COVID-19
Federal Relief – With the Democratic National Convention having taken place this week and the Republican National Convention next week, a breakthrough in negotiations is unlikely until the end of the month. There is an added sense of urgency, however, related to funding the U.S. Postal Service through the election. The impact of President Trump’s executive orders still remains unclear, particularly the payroll tax deferral which the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has characterized as unworkable. However, nearly twenty states have indicated they will participate in the enhanced unemployment benefit program created by an executive order. Under the program the federal government will match $300 to any participating state’s $100, providing eligible workers an $400/wk enhanced benefit. Also of note, Senate Minority Leader Schumer signed on to the Restaurants Act relief bill just prior to the Democratic convention. More details.
Liability – As expected, the governor signed a new law that raises the legal threshold for lawsuits to require “clear and convincing evidence” that an operator acted with “gross negligence or willful misconduct.” The governor of Idaho announced this week that the state will convene a special session to consider a liability safe harbor.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Wages
New Jersey – The state labor department adopted new rules related to the tipped wage, updating the current definition of “wages” to exclude “any gratuities received” by a tipped employee.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Aurora, CO – The city council will hold a study session next week on a proposal to raise the minimum wage to $20/hr.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Paid Leave
Virginia – A senate committee overwhelmingly defeated a proposal that would have required businesses with 21 or more employees to provide two weeks of paid sick leave during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as future public health emergencies, and an additional one week for full-time workers affected directly by the crisis.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Washington – The governor signed a proclamation creating the COVID-19 Food Production Paid Leave program which provides two weeks of paid sick leave to agricultural workers facing mandatory quarantine with coronavirus infection.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Sonoma County, CA – The county commission unanimously passed legislation addressing paid family and medical leave gaps from the federal mandate.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Delivery
California – A state appellate court granted Uber and Lyft a temporary stay until Aug. 25 to submit a timetable and procedures in order to comply with AB-5, the controversial law that mandates drivers be classified as employees instead of independent contractors.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Los Angeles, CA – In late May, the city council voted unanimously to approve a temporary 90-day ordinance capping delivery fees at 15 percent and all other fees at 5 percent.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
New York, NY – Grubhub launched an online petition drive to engage their customer base in the ongoing battle against delivery fee caps in New York City.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Seattle, WA – Drivers for Uber and Lyft voiced their opposition to the mayor’s proposal to enact a $16.38/hr minimum wage rate for drivers of transportation platform companies.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Alcohol
Sheridan, WY – The city council made permanent an existing temporary ordinance to allow for the home delivery of beer, wine and liquor.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Taxes
California – Legislation was introduced that would create a “wealth tax” in the state.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe