--- title: Winter 2021 Compliance Round Up description: Take a look at the compliance round-up from the final quarter of 2021, with a focus on new COVID-19 guidance and state-by-state workforce rule changes. image: https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/social-suggested-images/gavel-in-court.png --- [![PopulusGroup_Plane_Logo_rgb-01](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/PG%20Registered%20Logos/PopulusGroup_Plane_Logo_rgb-01.png?width=1966&height=1530&name=PopulusGroup_Plane_Logo_rgb-01.png "PopulusGroup_Plane_Logo_rgb-01")](https://www.populusgroup.com/en) - [Employers](https://www.populusgroup.com/en/workforce-solutions) - [Careers](https://www.populusgroup.com/en/job-seeker) - [Contractors](https://www.populusgroup.com/en/contractor-resources) - [Blog](https://blog.populusgroup.com) - [About](https://www.populusgroup.com/en/about) - [Impact](https://www.populusgroup.com/en/impact) - [Work With Us](https://www.populusgroup.com/en/contact) [The PG Blog](https://blog.populusgroup.com) Search Search this site on Google Search Google Subscribe ### Subscribe to Email Updates Select Category - [Industry (52)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/industry) - [Diversity (44)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/diversity) - [Climber Stories (31)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/climber-stories) - [Community (28)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/community) - [Foreign National Talent Management (26)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/foreign-national-talent-management) - [Compliance (25)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/compliance) - [Leadership (25)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/leadership) - [Staffing and Recruiting (24)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/staffing-and-recruiting) - [Contingent Workforce Trends (21)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/contingent-workforce-trends) - [Careers (16)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/careers) - [Military Veterans (15)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/military-veterans) - [Legislation (13)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/legislation) - [Independent Contractor Compliance (ICC) (12)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/independent-contractor-compliance-icc) - [Personal Development (12)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/personal-development) - [Professional Development (10)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/professional-development) - [Company Culture (9)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/company-culture) - [PG Celebrates (8)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/pg-celebrates) - [Managed Service Provider (MSP) (7)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/managed-service-provider-msp) - [Mental Health (5)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/mental-health) - [Pay It Forward (5)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/pay-it-forward) - [Payroll Services (5)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/payroll-services) - [Sustainability (3)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/sustainability) - [AI (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/ai) - [Contractor Experience (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/contractor-experience) Select Author - [Populus Group (70)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/populus-group) - [Bobby Herrera (34)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/bobby-herrera) - [Whitney Barton (25)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/whitney-barton) - [Samantha Heilman (15)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/samantha-heilman) - [Brandon Wischmeyer (14)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/brandon-wischmeyer) - [Cynthia Waddell (10)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/cynthia-waddell) - [Ejay Oravecz (8)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/ejay-oravecz) - [Austin McCool (8)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/austin-mccool) - [Jen Pasquier (6)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/jen-pasquier) - [Jackie McCool (6)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/jackie-mccool) - [Brandon Byrd (5)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/brandon-byrd) - [Tom Mehl (5)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/tom-mehl) - [Briana Walker and Kristine Baker (4)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/briana-walker-and-kristine) - [Sebastian Puravet (4)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/sebastian-puravet) - [Jaylynn Hogeboom (3)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/jaylynn-hogeboom) - [Kathryn Crimmins (3)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/kathryn-crimmins) - [Danielle Hein (3)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/danielle-hein) - [Taniesha Thomas & Tiasha Holcomb (3)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/tanisha-thomas-tiasha-holcomb) - [Raul Ramos (3)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/raul-ramos) - [Donna Morris (3)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/donna-morris) - [DE&I Council (3)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/diversity-inclusion-council) - [Rosemarie Fontela (3)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/rosemarie-fontela) - [Brooke Stovall (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/brooke-stovall) - [Eric Schmitz (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/eric-schmitz) - [Jessica Bitell (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/jessica-bitell) - [Kyle Heilman (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/kyle-heilman) - [Mario L. Lambert II (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/mario-l-lambert-ii) - [Dr. Jenna Rowen (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/dr-jenna-rowen) - [Liz Waters (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/liz-waters) - [Maxwell Barry (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/maxwell-barry) - [Megan Mallie (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/megan-mallie) - [Taniesha Thomas (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/taniesha-thomas) - [Derek Kimmerle (2)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/derek-kimmerle) - [Shelby Gerschick (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/shelby-gerschick) - [Jennifer Stevens (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/jennifer-stevens) - [Leah Koskinen (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/leah-koskinen) - [Alyse Nilson (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/alyse-nilson) - [Jen Colburn (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/jen-colburn) - [Jim Mann (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/jim-mann) - [Ejay Oravecz & Austin McCool (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/ejay-oravecz-austin-mccool) - [Joy Goberville (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/joy-goberville) - [Bismah Khan (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/bismah-khan) - [Irene Lawrence (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/irene-lawrence) - [Ron Lippitt (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/ron-lippitt) - [Andrea Pulkkinen (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/andrea-pulkkinen) - [Ed Herrera (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/ed-herrera) - [Pride Alliance ERG (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/pride-alliance-erg) - [Joanna Esparza (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/joanna-esparza) - [Nicole Stevens-Delgado (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/nicole-stevens-delgado) - [Billy Alfonsi (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/billy-alfonsi) - [Brandon Bates (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/brandon-bates) - [Judy Yang (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/judy-yang) - [Pamela Warchuck (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/pamela-warchuck) - [Rosemarie Fontela & Denis Kenny (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/rosemarie-fontela-denis-kenny) - [Brookie Clark (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/brookie-clark) - [Darwin Morgan (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/darwin-morgan) - [Bunker Labs (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/bunker-labs) - [Joy Bartolome (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/joy-bartolome) - [Josh Hauser (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/josh-hauser) - [Karen Philbrick (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/karen-philbrick) - [Helen Konrad (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/helen-konrad) - [Michelle Nyhart & Ejay Oravecz (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/michelle-nyhart-ejay-oravecz) - [The Cultures Connected ERG (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/cultures-connected-erg) - [Derrick Workman (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/derrick-workman) - [Frank DeCastro (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/frank-decastro) - [Tim Zeches (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/tim-zeches) - [Izabela Miklas (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/izabela-miklas) - [Justin Stewart (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/justin-stewart) - [Stephanie DeStefanis (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/stephanie-destefanis) - [Dominic Charleston (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/dominic-charleston) - [Cheryl Longo (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/cheryl-longo) - [Dorian Cast (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/dorian-cast) - [Sydnie Chy (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/sydnie-chy) - [Josh Schreck (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/josh-schreck) - [Jacob Houston (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/jacob-houston) - [Jillian Seidl (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/jillian-seidl) - [Matt King (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/matt-king) - [Marcella Cheng (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/marcella-cheng) - [David Kaggwa (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/david-kaggwa) - [Lance Schroder (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/lance-schroder) - [Stephanie Hill (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/stephanie-hill) - [Megan Anderson (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/megan-anderson) - [Michelle Fedorkiw (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/michelle-fedorkiw) - [Kimberly Mills (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/kimberly-mills) - [Denis Kenny (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/denis-kenny) - [Tim Wang (1)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/tim-wang) # Winter 2021 Compliance Round Up [![Brandon Wischmeyer](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Brandon%20Wischmeyer-200px.jpg)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/brandon-wischmeyer) [by Brandon Wischmeyer](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/brandon-wischmeyer) It's the most wonderful time of the year!  Time to turn on your holiday cheer, pour yourself a nice mug of hot cocoa and cozy up with your Q4 compliance updates!  There's been a lot of updates and movement in 2021, but we're here rounding up the latest industry updates so you can relax and enjoy whatever it is you like most about this time of year.  We're continuing to see COVID-19 as a major influencer of compliance updates as well as different state-by-state updates from health & safety, to drug testing, to wages & overtime and more. Are you a holiday season super fan, or are you wishing for longer days and warmer weather?  Let us know in the comments! EEOC Expands COVID-19 Guidance to Address Retaliation **Retaliation guidance joins other COVID-19-related anti-discrimination guidance from the EEOC** **![Troy_RTO6112021-png](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Troy_RTO6112021-png.jpeg?width=300&name=Troy_RTO6112021-png.jpeg)**The EEOC has been providing guidance to employers on complying with their anti-discrimination laws throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.  They have just updated this guidance with more specific information regarding existing prohibition on retaliation provided by these anti-discrimination laws.  [**Read more >>**](https://shawe.com/articles/eeoc-expands-its-covid-19-guidance-to-address-retaliation/) You can read the entire guidance, direct from the EEOC website here:  [EEOC.gov >>](https://www.eeoc.gov/wysk/what-you-should-know-about-covid-19-and-ada-rehabilitation-act-and-other-eeo-laws)   Increases in Washington State Minimum Wage & Exempt Salary Threshold **Increases Effective January 1, 2022** ![seattle](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2017%20Blog/seattle.jpg?width=300&name=seattle.jpg) The minimum wage in Washington state is increasing by 5.83%, from the 2021 minimum of $13.69/hour to the 2022 minimum of $14.49/hour.  Accordingly, since the minimum salary threshold for exempt employees is a function of minimum wage, the salary minimum for 2022 with increase to $52,743.60 per year (or $1,014.30 per week). [Read more >>](https://www.dwt.com/blogs/employment-labor-and-benefits/2021/10/washington-state-minimum-wage-2022#page=1)   AB 1003: California Wage Theft Bill **Bill defines "intentional theft of wages" by an employer** **![California-1](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/California-1.jpg?width=300&name=California-1.jpg)**The bill defines the "intentional theft of wages" and includes both traditional employees and independent contractors under the "employee" definition.  According to the bill's author, "Examples of wage theft include paying less than minimum wage, not paying workers overtime, not allowing workers to take meal and rest breaks, requiring off the clock work, or taking workers’ tips."  The bill is likely to become law in California.  [**Read more >>**](https://ogletree.com/insights/california-wage-theft-bill-would-raise-the-stakes-for-compliance/)   AB 701: New California Law Impacting Warehouse Distribution Centers and their Employees  **New law will take effect Jan. 1, 2022 and effects worker quotas** ![California AB5-300](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/California%20AB5-300.jpg?width=300&name=California%20AB5-300.jpg) This law requires employers to provide nonexempt employees with a written description of any quota the employee is subject to.  For more information on what exactly must be contained in the description and what cannot be required of employees, read on:  [**Read more >>**](https://www.natlawreview.com/article/california-passes-law-marking-dramatic-shift-warehouse-worker-quotas)   2 New California Laws Target Changes to Employer Health & Safety Obligations **SB 606 & AB 654** **![California Independent Contractors-300px](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2018%20Compliance%20Updates/July%202018%20Compliance/California%20Independent%20Contractors-300px.jpg?width=300&name=California%20Independent%20Contractors-300px.jpg)** Senate Bill 606 creates new classes of health & safety violations and increases liability for non-compliant written workplace health & safety programs. Assembly Bill 654 makes revisions to an employer's COVID-19 exposure notification and reporting requirements.  [Read more >>](https://www.littler.com/publication-press/publication/two-new-california-laws-make-significant-changes-employer-safety-and)   New York Department of Labor Effectively Bans Cannabis Testing **Prohibits employers from testing applicants and employees for cannabis use, except in very limited circumstances ** **![New York Reopening Businesses](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/New%20York%20Reopening%20Businesses.jpg?width=300&name=New%20York%20Reopening%20Businesses.jpg)** The NYDOL issued an FAQ guidance reflecting protections provided to cannabis users under the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act, signed into law on March 31, 2021.  