.png?width=200&name=HRLawBlogGraphic%20(1).png)
The backstitch HR law blog is a monthly series where we provide the latest updates on upcoming and recently in-effect legislation. Here are short snippets of State, Federal, and Global changes in HR and employment law, so your organization can be prepared for changes this month.
Illinois
Back in 2022, Chicago amended the City of Chicago Human Rights Ordinance to redefine sexual harassment and require sexual harassment training for all employees in Chicago. Now, employees must go through one hour of sexual harassment prevention training, while managers and supervisors must go through two hours. All employees must also conduct one hour of bystander training as well. The first training must be conducted by June 30 and then be continued annually.
New Mexico
New Mexico's HB 207, Expand Human Rights Act Scope, does indeed expand the scope of the New Mexico Human Rights Act. First, it adds gender as a protected class. It also defines gender identity and sexual orientation to further expand the Human Rights Act. Finally, it replaces handicap with disability. This goes into effect on June 16.
New York
On June 7, all employers, regardless of size, must allow for reasonable accommodations for expressing breast milk in the office. These accommodations must be available any time the employee needs to use it. The location must be close to the work area, well lit, shielded from view and free from intrusions from others. The accommodation must also have a chair, a working surface, nearby access to clean running water and an electrical outlet, and must not merely be a restroom stall. Finally, if the workspace has refrigeration, then usage of refrigeration should be extended to storing breast milk.
