Spikes in large-scale layoffs and anxiety over AI-driven job losses have put renewed focus on the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act. Recent months have seen unusually high levels of WARN notices nationwide, with more than 39,000 workers receiving WARN notifications in October 2025 alone and even higher totals earlier in the year.
New California and New York Laws Target “Stay-or-Pay” Arrangements
California and New York recently enacted statutory restrictions aimed at “stay-or-pay” arrangements: California AB 692 (Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 16608 & Cal. Lab. Code § 926) and the New York Trapped at Work Act (N.Y. Lab. Law art. 37, §§ 1050-1055), respectively. Such arrangements are contractual provisions that, while falling short of a
Florida on Verge of Enacting Employer-Friendly Non-Compete Law
UPDATED July 7, 2025
The bill became law on July 4, 2025.
Florida lawmakers recently passed the Florida Contracts Honoring Opportunity, Investment, Confidentiality and Economic Growth (CHOICE) Act (the “Act”), which would create a presumption that covered non-compete and garden leave agreements are enforceable. If it is approved by Governor Ron DeSantis, or allowed to
Approved New York State Budget Bolsters Child Labor Protections
On May 9, 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law numerous provisions under the FY26 New York State Budget that, among other things, increase the civil penalties for employers that violate state child labor laws and modify existing permitting and reporting requirements for employers and minor employees. Other changes include eliminating the coverage exemption for