Employment Laws that Changed Jan 1, 2024: Maine to Oregon

This is a four-part series of all the employment law changes that happened on 1/1/2024!

Please note that each law change has more detail than the text included below.? Please make sure you understand to the fullest extent the changes before implementing any changes in your org.? Also, I’m not an attorney.? Please consult your local labor law attorney.? If you don’t have one…I’ve got some awesome ones I can introduce you to.

The new year brings about several changes to employment laws across various states in the U.S. Let's delve into the updates from Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, and Oregon.

?Maine: Salary Increases and Wage Adjustments

- Minimum Salary Hike

Maine raises the minimum salary for executive, administrative, and professional employees exempt from the state's minimum wage and overtime requirements. The increase takes it from $796.17 per week to $816.35 per week, providing a boost to these workers' compensation.

- Minimum Wage Surge

The minimum wage in Maine receives an annual inflation adjustment, rising from $13.80 per hour to $14.15 per hour. This change is based on the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers for the Northeast Region (CPI-Northeast) from August 2023 to August 2024, with corresponding adjustments to tip credits.

?Maryland: A Shift to a $15.00 Minimum Wage

Effective January 1, 2024, Maryland undergoes a significant change in its minimum wage policy. Large employers with 15 or more employees see an increase from $13.25 to $15.00 per hour, while small employers with 14 or fewer employees witness a jump from $12.80 to $15.00 per hour. The maximum tip credit also adjusts accordingly.

?Michigan: Minimum Wage Adjustments and Health Insurance Protections

- Minimum Wage Increase

Michigan experiences a minimum wage increase to $10.33 per hour under the Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act (IWOWA). This act also impacts the minimum direct cash wage for tipped employees.

- Health Insurance Protections for Living Donors

Effective for policies delivered or issued after December 31, 2023, insurers in Michigan are prohibited from taking adverse actions based on an individual's status as a living donor. This includes actions like denying or canceling coverage, contributing to a more supportive environment for living donors.

?Minnesota: Wage Adjustments and Changes in Leave Policies

- Minimum Wage Update

Minnesota witnesses an increase in the minimum wage for large employers, rising from $10.59 per hour to $10.85 per hour. Small employers and certain specific groups also see adjustments in their minimum wage rates.

- Leave Policy Changes

Minnesota undergoes significant changes in leave policies. The state repeals its kin care leave law and introduces a paid sick and safe leave law, requiring employers with one or more employees to provide paid sick and safe leave. The accrual system allows employees to accumulate leave hours over time, ensuring they have access to essential benefits.

?Minimum Wage Adjustments and New Protections

These states also witness adjustments to their minimum wage rates:

-Missouri: From $12.00 per hour to $12.30 per hour. The maximum tip credit also experiences a rise, enhancing the compensation for tipped employees.

- Montana: From $9.95 per hour to $10.30 per hour.

- Nebraska: From $10.50 to $12.00 per hour.

- New Jersey: Large employers see an increase from $14.00 to $15.13, while small employers experience a rise from $12.70 to $13.73.

Nevada: No specific minimum wage adjustment, but the state extends employment protections for sexual assault victims.

New York: Overtime is required for farm workers exceeding 56 hours. The minimum salaries for executive and administrative employees also increase in specific regions.

Oregon: Employers are now required to report independent contractors within the first 20 days of work. Additionally, civil actions against employers seeking salary history are permitted.

As these changes take effect, employers and employees in these states should familiarize themselves with the new regulations to ensure compliance with state laws and provide a fair and secure working environment for all. Stay informed to navigate the dynamic landscape of employment regulations in 2024.

Our last set of states is coming up next week…Rhode Island to Washington!

See you next week!

-L

LeiLani E. Quiray is the Founder and CEO of be the change HR , Inc., certified Minority and Woman owned, a conscious company and social enterprise, providing HR support for small-to-medium sized businesses in any facet of HR from pre-hire to post-term and everything else that happens in between. She and her team also teach free job readiness courses and provide free coaching to trafficking survivors.? Her team is not only HR Pros, they are Life Changers.?

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