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Federal Law Updates: October 2020
Five Federal along with eight State Law Updates have been issued. Our HR Advisors are versed and ready to answer your toughest HR questions to help your company through working remotely, coming back to work and all year long.
Labor Law Updates for October 2020
1
DOL Releases FFCRA Eligibility Tool
Tool to assist employers and employees on determining eligibility for certain types of leave.
In October 2020, the federal Department of Labor released a Families First Coronavirus Relief Act (FFCRA) eligibility webtool for employees to determine their eligibility for paid sick leave or paid expanded family and medical leave. The webtool will also assist employers in determining their obligations to provide paid sick leave or paid expanded family and medical leave. The employer webtool is still being developed.
2
COLA Increase for 2021
The Social Security Administration announced a cost-of-living adjustment.
On October 13, 2020, the Social Security Administration announced the following for January 2021:
- The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will increase by 1.3 percent; and
- The maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) will increase to $142,800 from $137,700.
Read the full announcement on the Social Security Administration’s site.
3
FAQs for Executive Order 13950 – Federal Contractors Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping
U.S. Department of Labor issued the following FAQs for Executive Order 13950.
On October 7, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor issued the following FAQs for Executive Order 13950, “Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping,” which addresses race stereotyping, sex stereotyping, or scapegoating and federal contractors’ workplace diversity and inclusion trainings:
- When does Executive Order 13950 become effective?
- What constitutes “race or sex stereotyping” under Executive Order 13950?
- What constitutes “race or sex scapegoating” under Executive Order 13950?
- Is such stereotyping and scapegoating unlawful in a training program?
- What are examples of race or sex stereotyping or scapegoating?
- Does Executive Order 13950 prohibit unconscious bias or implicit bias training?
- How can I file a complaint alleging unlawful training programs?
- What will happen with complaints received by the hotline?
- When will the Department of Labor publish the Request for Information mandated by Executive Order 13950?
4
CDC Guidance for Flu Season and COVID-19
The CDC updated it’s “The Difference between the Flu and COVID-19 page.
On October 6, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) updated it’s The Difference between the Flu and COVID-19 page and addresses the following:
- Signs and symptoms;
- How long symptoms appear after exposure and infection;
- How long someone can spread the virus;
- How it spreads;
- People at high-risk for severe illness;
- Complications;
- Approved treatments; and
- Vaccine.
On October 7, 2020, CDC also updated its Influenza (Flu) Resources page that contains the following materials for businesses and employers:
- Flu clinic and flu prevention communication tools;
- Education and flu prevention messages; and
- Tools for essential workers.
5
IRS Extends Due Date for Health Coverage Forms Due Date and Other Relief
The Internal Revenue Service announced extensions on certain forms to be provided to individuals.
On October 2, 2020, the Internal Revenue Service announced (Notice 2020-76) that employers, insurers, and other providers of minimum essential coverage have until March 2, 2021 (instead of January 31, 2021) to provide the following 2020 forms to individuals:
- Form 1095-B, Health Coverage; and
- Form 1095-C, Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage, which is filed by Applicable Large Employers (ALEs).
The extension is automatic, no request required, but employers and other coverage providers are encouraged to furnish 2020 information statements as soon as they can. The notice does not extend the due date for filing the 2020 Forms 1094-B, 1095-B, 1094-C, or 1095-C with the IRS.
The notice also provides a final extension for ALEs from penalties under 26 U.S.C. §§ 6721 and 6722 for incorrect or incomplete information if they can prove their good-faith efforts to comply with Form 1095-C:
- § 6721 imposes a penalty for the failure to file correct information returns; and
- § 6722 imposes a penalty for the failure to furnish correct payee statements.
Individual state labor laws
State Specific Labor Law Updates:
Compliance can weigh down even the most experienced professionals. Our HR Advisors, one click compliance Handbook ,Compliance Database, HR Tools and Employee Training are ready to help navigate HR all year long. Everything included with your AllMyHR™ Solutions.
