Check out this list of some of the top federal regulations to consider as a business owner.
1. Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
- This law governs minimum wage, overtime pay, and child labor laws. Employers must maintain accurate records of employee time and pay.
2. Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) – Independent Contractors
- Employers must classify workers correctly as employees or independent contractors to avoid penalties for misclassification.
3. Tax Regulations (IRS)
- Employers are responsible for payroll tax obligations, which include Social Security, Medicare, federal unemployment taxes (FUTA), and income tax withholding. They must report wages and taxes to the IRS and annually provide employees with Form W-2.
4. Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
- Employers must provide a safe and hazard-free workplace and comply with OSHA standards and regulations for employee safety and health.
5. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- Employers with 50 or more employees must provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave for qualifying family and medical reasons, such as childbirth, adoption, or serious illness. They must also ensure job protection for employees during this leave.
6. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- This law prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment. Employers must provide reasonable accommodations for qualified employees with disabilities.
7. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
- This law prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Employers must ensure that their hiring, promotion, and employment practices are non-discriminatory.
8. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Regulations
- The EEOC enforces anti-discrimination laws such as the Civil Rights Act, ADA, and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). Employers must take steps to prevent harassment and discrimination in the workplace.
9. Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- This act regulates the use of background checks and consumer reports for employment purposes. Employers must obtain consent from individuals before conducting these checks.
10. Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA)
- ERISA sets standards for private pension plans and employee benefits. Employers must provide participants with detailed information about their plan, including funding and benefits.
11. National Labor Relations Act (NLRA)
- This law protects employees’ rights to organize, join unions, and engage in collective bargaining. Employers are prohibited from interfering with employees’ rights to unionize or engage in protected activities.
12. Affordable Care Act (ACA)
- Employers with 50 or more full-time employees must provide health insurance or face penalties. They are also required to report employee health coverage information to the IRS.
13. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
- HIPAA governs the privacy and security of employee health information. Employers must safeguard sensitive medical information and comply with health information privacy regulations.
14. Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA)
- Employers must verify their employees’ employment eligibility using Form I-9 and ensure they do not hire unauthorized workers.
15. Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA)
- This law protects the job rights of individuals who leave employment positions to undertake military service. Employers must reemploy returning service members in the position they would have attained had they not left for military service.
16. Privacy Laws (e.g., GDPR, CCPA for relevant businesses)
- Businesses that handle personal data, including customer information, may be subject to privacy regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). These laws require businesses to protect personal data and provide consumers with rights related to their information.
17. Whistleblower Protection Laws
- These laws protect employees who report legal violations or unethical practices from retaliation. Employers must ensure their policies support and protect whistleblowers.
18. Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN)
- WARN requires employers to provide 60 days’ notice before mass layoffs or plant closings. Failure to do so can result in penalties and legal action.
19. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA)
- As part of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, this law prohibits discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions in any aspect of employment.
20. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA)
- PWFA expands on the ADA by ensuring that pregnant workers are entitled to reasonable accommodations, similar to employees with disabilities. Employers must provide accommodations, such as modifying work schedules or offering rest breaks when necessary.
21. The Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) for Nursing Mothers Act
- This act expands on the Break Time for Nursing Mothers law, which is part of the FLSA. Employers must provide break time and a private space (other than a bathroom) for employees to express breast milk for up to one year after a child’s birth.
So many regulations, so little time! This list doesn’t even scratch the surface of workplace regulations. Need assistance with keeping up with it all? Our Enhanced HR service is the thing for you! Check it out here!