LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY NEWS

Although it remains consumed with the debate over health care reform, Congress is also considering a bill that would tie increases in the minimum wage to the federal threshold determining poverty for a family of two.  The bill (the Living American Wage Act of 2009, H.R. 3041) would adjust the minimum wage every four years. Under current economic conditions, the minimum wage established by this bill would be set at $8.20/hour.  A Senate Committee has approved a bill (S 1261) establishing federal security standards that states must follow for issuance of driver licenses and identification cards. A court has upheld the validity of the presidential order requiring federal procurement contractors to use the E-Verify system to verify the legal status of employees.  Finally, the United States Department of Health and Human Services has issued regulations implementing federal requirements that employers and health care providers provide notice to affected individuals of any breach of protected health information. For more information, see:  http://www.littler.com/PressPublications/Documents/2009_08_ASAP_EmployersHealthCareProviders_NewGuidance_HIPAASecurityBreach.pdf

Acknowledgement and thanks to Mike O’Brien (writer) and Kriss Hess (sender) at the law firm Jones Waldo in Salt Lake City, UT

LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS

HR-related legislative issues.