Blog posts by
Amber Warner

Summer heat does not wait for paperwork. When temperatures surge past triple digits across the South and Midwest, heat safety is compromised. Your crew on the asphalt or inside an unconditioned warehouse faces real danger within minutes. OSHA updated its National Emphasis Program for heat hazards to sharpen its enforcement focus. They added 22 industries […]

Mark your calendars! New compliance rules take effect this October, and protecting your business starts with knowing what is changing. The latest updates bring major changes to state and federal employment laws, changing everything from workplace policies to payroll. Key changes include the federal repeal of OFCCP affirmative action mandates and Alabama’s ban on sexual […]

States are enacting new workplace artificial intelligence laws that focus on transparency and worker privacy. If your business uses software to score applicants or screen current employees, state laws now demand clear notices and strict record-keeping. Connecticut will require a disclosure starting in October when AI informs major employment decisions. Colorado mandates notices for job […]

July brings a fresh wave of state and federal compliance updates. Nextep has the complete rundown to keep your business on track. Get started using these quick links: Part 1: Federal Compliance Spotlight: New EEOC National Enforcement Plan On June 4, 2026, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) voted to replace its previous Strategic Enforcement […]

For years, HR teams have asked: If an employee has a 30-minute appointment, but it takes them an hour to get there, is that drive time Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)-protected? The Department of Labor (DOL) just gave us a definitive answer in Opinion Letter FMLA2026-2. For employers, this is both a compliance requirement and […]

In December 2025, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) highlighted seven specific Letters of Interpretation (LOI). Below is a summary of what this means for the employer and how these resources can be used to mitigate risk. The Big Picture: Why This Matters OSHA is signaling a shift toward a “compliance assistance” model. Rather […]

Many new or revised state law updates will go into effect in the coming months. Our Compliance experts have summarized regulations in your state that may impact your business. Follow the quick links below to find your state: FEDERAL UPDATE Paid Family and Medical Leave Effective January 1, 2026, the tax credit for employers that […]

Federal and state laws govern pay and overtime exemptions. The federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires overtime pay for non-exempt employees who work more than 40 hours per week. Some states, however, have added their own rules. Employees must meet specific salary and duties tests to qualify for overtime exemption at both the federal […]

State Minimum Wage Increases Several states and local jurisdictions will increase their minimum wage rates on January 1, 2026. Below is a summary of these changes and guidelines to help you comply with your minimum wage requirements. Some states adjust wages annually for inflation, while others make mid-year changes. Be sure to verify pay rates […]

EITC State Requirements Quick links: Employers in a number of states and at least one city must notify employees about the federal and/or state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and other applicable tax credits. The EITC is a refundable tax credit for low- to moderate-income workers. These notices are typically required annually and are based […]

The Department of Labor (DOL) Wage and Hour Division’s Opinion Letter, FMLA2025-02-A, provides clarification on how employers must calculate an employee’s total available FMLA leave hours. These rules speak especially for those with non-traditional schedules that include mandatory overtime. What It Means for Employers The core takeaway is that employers must calculate an employee’s FMLA […]

A recent Florida court ruling in McDaniels v. State struck down the state’s open-carry ban, effectively making open carry the new law for adults who can lawfully possess a firearm. This ruling follows Florida’s existing “constitutional carry” law (effective July 1, 2023), which allows for permitless concealed carry. Here is a summary of the key […]