COVID-19
Federal Relief – The Small Business Administration (SBA) announced this week that the Restaurant Revitalization Program will open Apr. 6. Restaurants pursuing grants will apply directly to the SBA, rather than through an SBA-approved lender. The SBA and Congress have also made important changes to the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program as well as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The SBA raised the cap on EIDL loans to $500,000 (instead of the previous $150,000) and the term of the loans was extended to 24 months. The U.S. Senate followed the U.S House, approving an extension to the PPP by an additional two months from March 31 to May 31. The legislation is on its way to the president’s desk for his expected signature. More details.
Insurance Coverage – A federal judge in California ruled that the insurer for a franchisee of 100 Outback Steakhouses will not be held accountable for pandemic-related losses.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Liability – West Virginia Governor Jim Justice signed legislation protecting businesses, universities, health care providers, and individuals from claims stemming from the virus. The bill also assures businesses that reopening won’t expose them to “undue liability for a person’s exposure to COVID-19.” Additionally, similar legislation advanced in a Florida senate committee.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Wages
Missouri – A house committee heard pending legislation that would roll back a voter-approved minimum wage increase to $12/hr by 2023.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Tennessee – A senate committee failed to advance legislation to raise the minimum wage to $12/hr by 2025, likely killing the issue for the year.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Oakland, CA – The mayor announced a privately-funded program that will give low-income families of color $500/month with no rules on how they can spend it.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Darden – The company announced $17 million in bonuses to hourly restaurant workers who work at least 10hrs/week.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Paid Leave
California – The governor signed legislation to extend the existing COVID-19 supplemental paid leave law until Sept. 30.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
New Mexico – The house concurred with the senate’s changes in a bill mandating employers to provide at least 64 hours of paid sick leave each year to full time, part time, temporary, and seasonal employees with one hour accrued for each 30 hours worked.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Labor Policy
SEC – The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is considering new disclosure requirements for publicly-traded companies related to diversity within their executive ranks and boards of directors.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
McDonald’s – A federal appeals court ruled that McDonald’s can defend a ruling by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Alcohol
Arizona – A senate committee advanced house-passed legislation allowing cocktails to-go and home delivery of alcohol.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Delaware – The governor signed legislation permitting cocktails to-go.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Georgia – A house committee advanced senate-approved legislation that would make to-go cocktails from restaurants legal in the state.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
New York – The state liquor authority extended by one week, until April 6, the pending executive order allowing restaurants to deliver and serve takeout alcohol.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Texas – The house passed legislation permanently allowing beer, wine, and mixed drinks to be included in pickup and delivery food orders.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Vermont – Legislation allowing cocktails to-go and home delivery of alcoholic beverages for certain licensees passed the house.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Virginia – The governor signed legislation extending a temporary provision allowing restaurants, bars, and distilleries to sell cocktails to-go until July 2022.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Washington – A house committee advanced senate-passed legislation allowing for cocktails to-go and home delivery of alcoholic beverages.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Wisconsin – The senate passed legislation allowing restaurants and bars to serve cocktails to-go.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Delivery
Maryland – Both the upper and lower chamber passed legislation permitting cocktails to-go and home delivery of alcoholic beverages.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Massachusetts – The senate rejected legislation to permanently extend the existing, temporary 15 percent cap on third-party delivery fees.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Aurora, CO – The city council voted to extend the temporary 15 percent cap on third-party delivery fees from the original March 30 deadline until May 15.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Taxes
Massachusetts – The senate unanimously passed legislation exempting PPP funds from being taxed by the state in 2020.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Idaho – The governor signed legislation excluding PPP funds from taxable income.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Ohio – The house passed senate-approved PPP conforming legislation which is now on its way to the governor’s desk for his expected signature.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
New Hampshire – A senate committee advanced legislation excluding PPP funds from being considered taxable income.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe
Misc.
New York – Legislative leaders and the governor’s office reached an agreement to legalize recreational marijuana in the state.To Access Align's Analysis: Log In or Subscribe