Several states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico have made updates to their COVID-19-related laws, regulations and orders.

List of States Limiting Employer COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates Continues to Expand

Iowa, Tennessee, Utah, and Florida recently have joined the expanding list of states passing laws curtailing the use of COVID-19 vaccine mandates by private employers. Read the details here.

California

As uncertainty about the federal OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard persists, Cal/OSHA’s Standards Board has announced it will not discuss the changes to California COVID-19 ETS at its November 18th meeting. Read more.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico Governor Pedro R. Pierluisi has issued an Executive Order (EO) requiring all private sector employers with at least 50 employees to adopt COVID-19 vaccine or testing requirements. Read more.

Washington, D.C.

On November 18, 2021, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser signed the “COVID Vaccination Leave Emergency Amendment Act of 2021” and it has now been enacted. Accordingly, the Emergency Act will remain in effect for not more than 90 days, or until February 16, 2022. The legislation ensures paid time off for both COVID-19 vaccination and recovery from any side effects. Read more.