: California FAQ
Colorado Adopts New Child Labor Rules – Colorado recently adopted new child labor rules to administer and enforce the provisions of the Colorado Youth Employment Opportunity Act (CYEOA). The rules address, among other things, recordkeeping requirements, the minimum wage for minors, prohibited duties and occupations, and exemptions. The rules are currently in effect.
Read more: Colorado Legal Update
Washington Enacts Noncompete Ban – On March 23, 2026, Washington enacted a law banning virtually all noncompete agreements for employees and independent contractors. The new law takes effect on June 30, 2027.
Read more: Washington Legal Update
Various States (Q1 Check-in: State Employee Leave Law Developments) – In line with recent years, 2026 has so far been an active one for employee leave laws at the state level. Since the beginning of the year, brand-new paid family and medical programs have been launched in Delaware and Minnesota, and a significant redesign of the Washington paid family and medical leave program took effect, which should help employers limit leave stacking but makes more of them subject to employee restoration rights. Smaller expansions to existing leave rights have gone into effect since January in states such as California, Colorado, Connecticut, Oregon, and Rhode Island. Employers must also keep their eyes on the near-term horizon, as more changes in the employee leave landscape are coming this year, particularly in Illinois, Maine, and New Jersey.
Read more: Compliance Overview (Various States)