To see the limited exceptions of this protection and more information on enforcement, read on: [Read more >>](https://www.csemploymentblog.com/2021/11/articles/employment/new-york-department-of-labor-now-effectively-bans-employers-from-conducting-cannabis-drug-testing-on-most-employees/#page=1)   Fifth Circuit Court: Six-Figure Employee Entitled to Overtime **Hewitt v. Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. ** **![gavel-in-court](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/social-suggested-images/gavel-in-court.png?width=300&name=gavel-in-court.png)** The decision sends a message that paying an employee a six-figure wage does not necessarily exempt them from earning overtime.  Accordingly to this decision, calculating compensation on a daily basis does NOT necessarily satisfy the FLSA requirement of a weekly amount guarantee, as required to be considered "salary basis".  For more details, read on: [Read more >>](https://www.cozen.com/news-resources/publications/2021/fifth-circuit-six-figure-employee-entitled-to-overtime)   # Create Peace of Mind If you manage a workforce population, there may be other new legislation that could impact your compliance. Don't try to sift through each new wave of policy changes; contact an expert who can help. If you have any questions, or want to share some of your favorite fall activities, don't hesitate to reach out!  See you in 2022, friends! Your pal,  **Brandon Wischmeyer** [bwischme@populusgroup.com](mailto:bwischme@populusgroup.com)    [![Get updates like this straight to your inbox ](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/450029/9df9f3a5-17e1-4c4d-8b6d-dbeaca02c809.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/450029/9df9f3a5-17e1-4c4d-8b6d-dbeaca02c809)   ## Leave a comment [![Brandon Wischmeyer](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Brandon%20Wischmeyer-200px.jpg)](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/brandon-wischmeyer) Written by [Brandon Wischmeyer](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/brandon-wischmeyer) Brandon is a Corporate Compliance Specialist at Populus Group. You can find him reviewing FLSA requests to keep our customers up-to-date on all the labor laws across the US. He's a busy dude. When he's not at work, Brandon likes to travel, hike, and go to the beach with his Goldendoodle, Dakota. ### Related posts ###### [Compliance](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/compliance) [Summer 2024 Compliance Roundup](https://blog.populusgroup.com/summer-2024-compliance-updates) [![Jen Pasquier](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/jen%20pasquier-1.png) Jen Pasquier](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/jen-pasquier) ###### [Compliance](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/compliance) [Is Your Contractor Really an Employee? What the 2024 DOL Rule Says](https://blog.populusgroup.com/is-your-contractor-really-an-employee-what-the-2024-dol-rule-says) [![Jaylynn Hogeboom](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Jaylynn%20Buckley.png) Jaylynn Hogeboom](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/jaylynn-hogeboom) ###### [Compliance](https://blog.populusgroup.com/topic/compliance) [How PG Helps You Meet Supplier Diversity Goals](https://blog.populusgroup.com/how-pg-helps-to-meet-your-spend-goals) [![Jackie McCool](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Jackie%20McCool-1.png) Jackie McCool](https://blog.populusgroup.com/author/jackie-mccool) **Corporate Headquarters** Populus Group, Troy Headquarters 3001 West Big Beaver Road Suite 608 Troy, MI 48084 [248-712-7900](tel:248-712-7900) [opportunities@populusgroup.com](mailto:opportunities@populusgroup.com) **Employment Verification Requests\*** [248-928-0530](tel:248-928-0530) [voe@populusgroup.com](mailto:voe@populusgroup.com) [Employer Services](http://www.populusgroup.com/en/workforce-solutions)[Begin Your Job Search](http://www.populusgroup.com/en/job-seeker) ©2023 Populus Group [Privacy Policy](http://www.populusgroup.com/en/privacy-policy)[Terms & Conditions](http://www.populusgroup.com/en/terms-conditions)[Site Map](http://www.populusgroup.com/en/sitemap) [![](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Images/blog/icon-social-fb%20png.png?h=28&la=en&w=28)](https://www.facebook.com/populusgroup) [![](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Images/blog/icon-social-twitter%20png.png?h=28&la=en&w=28)](https://twitter.com/populusgroup) [![](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Images/blog/icon-social-instagram%20png.png?h=28&la=en&w=28)](https://www.instagram.com/populusgroup/) [![](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Images/blog/icon-social-li%20png.png?h=28&la=en&w=28)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/70117/) [![](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Images/blog/icon-social-glassdoor%20png.png?h=28&la=en&w=28)](https://www.glassdoor.com/Overview/Working-at-Populus-Group-EI_IE259242.11,24.htm) [![](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Images/blog/icon-social-youtube%20png.png?h=28&la=en&w=39)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-O9v1hz-Q4OW0Ze0b9O_sg) [![](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Images/blog/icon-social-gplus%20png.png?h=28&la=en&w=28)](https://plus.google.com/u/0/102588349136181669410) ![](https://blog.populusgroup.com/hubfs/Images/blog/icon-top%20png.png?h=33&la=en&w=33)