New Law

In addition to the many provisions under the CARES Act of 2020 providing relief to businesses, both large and small, Congress sought to assist individuals who may be feeling the economic effects of COVID-19, including those who have lost their jobs as a result.  Such relief comes at a price tag of approximately $600 billion of the $2 trillion total relief package.  This article summarizes some of the major provisions designed to aid individuals.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”), signed into law by President Donald J. Trump on March 27, 2020, is a record-breaking expenditure designed to help individuals and certain businesses weather the economic storm they are facing in light of
the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Paycheck Protection Program

NUMBER FIFTY-THREE (2020)

TEMPORARY RESTRICTIONS ON RESTAURANTS, RECREATIONAL,
ENTERTAINMENT, GATHERINGS, NON-ESSENTIAL RETAIL BUSINESSES,
AND CLOSURE OF K-12 SCHOOLS DUE TO NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

Importance of the Issue

When does this order go into effect? What areas of the state are covered?
The order is in effect from Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at 11:59 PM until Thursday, April 23 at 11:59 PM. It applies to the entire Commonwealth of Virginia.

Will this order be changed?
Governor Northam, in consultation with State Health Commissioner Oliver, may adjust this order or issue new orders as needed, given the quickly-changing public health situation.

The President of the United States has declared a national emergency; schools are closed; national sports leagues and concerts and other live entertainment has been canceled; the size of gatherings restricted; bars and restaurants are closed, however some organizations and businesses must continue to operate and teleworking for employees may not be an option.  Various labor and employment laws regulate what an employer can do, including, but not limited to, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title VII, the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLS

By Susan Richards Salen October 612016 Montgomery County, Maryland has enacted an Earned Sick and Safe Leave Law ("Law") effective October 1, 2016. Most employers in the County will have to provide most of their employees with up to 56 hours of paid sick and safe leave. The leave is accrued at the rate of one hour of paid leave for every 30 hours worked capped at not more than 56 hours of leave a year. Small employers (defined as employers with less than 5 employees) have to provide only 32 hours of paid leave and 24 hours of unpaid leave.

The District of Columbia joined Delaware, Illinois, West Virginia and Maryland by enacting legislation to give additional protections to pregnant workers.  On October 24, 2014, the District of Columbia enacted the “Protecting Pregnant Workers Fairness Act of 2014” (PPWFA or the Act).   Provided that Congress does not disapprove of the PPWFA, the PPWFA will become effective sometime in late 2014.  The PPWFA gives pregnant employees and applicants, and recently pregnant employees (those who have recently given birth) and applicants, broad protections that might not otherwise be available to t