CURRENT NEWS AND
REGULATORY UPDATES

Yesterday, March 25, Governor Walz announced the Stay-at-Home Executive Order for Minnesota, restricting the operation of “non-critical businesses” in order to control the spread of the coronavirus.

Yesterday, March 24, the DOL announced its first round of guidance to provide information to employees and employers about how each will be able to take advantage of the protections and relief offered by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA).

Small and midsize employers may begin using two new refundable payroll tax credits to obtain reimbursement for the costs of providing coronavirus-related leave to their employees.

A Shelter in Place order is being seriously considered by multiple states in the Midwest in response to the spread of COVID-19.

As part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act signed into law by President Trump on March 18, 2020, two laws were enacted that provide workers with paid leave for reasons related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

On March 18, 2020, President Trump signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the Act) into law.

On March 11, 2020, the IRS issued Notice 2020-15, which allows high deductible health plans (HDHPs) to pay for COVID-19 testing and treatment without a deductible.

The Department of Labor (DOL) has released updated versions of its model COBRA General Notice and model COBRA Election Notice, both with an expiration date of Jan. 31, 2023.

Feb. 1 is the annual deadline for many employers to post their OSHA Forms 300A from the previous year.

Since the Clearinghouse became operational on Jan. 6, 2020, the online system has experienced technical difficulties with queries.

On Dec. 27, 2019, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced it is doubling the minimum annual percentage rate for random controlled substances testing for commercial motor vehicle drivers.