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The SHRM Lege
September 2024
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Welcome to our Legislative News page!
Stay informed about the latest HR legislation affecting Texas and the United States. Here you'll find updates on bills, laws, and regulations that impact human resources practices.
Our curated content helps you:
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Understand new compliance requirements
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Prepare for upcoming changes
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Advocate for HR-friendly policies
Explore the articles below to enhance your HR expertise and keep your organization ahead of the curve!
- Bertha Lance
OSHA Issues Draft Federal Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Standard
OSHA has proposed a new federal rule to prevent heat-related illnesses in workplaces, affecting about 36 million workers. The rule would require employers with 10+ employees to create a Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Plan (HIIPP), implement protective measures when temperatures exceed certain thresholds, provide water and rest breaks, train employees, help workers acclimatize to heat, and maintain records. These requirements would apply to both indoor and outdoor workers in various industries and must be implemented at no cost to employees.
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Pennsylvania Judge Declines to Stop FTC Noncompete Ban
On early July, Judge Ada Brown of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas has granted a limited preliminary injunction against the FTC's Non-Compete Clause Rule in the case of Ryan LLC v. Federal Trade Commission. This injunction postpones the Rule's September 4 effective date, but only for the named plaintiffs in the lawsuit. The court stated that the FTC lacks authority to make such rules under Section 6(g) of the FTC Act. A final ruling on the merits is expected by August 30, 2024. SHRM, which submitted an amicus brief supporting a nationwide injunction, will continue to advocate for employers' perspectives as the litigation progresses.
In a recent ruling, this preliminary injunction was overruled, and a new decision was made to decline the FTC's ban on noncompetence agreements. In Texas, the organizations that sued to block the FTC’s final rule prohibiting most noncompete agreements from taking effect will not have to abide by the rule until their litigation is resolved, a federal district judge ruled July 3. The court said it would rule on the merits of the rule on or before Aug. 30.
In submitted comments on the rule when it was still a proposal, SHRM offered the FTC less restrictive alternatives to its ban on noncompete, such as establishing a minimum salary threshold for workers, limiting the types of employees who can enter into noncompete agreements, and prohibiting the use of noncompete in certain industries.
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Speakers at SHRM24 discuss future of federal workforce, immigration
At the SHRM Annual Conference & Expo 2024 (SHRM24) in Chicago and virtually last week, SHRM CHRO Jim Link hosted U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) acting Director Rob Shriver for a discussion of the challenges and successes federal agencies have in attracting, developing, and retaining top talent.
Shriver reinforced the OPM’s commitment to helping federal agencies hire the individuals who can best serve the U.S. population. He also discussed the resources the OPM utilizes to achieve its goals, including artificial intelligence, skills-based hiring for certain positions, and supports for employees’ mental and physical health.
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Independent Worker RFI Submission
SHRM responded to a U.S. Senate committee's request for input on portable benefits for independent workers. SHRM highlighted that independent workers value flexibility but noted concerns about the lack of clarity in contractor classification. They advocated for a single federal definition of "employee" to ensure consistency and compliance. SHRM also pointed out that businesses are hesitant to offer benefits to independent workers due to legal uncertainties, potentially creating employer-employee relationships. With 75% of organizations using independent workers, SHRM emphasized the need to address these legal ambiguities to maintain the benefits of independent work for both workers and businesses.
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Overtime Rule Now in Effect 
The U.S. Department of Labor's new overtime rule, effective July 1, raises the salary threshold for overtime eligibility from $35,568 to $43,888 annually, affecting millions of workers. However, a federal judge in Texas issued a preliminary injunction against the new salary level changes for the state of Texas as an employer and consolidated related lawsuits. This injunction only applies to Texas, while the rule remains in effect elsewhere. Employers must reassess payroll structures and potentially reclassify employees to comply with the new threshold.
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Title VII of the Civil Rights Act Turns 60!
