COVID-19
Restaurant Revitalization Fund – The Independent Restaurant Coalition (IRC) submitted public record requests for more details on applicant submissions, process of approval, and whether or not applicants that were considered were priority applicants. As is the case here, the IRC is increasingly performing functions reminiscent of traditional trade associations and brands need to be cognizant of its growing status among policymakers traditionally at odds with the industry. More details.
Liability – The Kansas governor signed legislation providing COVID-related liability protection to businesses and other institutions except in cases of “intentional misconduct.” More details.
Wages
Tucson, AZ – Organizers seeking to place a $15/hr minimum measure on the Nov. ballot submitted nearly double the required signatures ahead of the July 1 deadline.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Paid Leave
U.S. House – Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), the ranking Republican on the House Education & Labor Committee, is endorsing legislation to create a voluntary federal paid leave program.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Massachusetts – The second phase of the state’s paid family leave law took effect July 1.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Labor Policy
Biden Administration – The White House is expected to issue an executive order pressuring the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to ban, or limit, noncompete agreements, as well as reduce occupational licensing requirements.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
U.S. Senate – Next week, the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions will hold a hearing to consider the nomination of David Weil to head the Labor Department’s Wage & Hour Administration.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
New Jersey – The governor signed a series of bills creating an Office of Strategic Enforcement and Compliance that will more closely track payroll records and “simplify” the process of identifying misclassified workers.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Fight for $15 – Fast food and restaurant workers are planning actions across the country July 20, the anniversary of the last time the federal minimum wage was increased.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Alcohol
Louisiana – The governor vetoed legislation that would have expanded retail delivery of alcohol.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Missouri – The governor signed legislation permanently allowing alcohol to-go for restaurants.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Rhode Island – The governor signed legislation extending beer, wine, and cocktails to-go until March 2022. More details.
Packaging
Colorado – The governor signed legislation that will enact a 10-cent fee on plastic bags by 2023 and eliminate Styrofoam containers by 2024.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Rhode Island – Legislation banning single-use plastic straws unless requested by a customer passed the house and is headed to the governor’s desk for his expected signature.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe