Employment Laws that Changed Jan 1, 2024: Rhode Island to Washington

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 dawn of 2024 brings noteworthy changes to employment laws in Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, and Washington. Employers and employees in these states should pay close attention to these updates to ensure compliance and a smooth transition into the new regulations.

?Rhode Island: Tougher Measures Against Wage Theft

- Wage Theft Penalty Amendments

Rhode Island takes a robust stance against wage theft with the implementation of penalty amendments. Each pay period, rather than each day, constitutes a separate civil offense if an employer fails to timely pay an employee's wages. Knowingly and willingly violating state laws regarding wage payments can lead to felony charges if the owed wages exceed $1,500, potentially resulting in a $5,000 fine, imprisonment, or both.

?South Dakota: Incremental Minimum Wage Adjustments

- Minimum Wage Increase

South Dakota sees a modest yet impactful increase in its minimum wage from $10.80 per hour to $11.20 per hour. This adjustment, mandated by the state statute's annual inflation measure, also affects the maximum tip credit, rising from $5.40 per hour to $5.60 per hour.

?Vermont: Progress in Minimum Wage Rates

- Minimum Wage Boost

Vermont witnesses a positive change in its minimum wage, climbing from $13.18 per hour to $13.67 per hour. This annual adjustment, required by state statute, also influences the minimum direct wage and the maximum tip credit for tipped employees, both reaching $6.84 per hour worked.

?Washington: Comprehensive Changes in Minimum Wage and Employment Practices

- Minimum Wage Surge

Washington experiences a notable increase in its minimum wage, rising from $15.74 per hour to $16.28 per hour. This annual adjustment, mandated by state statute based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, reflects a 3.4% change from August 2022 to August 2023.

- Protection for Off-Duty Marijuana Use

Employers in Washington are now prohibited from making hiring decisions based on an applicant's off-duty use of cannabis or positive preemployment drug test results showing nonpsychoactive cannabis metabolites.

- Overtime Exemption Repeal for Agricultural Employees

A significant change in Washington's employment landscape is the repeal of the overtime exemption for agricultural employees. They must now be paid one and one-half times their regular rate of pay for all hours worked over 40 in any one workweek.

- Minimum Salary Increase for Overtime-Exempt Employees

The minimum salary for most overtime-exempt employees in Washington experiences an increase from $1,259.20 per week (for large employers) and $1,101.80 per week (for small employers) to $1,302.40 per week for all employers, regardless of size.

As these changes unfold, it's crucial for both employers and employees in Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, and Washington to stay informed and seek legal guidance to ensure compliance with the updated regulations. Navigating the evolving landscape of employment laws requires vigilance and a proactive approach to foster a fair and supportive workplace environment.

I hope you enjoyed my four-part series!?

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Big hugs,

-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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