This year, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, signed into law 60 years ago after a record-breaking Senate debate, established a foundation for equal treatment in the U.S. by prohibiting discrimination in various spheres. Title VII of the Act specifically bans employment discrimination based on race, sex, color, religion, and national origin, and led to the creation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). This legislation is fundamental to workplace fairness, providing a legal framework for inclusive environments where employees are judged on their abilities rather than protected characteristics. SHRM emphasizes the importance of civil rights protections and collaboration between the EEOC, employers, and employees to promote equal opportunity and civility in the workplace.
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Join National SHRM!
Be part of a powerful HR network with 325,000+ professionals like you, all united in the mission to create a world of work that truly works for all. As a SHRM Member®, you’ll pave the path of your success with invaluable resources, world-class educational opportunities and premier events. Join us in shaping a brighter, inclusive tomorrow.
Join Here!
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LVC SHRM HR & Business Conference
Join the Lower Valley Chapter of SHRM for their upcoming HR & Business conference for HR professionals and business leaders. This conference promises to deliver valuable insights, networking opportunities, and the latest trends in human resources and business management. With expert speakers, interactive sessions, and practical takeaways, attendees will gain knowledge to enhance their professional skills and dive organizational success. Don't miss the chance to connect with peers, learn from industry experts, and stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of HR. Register now to secure your spot at this must-attend event!
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Human Resource Professional Day!
Join us in celebrating YOU! This day highlights HR's importance in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Human Resource Professional Day reminds us of the vital role HR plays in attracting, retaining, and developing talent within organizations and recognizing our invaluable contributions in shaping the workforce.
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Monthly Lunch & Learn - Safety Driving for Employers
Join our speaker Katie Alexander from the Texas Municipal Police Association. Distracted driving is an escalating threat on America’s roads, endangering numerous lives every day. This training provides a clear and impactful message: when you’re driving, your attention belongs on the road—not your phone. By participating, you’ll join thousands of Texas drivers dedicated to creating safer roadways. This training offers practical advice and essential insights designed to change attitudes and promote safer driving habits, all with the goal of saving lives. Together, we can drive positive change!
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Inclusion 2024
The HR industry has recognized it as a catalyst that brings together an incredibly diverse group of attendees, speakers, thought leaders and solutions providers who all have the same goal: To protect, prioritize and (em)power the workforce to create better workplaces where all employees act with civility, are made to feel as if they belong and have opportunities to thrive.
Join SHRM for INCLUSION 2024 on Nov. 4–7 in the Denver metro area, and virtually.
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Monthly Member Meeting
Join us for our monthly meeting. Details to come.
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2024 Women In Leadership Institute
The Women in Leadership Institute™ (WIL) is the ultimate experience equipping women leaders with actionable strategies to overcome the hurdles they often face in the workplace.
This immersive leadership development opportunity accelerates the advancement of women leaders across all levels, industries and roles while providing career-changing networking opportunities and scalable impact for organizations embracing gender equity.
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Workplace Law Forum 2024
The SHRM Workplace Law Forum 2024 (Workplace Law 2024) has been designed to help you understand how regulations are impacting areas of HR. Experts in employment law, representatives from leading government agencies and savvy HR practitioners will host sessions to help you ensure your workplace is not only protected now but is prepared for what is looming on the horizon.
Join SHRM in Washington, D.C.!
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Yearly LVC SHRM Holiday Celebration!
Join us celebrating the end of another amazing year! More details to come.
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SHRM Talent 2025
Advancements in AI and its increased functionality in HR systems will enable HR recruiters who can utilize these tools to be more efficient in sourcing and acquiring new talent. Additionally, candidates have become much more selective in accepting job offers, prioritizing organizations that make professional development a part of the compensation package.
At SHRM Talent 2025, discover new ways and tactics to put skills-development, including integrating AI, at the forefront of your talent management processes to empower your organization and succeed in an ever-evolving job market.
Join SHRM in Nashville, TN on March 24-26, 2025!
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SHRM Annual Conference & Expo
Join Us in San Diego for SHRM’s Annual Flagship Event
Shape the future of Work!
HR is changing faster than ever, and the future of work waits for no one. Staying ahead means more than just keeping up—it means leading the charge. At SHRM25, hosted in the beautiful, sunny San Diego, you have an unmatched opportunity to connect with top industry experts and peers who understand your challenges.
With over 375 handpicked sessions, you’ll dive deep into cutting-edge insights on AI advancements, emerging regulations, and the latest best practices reshaping our field. Engage in dynamic discussions, practical workshops, and inspiring keynotes that cover everything from managing a diverse workforce to innovative HR technologies.
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SHRM WEBCASTS COMING SOON
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Beating Burnout: Strategies for Creating a Healthy Workplace
Oct. 17, 2024, 11 a.m. ET / 10 a.m. CT
Tune in for this insightful webcast where we'll explore actionable solutions to one of the most pressing issues in today's work environment, burnout. In this keynote panel, SHRM CEO and President Johnny C. Taylor, Jr. and SHRM CHRO, Jim Link will discuss the root causes of burnout and provide practical strategies to foster a culture of well-being and productivity. You'll learn how to identify early signs of burnout, implement effective stress management techniques, and cultivate an atmosphere that supports mental and physical health across all levels of your organization.
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Unlocking Employee Engagement: The Power of Employee Care in Talent Management
Oct. 17, 2024, 12 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. CT
Sponsor: MetLife
This year’s Employee Benefit Trends Study builds on that work by focusing on the importance of delivering care at key moments both in and outside the workplace. For example: Employees who understand and use their benefits are 88 percent more likely to feel cared for by their employers compared to only 34 percent of those who don’t. Additionally, employees who feel cared for are 60 percent more likely to intend to be with their organizations in 12 months and 55 percent more likely to feel productive at work.
In this webcast, you'll learn:
- The latest trends in workforce dynamics and employee expectations
- New approaches for achieving desired talent management outcomes
- How to support your increasingly diverse and evolving workforce
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Tactical Strategies to Drive Family Benefits Engagement
Oct. 17, 2024, 12 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. CT
Sponsor: MAVEN
Despite increased investments, one in four employees don’t trust that their company is trying to get the best quality reproductive health care. Your managers are your best resource to counteract this “well-being washing” myth.
Learn how to upskill managers with the information, tools and resources they need to educate and support employees on your benefits, driving measurable engagement.
You’ll walk away with:
- Practical tools and resources to equip managers in supporting their teams through their reproductive health journey
- Effective strategies to ensure your women’s and family health benefits are truly impactful
- An understanding of how to demonstrate the real value and usage of your benefits
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Learn About the SHRM Advocacy Team and How YOU can be an Advocate in Your Workplace
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Policymakers rely on the voice of SHRM members to inform legislation from its inception and to shape enduring policies that address the needs of employees and employers. That is why SHRM created the Advocacy Team (A-Team). SHRM’s A-Team is the core driver of positive workplace policy in action and is advancing public policies that foster better workplaces and create a better world.
The SHRM A-Team provides several resources and ideas to be proactive and cultivate a positive workplace.
1. Reach out to your local chapter legislative chair/director to find out about any campaigns you can participate in.
2. Become a national member and part of the A-Team.
3. Research SHRM policy issues that you can advocate for in your own workplace.
4. Reach out to your local policy makers and advocate for positive and effective strategies.
5. Overall, spread awareness on healthy work cultures and workplace equity and be an active example of a positive leader and coworker.
If you wish to stay updated on new HR trends and receive policy alerts, you can subscribe to the HR Daily Newsletter here: SHRM Advocacy - Driving Workplace Change.
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FEATURED WHITE PAPERS
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Onboarding new hires can be challenging for recruiters—juggling paperwork, compliance, and creating a positive first impression. Investing in an onboarding tool can simplify this process by automating paperwork for HR professionals and helping them assign onboarding tasks, track the progress of these tasks, and communicate with teams and applicants via a centralized platform.
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7 Top Rated Learning Management Software with AI Enabled Features
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OFFERED BY: Software Advice
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Boost learner engagement in training modules with AI-enabled learning management system (LMS) software. These tools offer personalized learning paths, adaptive content, and gamification (points, badges, and leaderboard) features to keep the learners motivated and engaged throughout the module, leading to effective learning.
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