New year, new laws.
Starting today, January 1, employers must provide 20 hours of pre-natal sick leave for appointments such as physical exams, medical procedures, etc., in addition to existing sick time, according to Governor Kathy Hochul’s office.
“Hard-working New Yorkers should not have to worry about how they will buy food or rent when they need time off to care for a new baby or a family member with a serious health condition, or are injured on the job. Similarly, business owners who have their own bills to pay and families to support also need affordable solutions,” Governor Hochul said. “I’m proud that New York State is finding ways to put money back into the pockets of workers and those who employ them so both the economy and people can grow.”
New York will be the first state in the US to provide paid time off for pregnancy-related medical care. Employers can also provide more than 20 hours of leave.
Following this, California has finally decided to curb the unbridled power of Artificial Intelligence by protecting actors and artists from misuse of their digital likenesses. They will be preserved in audio and video presentations.
California has also mandated that parents set aside 15 percent of the money earned by children’s social media influencers. Children can access these accounts only if they are adults.
According to the office of Governor Gavin Newsom, this law ensures that children are protected from “financial exploitation.”
A third new law in California states that teachers and school personnel may not forcefully “out” a student’s gender identity or orientation. Nevertheless, parents can still request school records. However, teachers and staff are protected from any retaliation for refusing to disclose children’s preferences.
Following in Australia’s footsteps, Florida will not allow children under 14 to have social media accounts under a new bill. Although this law will become effective from today i.e. January 1, it can be legally implemented only in February.
According to Axios, minimum workers’ compensation will increase in 21 states, 48 cities and counties on January 1. By 2027, nearly half of workers in the United States will live in states with a $15 minimum wage.
