There are currently three new federal laws that are poised for approval in 2010. While it is uncertain whether or not each of these laws will ultimately be enacted, California employers are wise to plan ahead for these changes

Our HR Management & Compliance Report: How To Comply with California and Federal Leave Laws, covers everything you need to know to stay in compliance with both state and federal law in one of the trickiest areas of compliance for even the most experienced HR professional. Learn the rules for pregnancy and parental leaves, medical exams and certifications, intermittent leaves, required notices, and more.

Each of the following prospective bills is currently pending in the U.S. Congress, and if approved, may become law during the coming year:

  • The Healthy Families Act—This bill would require businesses with 15 or more employees to provide up to seven days (56 hours) of paid sick leave each year to all employees. Employees would be legally permitted to use this paid sick leave to recover from routine illness or care for an ill family member, doctor's appointments and other preventative care, and for time spent seeking help and services for victims of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault.
  • Family Leave Insurance Act—This bill would establish a Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program at both federal and state levels. It will also require employers who are bound by the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to join the Program or establish voluntary insurance plans. Among other requirements, voluntary plans would have to provide equal or greater employee rights than the Program, and receive the approval of the Secretary of Labor.
  • Family and Medical Leave Enhancement Act—This bill would amend the FMLA to allow employees to take, as additional leave, parental involvement leave to participate in or attend their children's and grandchildren's educational and extracurricular activities, and to clarify that leave may be taken for routine family medical needs and to assist elderly relatives.

Each of these laws could become law individually, or as part of comprehensive family and medical leave legislation, knows as The Balancing Act of 2009. We'll keep you updated on the progress of these significant bills as more information becomes available.

Update: New Mileage Rates Announced for 2010

The IRS has announced the new mileage rates for 2010. Starting Jan. 1, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car, van, or truck will be:

  • 50 cents per mile for business miles driven
  • 16.5 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes
  • 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations

These rates represent a decrease from last year's, reflecting lower transportation costs generally. For more details, check out IRS Revenue Procedure 2009-54.