COVID-19
SBA Loan Program Update – The U.S. Senate approved House-passed changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) which would allow greater flexibility in how monies can be spent. The legislation reduces the level of Paycheck Protection Program funds that must be used for payroll from 75% to 60%. It also gives borrowers up to 24 weeks to use the funds (the current term is eight weeks). Finally, it extends the deadline to rehire workers to Dec. 31. More details.
Liability – Louisiana is the latest state to move forward with a liability shield related to COVID-19. If the governor signs the bills headed to his desk, the state will join North Carolina, Oklahoma, Utah, and Wyoming in enacting immunity laws that protect a broad class of businesses from lawsuits if they follow local, state, or federal guidelines for limiting the spread of coronavirus. Similar bills have passed one legislative chamber each in Arizona and Ohio. More details.
McDonald’s – Fight for $15 continues to target McDonald’s on health and safety issues. An Oakland location is one of a few around the country that has been a regular target. This week workers filed a complaint with the state’s worker safety watchdog agency.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Wages
New York – Legislation has been introduced in the senate to eliminate the tip credit.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Paid Leave
Colorado – A paid leave measure passed a key senate committee on a party line vote. It now advances to the senate appropriations committee.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Seattle, WA – Legislation to extend temporary paid leave benefits to gig workers (including third-party delivery platforms) unanimously passed the city council and is on its way to the mayor’s desk.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Labor Policy
Federal – The labor department announced its final rule on the fluctuating workweek method of calculating overtime pay for nonexempt employees.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
New Jersey – Legislation passed a senate committee that would create a portable benefits structure in the state for gig economy workers.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Philadelphia, PA – While it may take another week to tally final results of this week’s election, it appears there was overwhelming support for a ballot measure creating a city-level labor department.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Panera – A large Panera franchise group is the latest to payout a hefty wage and hour settlement. The $4.6 million dollar class action settlement involves 900 assistant managers at roughly 300 locations.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Delivery
Massachusetts – A “restaurant relief” bill was unanimously approved by a house committee and now moves to the house floor for its likely passage.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Los Angeles, CA – The city council voted unanimously to approve an ordinance capping delivery fees at 15% and all other fees at 5%.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Alcohol
Colorado – Legislation was introduced to continue allowing on-premise liquor licensees to sell alcohol for off-premise consumption via take-out and delivery until July 2022.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Illinois – The governor signed legislation allowing for to-go and home delivery of cocktails and other adult beverages for at least an additional year beyond the existing executive order.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Louisiana – The house passed legislation allowing third-party delivery platforms to deliver beer and wine through contract workers.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Michigan – Legislation has been advanced unanimously by a house committee to allow for to-go and home delivery of mixed drinks or liquor among other provisions.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Pennsylvania – The state liquor control board announced temporary adoption of an expedited approval process to more quickly and efficiently enable restaurants and bars to establish outside seating areas.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Virginia – The state Alcoholic Beverage Control agency (ABC) is exploring the option of limited market testing of home delivery.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe