The Pennsylvania Unemployment Insurance poster has been updated to reflect revised information regarding reporting requirements when filing an unemployment compensation claim. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, Office of Unemployment Compensation Benefits has revised the requirements when filing a claim and expanded the section on penalties for making false statements or withholding information when obtaining unemployment benefits. This is a mandatory change.

Statutory language regarding this posting: The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, Office of Unemployment Compensation Benefits has made an administrative change to the poster with clarification on requirements when filing claims and penalties for making false statements.

Effective Date: May 2013

The new poster will be available June 24, 2013.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in Pennsylvania. All employers must update their posters.

New law requires employers to post two Kansas Workers’ Compensation posters.  One poster applies to injuries on or after May 11, 2011 and before April 25, 2013. The second poster applies to injuries sustained at work on or after April 25, 2013. A new law reduced the time employees have to report workplace accidents to 20 days for injuries sustained on or after April 25, 2013.  This is a mandatory change.

Statutory language regarding these posters: SB 187: In order to be eligible for workers compensation, the new law shortens certain time periods for employees to give notice to the employer of the accident or injury: ● From 30 days to 20 days, starting from the date of the accident or injury due to repetitive trauma; and ● From 20 days to 10 days, starting after the employee’s last day of work for the employer.

Effective Date: April 2013

The new poster will be available May 30, 2013.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in Kansas. All employers must update their posters.

The Georgia Unemployment Insurance poster has been updated to reflect that all individuals receiving unemployment insurance benefits must engage in an active search for work and report weekly work search contacts. The poster was also updated to reflect that individuals may file claims online. This is a mandatory change.

Statutory language regarding this posting: On January 2, 2013, the President signed the American Taxpayer Relief Act which extends the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program to allow payments through December 28, 2013. The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (Public Law 112-96) signed into law by the President on February 22, 2012 requires all individuals receiving EUC benefits to engage in an active search for work, record, and submit weekly work search records for each week EUC is claimed. In addition, certain individuals are required to report to their local career center to participate in mandatory EUC reemployment activities. Individuals identified to participate in these mandatory reemployment activities will receive a notice by email or regular mail to report to their local career center. A claimants email address and mailing address on file with the Georgia Department of Labor must remain current. Failure to report as instructed will result in a denial of future benefits.

Effective Date: April 2013

The new poster will be available May 9, 2013.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in Georgia. All employers must update their posters.

The Nebraska Unemployment Insurance poster has been updated to reflect that filing a claim for unemployment benefits must be filed by electronic media through a Department of Labor Claims Center. The poster was also updated with information regarding a claimant’s requirement to search for work while receiving unemployment benefits. This is a mandatory change.

Statutory language regarding this posting: The Nebraska Department of Labor has indicated that a claimant will no longer be able to claim weekly benefits through the telephone system. A claimant will be required to claim weekly benefits and also required to complete a weekly work search log through their 24 hour internet site at dol.nebraska.gov.

Effective Date: February 2013

The new poster will be available April 1, 2013.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in Nebraska. All employers must update their posters.

The Tennessee Unemployment Insurance poster has been updated to reflect a clarification on a claimant’s requirements in filing and maintaining an unemployment insurance claim, and eligibility requirements for benefits. In addition, unemployment claimants in Tennessee must demonstrate a valid work search and must maintain a work search log to maintain benefits. This is a mandatory change.

Statutory language regarding this posting: The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development implemented the Tennessee Unemployment Insurance Accountability Act of 2012 requiring all unemployment claimants to demonstrate valid work search activity and maintain a work search log. Failure to comply with the new law will result in loss of benefits.

Effective Date: February 2013

The new poster will be available March 4, 2013.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in Tennessee. All employers must update their posters.

Covered Employers Must Replace Federal Poster by March 8, 2013

The FMLA poster has been updated to reflect a change to the military family leave entitlements for covered servicemembers which has been expanded to include current members of the Armed Forces and National Guard or Reserves and veterans. In addition, special hours of service eligibility requirements that apply to airline flight crew employees have been added to the poster. This is a mandatory change.

Statutory language regarding this posting: The U.S. Department of Labor issued a final rule implementing two important expansions of FMLA protections. The first expansion provides families of eligible veterans with the same job-protected FMLA leave currently available to families of military service members and it also enables more military families to take leave for activities that arise when a service member is deployed. The second expansion modifies existing rules so that airline personnel and flight crews are better able to make use of the FMLA’s provisions.

For additional details, please see the FAQs below.

Q:        What changed?

A:         The regulatory updates include:

• Families of eligible veterans are entitled to the same FMLA-protected leave available to families of military service members. In addition, leave is available to more military families for activities related to deployment of a current service member.
• A modification to how the FMLA applies to airline personnel and flight crews, due to the unique way their hours are counted. The final rule explains how to calculate the required number of hours airline employees must work in a 12-month period to be eligible for FMLA leave.

Q:        When does the new FMLA law take effect?

A:         The new rule takes effect on March 8, 2013.

Q:        Which companies must comply?

A:         The new rule affects employers with 50 or more employees and all public employers. These businesses are legally required to update their posters by the compliance deadline.

Q:        What products does this affect?

A:         The ComplyRight Federal Poster (English, Spanish and Bilingual) and all ComplyRight Federal/State Poster Kits.

Q:        When will the new poster be available?

A:         The new posters are currently in production. Orders will now go on hold until the new posters are in-stock and ready to ship. We expect to begin shipping in 2-3 weeks.

The Louisiana Earned Income Credit poster has been updated to reflect the 2013 income limits for earned income tax credit. This is a mandatory change.

Statutory language regarding this posting: Based on the recent IRS ruling, if an individual makes $46,000 or less, an employer should notify you at the time of hiring of the potential availability of Earned Income Tax Credits if you meet the 2013 income limits for eligibility. Poster contains the details for eligibility.

Effective Date: February 2013

The new poster will be available March 11, 2013.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in Louisiana. All employers must update their posters.

The Pennsylvania Child Labor Law Abstract poster has been updated to reflect the repeal of the state’s previous Child Labor Law in its entirety and replaced with the newly enacted Child Labor Law Act. Among other things, the law revises work hour restrictions and adopts federal standards for occupations deemed hazardous. This is a mandatory change.

NOTE: This poster replaces Child Labor, Parts 1 and 3, and will now be sent as an individual poster. Part 2 is still required.

Statutory language regarding this posting; On October 24, 2012, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett signed into legislation Act 151 (H.B. 1548), repealing the state’s Child Labor Law that has been in effect since 1915 in its entirety and enacting a new Child Labor Act. The new Child Labor Act requires a 30-minute rest period for minors who work more than five continuous hours and revises work hour restrictions; adopts by reference federal standards for occupations deemed hazardous to minors (with additional state requirements added); provides new notice requirements for employers hiring minors; and consolidates work permits by establishing one basic work permit as opposed to the three different types under current law. In addition, the new Act makes changes to child performer provisions, expanding its scope to include performances shown over the Internet or any medium that may be transmitted to an audience; breaking down work hour restrictions by age groups; requiring that the minor employee’s educational requirements be met; and requiring that an irrevocable child performer trust account be established to set aside at least 15 percent of the minor’s earnings if the minor is expected to receive or has received more than $2,500 in for a production. The new Child Labor Act also adds administrative penalties for violations of up to $5,000.

Effective Date: February 2013

The new poster will be available March 7, 2013.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in Pennsylvania. All employers must update their posters.

Statutory language regarding this posting: The Oklahoma SB 837, signed by the governor, amends the statute pertaining to discriminatory practices in employment, housing, and public accommodations. The bill provides exclusive remedies for individuals alleging discrimination in employment on the basis of genetic information.

Effective Date: January 2013

The new poster will be available February 21, 2013.

This is a mandatory change affecting all business in Oklahoma. All employers must update their posters.

The California Unemployment Insurance poster has been updated to reflect changes to how employees can file a claim for unemployment insurance, disability insurance, and paid family leave by mail and online. This is a mandatory change.

Statutory language regarding this posting: The California Employment Development Department has made regulatory changes to the procedure employees use when claiming unemployment insurance, disability insurance, and paid family leave.

Effective Date: December 2012

The new poster will be available January 24, 2013.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in California. All employers must update their posters.

The Kentucky Unemployment Insurance poster has been updated with a new telephone number for unemployed workers to use to file for unemployment claims. Additionally, the poster was updated to reflect that anyone making a false statement in claiming benefits may be disqualified for up to 52 weeks. This is a mandatory change.

Statutory language regarding this posting: The Kentucky Unemployment Insurance Law has been revised to read that if anyone making a false statement in claiming benefits, they can be disqualified for up to 52 weeks. They can also face other penalties including felony charges, fines, and possible imprisonment. Also, all benefits fraudulently received must be repaid to the Division of Unemployment Insurance with accruing interest.

Effective Date: December 2012

The new poster will be available January 21, 2013.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in Kentucky. All employers must update their posters.

The Rhode Island Whistleblower poster was updated to reflect that an employee no longer has to show by clear and convincing evidence that he or she was about to report to a public body, a violation, which the employee knew or reasonably believed had occurred or was about to occur, of a law of this state, a political subdivision of this state, or the United States, to file a claim for relief or damages under the Rhode Island Whistleblowers’ Protection Act.

Statutory language regarding this posting: The Rhode Island Whistleblower Protection Act, Relief and Damages section §28-50-4(d), has been deleted by P.L. 2012, ch. 306, §5 and P.L. 2012, ch. 344, §5.

Effective Date: December 2012

The new poster will be available January 03, 2013.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in Rhode Island. All employers must update their posters.

The Maine Workers’ Compensation poster has been updated to reflect that for injuries on or after January 1, 2013, employees may lose their right to receive benefits unless the employer is notified within 30 days of an injury. This is a mandatory change.

Statutory language regarding this posting: The 125^th Maine Legislature enacted LD 1913, An Act to Review and Restructure the Workers’ Compensation System which, among other changes, shortens the time in which a notice of injury must be given from 90 to 30 days, effective with injuries on and after January 1, 2013.

Effective Date: January 01, 2013

The new poster will be available January 17, 2013.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in Maine. All employers must update their posters.

The Colorado Minimum Wage poster has been updated to reflect an increase in the minimum wage rate. Effective January 1, 2013, the minimum wage rate will increase from $7.64 an hour to $7.78 an hour for non-tipped employees and from $4.62 an hour to $4.76 an hour for tipped employees, according to the Colorado Division of Labor. This is a mandatory change.

Statutory language regarding this posting: In accordance with the inflation adjustment requirement of Article XVIII, Section 15, of the Colorado Constitution, the Director of the Division of Labor has adopted Colorado Minimum Wage Order Number 29 to reflect the new state minimum wage of $7.78 an hour effective January 1, 2013. Tipped employee minimum wage will increase to $4.76 an hour.

Effective Date: January 01, 2013

The new poster will be available December 31, 2012.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in Colorado. All employers must update their posters.

The Missouri Fair Employment poster has been updated to reflect a clarification to the definition of employment agencies under the Missouri Human Rights Act. This is a mandatory change.

Statutory language regarding this posting: The Missouri Commission on Human Rights under the Missouri Human Rights Act defines an employment agency to include any person or agency, public or private, regularly undertaking with or without compensation to procure employees for an employer or to procure for employees opportunities to work for an employer.

Effective Date: December 2012

The new poster will be available January 04, 2013.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in Missouri. All employers must update their posters.

The FMLA/Pregnancy Disability Leave Poster (2-sided poster) has been updated to include information about California’s new pregnancy disability regulations.  Among other things, the poster was updated to reflect an expanded definition of when a woman is considered disabled by pregnancy, change to the definition of four months, information on reinstatement, reasonable breaks (including breastfeeding) and medical certifications.  The poster was also updated to clarify an employer’s responsibility regarding reasonable accommodations. This is a mandatory change.

Statutory language regarding this posting: On November 30, 2012, the Office of Administrative Law approved the Commission’s pregnancy regulations. These regulations are responsive to legislative revisions passed including, in 1999, A.B. 1670 amending Government Code section 12945 to require employers to reasonably accommodate female employees affected by pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions. In 2011, A.B. 592 passed and, as of January 1, 2012, made it an unlawful practice for an employer to interfere with an employee’s rights to be reasonably accommodated, transfer or take pregnancy disability leave because of pregnancy.

Effective Date: December 2012

The new poster will be available January 11, 2013.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in California. All employers must update their posters.

The California Fair Employment poster has been updated to reflect that discrimination and harassment in employment on the basis of religion has been expanded to include religious dress and grooming practices. Discrimination and harassment based on sex has also been expanded to include breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions. This is a mandatory change.

Statutory language regarding this posting: California existing law prohibits discrimination against an employee or job applicant on the basis of, among other things, religion and sex. The new law clarifies that a “religious dress practice” or a “religious grooming practice” constitutes a religious belief or practice that is protected from discrimination. “Religious dress practice” includes the wearing or carrying of religious clothing, head or face coverings, jewelry, artifacts, and any other item that is part of the observance by an individual of his or her religious creed. “Religious grooming practice” includes all forms of head, facial, and body hair that are part of the observance by an individual of his or her religious creed. In addition, the new law clarifies the term sex to include breastfeeding and/or medical conditions related to breastfeeding.

Effective Date: December 2012

The new poster will be available January 11, 2013.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in California. All employers must update their posters.

The Rhode Island Minimum Wage poster has been updated to reflect an increase in the minimum wage rate. The minimum wage rate will increase from $7.40 an hour to $7.75 an hour effective January 1, 2013. Full time students under 19 years of age working in non-profit religious, educational, librarial or community services organizations will increase to $6.98 an hour and minors 14 and 15 years of age not working more than 24 hours a week will increase to $5.81 an hour. This is a mandatory change.

Statutory language regarding this posting: Senate Bill 2374, Substitute A, passed by the Rhode Island Legislature allowed for the increase in the state minimum wage rate from $7.40 an hour to $7.75 an hour effective January 1, 2012.

Effective Date: January 01, 2013

The new poster will be available December 31, 2012.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in Rhode Island. All employers must update their posters.

The Washington Rights as a Worker poster has been updated to clarify that victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking are entitled to take reasonable leave from work for counseling, relocation, meetings with their crime victim advocate or to protect their safety. Additionally the poster was updated to reflect that employers must have a minor work permit to employ teens except on family farms. This is a mandatory change.

Statutory language regarding this posting: The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries has clarified language on their “Your Rights as a Worker” workplace poster. Employers must have a minor work permit to employ teens except for family members employed on family farms. Additionally, leave for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking and their family members are allowed to take reasonable leave from work for legal or law-enforcement assistance, medical treatment, counseling, relocation, meetings with their crime victim advocate or to protect their safety.

Effective Date:  December 2012

The new poster will be available January 07, 2013

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in Washington. All employers must update their posters.

The Washington OSHA poster has been updated to reflect clarification regarding employer’s obligations and how an employee may file a discrimination complaint online. This is a mandatory change.

Statutory language regarding this posting: Employer’s in the state of Washington have the obligation to protect employees safety and health applicable to their business, including developing and implementing a written accident prevention plan. Prior to job assignments, an employer must train employees how to prevent hazardous exposures and provide required personal protective equipment at no cost to the employee.

Effective Date:  December 2012

The new poster will be available January 07, 2013

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in Washington. All employers must update their posters.

The Washington Workers’ Compensation Self-Insured poster has been updated to reflect that injured workers are only permitted to see a non-network provider for an initial visit. Ongoing care must be provided by a healthcare provider in the statewide provider network. This is a mandatory change.

Statutory language regarding this posting: Starting January 1, 2013, injured workers will only be able to see a non-network provider for the initial visit. Workers must choose a network provider for ongoing care. A medical provider network, as part of historic legislation passed in 2011 (Substitute Senate Bill 5801) is also being established to improve workers’ outcomes following an injury. In addition to creating the network, the legislation expands access to the state’s Centers of Occupational Health and Education (COHEs) and directs the Department of Labor and Industries to offer incentives to network providers who use best practices for occupational health.

Effective Date:  December 2012

The new poster will be available January 07, 2013

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in Washington. All employers must update their posters.

The Washington Workers’ Compensation poster has been updated to reflect that injured workers are only permitted to see a non-network provider for an initial visit. Ongoing care must be provided by a healthcare provider in the new statewide provider network. This is a mandatory change.

Statutory language regarding this posting: Starting January 1, 2013, injured workers will only be able to see a non-network provider for the initial visit. Workers must choose a network provider for ongoing care. A medical provider network, as part of historic legislation passed in 2011 (Substitute Senate Bill 5801) is also being established to improve workers’ outcomes following an injury. In addition to creating the network, the legislation expands access to the state’s Centers of Occupational Health and Education (COHEs) and directs the Department of Labor and Industries to offer incentives to network providers who use best practices for occupational health.

Effective Date:  December 2012

The new poster will be available January 07, 2013

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in Washington. All employers must update their posters.

The Montana Minimum Wage poster has been updated to reflect an increase to the minimum wage rate effective January 1, 2013 from $7.65 to $7.80 per hour based on the cost-of-living adjustment. This is a mandatory change.

Statutory language regarding this posting: The minimum wage in Montana will increase by 15 cents to $7.80 per hour effective January 1, 2013, pursuant to Montana Code Annotated Section 39-3-409. The law requires a minimum wage adjustment annually based on changes in inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from August of the preceding year to August of the year in which the calculation is made. The current 2012 minimum wage rate is $7.65. Based on an increase in the CPI of 1.7% from August 2011 to August 2012, the calculation used for the increase is, $7.65 x .017% = $.13, rounded to $0.15. No tip credit, training wage or meal credit is allowed in the state of Montana.

Effective date: January 01, 2013.

The new poster will be available December 31, 2012.

This is a mandatory change effecting all businesses in Montana. All employers must update their posters.

The Missouri Minimum Wage poster has been updated to reflect an increase in the state minimum wage. The state minimum wage was increased from $7.25 an hour to $7.35 an hour effective January 1, 2013. The minimum wage employers must pay tipped employees also increased from $3.625 an hour to $3.675 an hour effective January 1, 2013. This is a mandatory change.

Statutory language regarding this posting: The Missouri Department of Labor has increased the state minimum wage for 2013 to $7.35 an hour effective January 1, 2013. Employers of tipped employees are required to pay tipped employees at least 50 percent of the minimum wage, or $3.675 an hour.

Effective Date: January 01, 2013.

The new poster will be available December 31, 2012.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in Missouri. All employees must update their posters.

The Vermont Minimum wage poster has been updated to reflect a correction to the maximum tip credit allowance effective January 1, 2013. The maximum tip credit allowed is $4.43 an hour, not $4.52 an hour. This is a mandatory change.

Statutory language regarding this posting: The Vermont Minimum Wage poster has been changed to reflect the correct maximum tip credit of $4.43 an hour effective January 1, 2013.

Effective Date: January 01, 2013

The new poster will be available December 17, 2012.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in Vermont. All employers must update their posters.

North Dakota voters recently passed a measure amending the states no smoking laws in public places and places of employment. Employers are now required to post no smoking signs prohibiting smoking indoors and within 20 feet of entrances. The agency finally issued the long awaited poster today. This is a mandatory change.

Statutory language regarding this posting: North Dakota voters approved Measure No. 4 in the November 6, 2012, General Election, to amend N.D.C.C. 23-12-9 statutory law prohibiting smoking, including the use of electronic cigarettes, in public places and in places of employment in the state, including certain outdoor areas. Smoking prohibitions are expanded to include areas within 20 feet of entrances and exits, windows and ventilation systems of enclosed areas where smoking is prohibited. Further, smoking will now be prohibited in areas previously exempt, such as bars, gambling and gaming facilities, adult day care facilities, hotels and motels, publicly owned vehicles, retail tobacco stores, halls rented for private functions and truck stops. Also, a previous exemption for medical necessity, allowing patients to smoke in and around certain state hospitals and care facilities, has been repealed.

Effective Date: December 2012

The new poster will be available January 02, 2013

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in North Dakota. All employers must update their posters.

The Maryland OSHA poster has been updated to reflect that employees may obtain additional information from MOSH Department of Training and Education rather than the Maryland Department of Labor and Industry. This is a mandatory change.

Statutory language regarding this posting; Additional information and copies of the Maryland Occupational Safety and Health Act, specific standards, and other applicable regulations may now be obtained from the MOSH Department of Training and Education.

Effective Date: November 2012

The new poster will be available December 13, 2012.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in Maryland. All employers must update their posters.

The District of Columbia Accrued Sick and Safe Leave Act poster has been updated to reflect an address change for filing a complaint or requesting additional information. This is a mandatory change.

Statutory language regarding this posting: To request full text of the Accrued Sick and Safe Leave Act, to obtain a copy of the rules associated with this Act, or to file a complaint, contact the Office of Wage and Hour at (202) 671-1880, or write to 4058 Minnesota Avenue, N.E., 4^th floor, Washington, D.C. 20019, or visit www.does.dc.gov.

Effective Date: November 2012

The new poster will be available December 18, 2012.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in District of Columbia. All employers must update their posters.

The Vermont Minimum Wage poster has been updated to reflect an increase in the minimum wage rate from $8.46 an hour to $8.60 an hour effective January 1, 2013. The basic wage rate for service and tipped employees also increased to $4.17 an hour, with a maximum tip credit allowance of $4.52 an hour. This is a mandatory change.

Statutory language regarding this posting: The Vermont Department of Labor has increased the state minimum wage rate from $8.46 an hour to $8.60 an hour effective January 1, 2013. Vermont’s minimum wage increases at the same rate as the Consumer Price Index (CPI), as calculated in August, for the preceding year, or at 5%, whichever is less. In addition, the same increase applies to the basic wage rate for tipped employees and the maximum tip credit allowed.

Effective Date: January 1, 2013

The new poster will be available December 17, 2012.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in Vermont. All employers must update their posters.

The Maine Minimum Wage poster has been updated to reflect that drivers and driver’s helpers who are exempt from overtime under Federal law, are exempt from overtime under Maine law if they are paid by other than an hourly rate of pay and subject to the provisions of 49 United State Code, Section 31502. This is a mandatory change.

Statutory language regarding this posting: With the signing of H.B. 1237, drivers and driver’s helpers will be exempt from the state’s overtime requirements where such workers are not paid hourly and are subject to the federal motor carrier safety law and regulations. Existing exemptions regarding drivers and driver’s helpers will be repealed. This change is being made to conform Maine law to federal law regarding the payment of overtime to truck drivers and driver’s helpers.

Effective Date: November 2012

The new poster will be available November 22, 2012.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in Maine. All employers must update their posters.

The Arizona Minimum Wage poster has been updated to reflect an increase in the minimum wage from $7.65 per hour to $7.80 per hour effective January 1, 2013. This is a mandatory change.

Statutory language regarding this posting: A.R.S. § 23-362(A) authorizes the Industrial Commission of Arizona to enforce and implement the Raise the Minimum Wage for Working Arizonans Act enacted in 2006. The Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) increased by 1.7% as of August 2012. Applying this increase to the 2012 Arizona Minimum Wage of $7.65 results in an increase of $0.15 to $7.80 per hour (rounded to the nearest multiple of five cents). Therefore, the Arizona Minimum Wage for calendar year beginning January 1, 2013 is $7.80 per hour.

Effective Date: January 1, 2013

The new poster will be available November 30, 2012.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in Arizona. All employers must update their posters.

The Illinois Unemployment Insurance poster has been updated to clarify that when calculating a claimant’s benefit amount, the worker’s average weekly wage is computed by dividing the wages paid during the two highest quarters of the base period by 26, not by 25. This is a mandatory change.

Statutory language regarding this posting: The claimant’s weekly benefit amount is usually a percentage of the worker’s average weekly wage. The worker’s average weekly wage is computed by dividing the wages paid during the two highest quarters of the base period by 26. The maximum weekly benefit amount is a percentage of the statewide average weekly wage. The minimum weekly benefit amount is $51. The statewide average weekly wage is calculated each year.

Effective Date: October 2012

The new poster will be available November 27, 2012.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in Illinois. All employers must update their posters.

The Florida Minimum Wage poster has been updated to reflect an increase in the state minimum wage. The state minimum wage will increase from $7.67 per hour to $7.79 per hour effective January 1, 2013. The minimum wage for tipped employees will also be increased from $4.65 per hour to $4.77 per hour in addition to tips. This is a mandatory change.

Statutory language regarding this posting: The Florida minimum wage is $7.79 per hour, effective January 1, 2013. Florida law requires the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity to calculate a minimum wage rate each year. The annual calculation is based on the percentage increase in the federal Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers in the South Region for the 12-month period prior to September 1, 2012. The increase for 2013 is 1.5% or 0.12 cents.

Effective Date: January 1, 2013

The new poster will be available November 22, 2012.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in Florida. All employers must update their posters.

The Florida Unemployment Insurance poster has been updated to reflect a renaming of the Unemployment Compensation Program to the Reemployment Assistance Program. The agency has also been renamed to reflect the same. This is a mandatory change.

Statutory language regarding this posting: House Bill 7027 passed during the 2012 Legislative Session was signed by Governor Rick Scott, renaming the Unemployment Compensation Program as the Reemployment Assistance Program. The renaming of the program emphasizes the job search activities and reemployment services offered by Florida’s workforce partners to jobless claimants receiving benefits.

Effective Date: October 2012

The new poster will be available November 22, 2012.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in Florida. All employers must update their posters.

The Maine Child Labor, Minimum Wage, OSHA (for public sector), Regulation of Employment, Sexual Harassment, Video Display Terminal, Whistleblower Protection, and Workers’ Compensation posters have been updated to reflect a change to the TTY access number by dialing the Maine Relay 711 when obtaining additional information from the Maine Department of Labor, (corresponding divisions).

Statutory language regarding this posting: The Maine Department of Labor, Bureau of Unemployment Compensation has changed the TTY access number for the deaf and hard of hearing to the Maine TTY Relay access number 711.

Effective Date: October 2012

The new poster will be available November 22, 2012.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in Maine. All employers must update their posters.

The Alabama Workers’ Compensation poster has been updated to reflect a merger between the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations and the Alabama Department of Labor. This is a mandatory change.

Statutory language regarding this posting: Effective October 1, 2012, the Alabama Department of Labor will merge with the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations, creating one new department, which will assume the name of the Alabama Department of Labor.

Effective Date: October 2012

The new poster will be available November 6, 2012.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in Alabama. All employers must update their posters.

The Alabama Unemployment Insurance poster has been updated to reflect a web address for filing unemployment claims via the internet, and a merger between the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations and the Alabama Department of Labor. This is a mandatory change.

Statutory language regarding this posting: The Alabama Department of Labor has indicated filing an unemployment claim can be done by calling a toll-free number or filing on the internet.

Effective Date: October 2012

The new poster will be available November 6, 2012.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in Alabama. All employers must update their posters.

The Alabama Child Labor poster has been updated to reflect the recordkeeping requirements for employers, and some clarification to the child labor laws. The Alabama Department of Labor, Child Labor Enforcement has also made an address and phone number change. This is a mandatory change.

Statutory language regarding this posting: The Alabama Child Labor Record Keeping requires each employer to keep on the premises an employee information form, available from the Child Labor Enforcement Division which provides proof of age, and time records showing the number of hours worked each day, starting and ending times, and break times for each employee 18 years of age and younger.

Effective Date: October 2012

The new poster will be available November 6, 2012.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in Alabama. All employers must update their posters.

The Ohio Minimum Wage poster has been updated to reflect a new minimum wage rate effective January 1, 2013. The Ohio minimum wage rate will increase from $7.70 per hour to $7.85 per hour for non-tipped employees and from $3.85 per hour to $3.93 per hour for tipped employees plus tips. The increased minimum wage will apply to employees of businesses with annual gross receipts in excess of $288,000 per year. This is a mandatory change.

Statutory language regarding this posting: The Constitutional Amendment passed by Ohio voters in November 2006 states that Ohio’s minimum wage shall increase on January 1 of each year by the rate of inflation. The state minimum wage is tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for urban wage earners and clerical workers for the 12-month period prior to September. This CPI index rose 1.7 percent from September 1, 2011 to August 31, 2012. The Amendment also states that the wage rate for non-tipped employees shall be rounded to the nearest five cents.

Effective Date: January 2013

The new poster will be available November 6, 2012.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in Ohio. All employers must update their posters.

The Iowa Unemployment Insurance poster has been updated to reflect changes on how workers can file unemployment insurance claims. Workers can now file using IowaWorks Access Points located throughout the state. The poster was also updated to reflect some IowaWorks Center closings. This is a mandatory change.

Statutory language regarding this posting: The Iowa Workforce Development, Employment Security Agency has established hundreds of access points available throughout the state. The department has dedicated workforce professionals ready to assist weekdays and Saturday’s via live chat. The Access Point services include job search and resume development assistance, access to thousands of employment opportunities, skill assessment and testing tools, information for veterans, and job posting assistance for employers and other features.

Effecitve Date: September 2012

The new poster will be available November 1, 2012.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in Iowa. All employers must update their posters.

The South Carolina OSHA poster has been updated to reflect a correction to the previous poster with a revision date of July 2012. The agency corrected the discrimination section of the poster by adding that a public sector employee believing he has been discriminated against, may proceed with civil action. This is a mandatory change.

Statutory language regarding this posting: A public sector employee believing that he has been discharged or otherwise discriminated against by any person in violation of Section 41-15-510 may proceed with a civil action pursuant to the provisions contained in Chapter 27, Title 8.

Effective Date: September 2012

The new poster will be available October 30, 2012.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in South Carolina. All employers must update their posters.

The Louisiana Independent Contractor poster has been updated to reflect a correction. The agency made the correction that an employee is entitled to Workers’ Compensation benefits for on-the-job injuries. This is a mandatory change.

Statutory language regarding this posting: Employee Rights – If you are an employee, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for on-the-job injuries.

Effective Date: September 2012

The new poster will be available October 12, 2012.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in Louisiana. All employers must update their posters.

The Oregon Minimum Wage poster has been updated to reflect a new minimum wage rate effective January 1, 2013. The Oregon minimum wage rate will increase from $8.80 an hour to $8.95 an hour. This is a mandatory change.

 Statutory language regarding this posting: The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries announced the minimum wage rate that will take effect on January 1, 2013. Based on state law, enacted by Oregon voters in 2002, directs the BOLI Commissioner to adjust the minimum wage for inflation every September, rounded to the nearest five cents. The minimum wage will increase from $8.80 an hour to $8.95 an hour reflects the 15 cent increase based on a 1.7% increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from August 2011.

Effective Date: January 2013

The new poster will be available October 25, 2012.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in Oregon. All employers must update their posters.

The Illinois Unemployment Insurance poster has been updated to reflect a web address change when filing claims online, and a phone number change to locate the nearest Illinois Department of Employment Security office. The poster has a new revision date of 08/2012. This is a mandatory change.

 Statutory language regarding this posting: The Illinois Department of Employment Security has updated their web address for applicants filing claims online, and has changed their toll-free number for obtaining current office locations.

Effective Date: September 2012

The new poster will be available October 22, 2012.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in Illinois. All employers must update their posters.

The Maine Unemployment Insurance poster has been updated to reflect a change to users of the TTY number to the Maine Relay 711 number. An address change has also been made to the Unemployment Compensation Claim Office from Orono to Bangor, ME. This is a mandatory change. 

 Statutory language regarding this posting: The Maine Department of Labor, Bureau of Unemployment Compensation has changed the TTY access number for the deaf and hard of hearing to the Maine TTY Relay access number 711. The Unemployment Compensation Claims Office has moved from Orono to Bangor.

Effective Date: September 2012

The new poster will be available October 18, 2012.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in Maine. All employers must update their posters.

The New Hampshire Whistleblowers’ Protection Act poster has been updated to reflect a clarification that the law protects any public or private employee against discharge, threat, or discrimination who reports or causes an alleged violation to be reported by the employee. The poster also indicates additional rights and remedies for public employees. This is a mandatory change.

 Statutory language regarding this posting: Additional Rights and Remedies for Public Employees (RSA 275-E:8 and 9) indicating that public employees of the state, counties or municipalities can issue complaints to the New Hampshire Department of Labor, who has the authority to investigate complaints or information concerning the possible existence of any activity constituting fraud, waste, or abuse in the expenditure of any public funds, whether state or local, or relating to programs and operations involving the procurement of any supplies, services, or construction by governmental entities within the state. No governmental entity shall take threaten, discipline, demote, fire, transfer, reassign, discriminate, or take any retaliatory action against a public employee who files a complaint with the Department of Labor.

Effective Date: September 2012

The new poster will be available October 11, 2012.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in New Hampshire. All employers must update their posters.

The Utah OSHA poster has been updated to reflect that an employee has obligations to comply with all workplace safety and health rules established by the employer. An employee can also file a complaint within 30 days with Utah OSHA if they feel an employer has retaliated against them for making safety or health complaints. This is a mandatory change.

Statutory language regarding this posting: Workplace Safety and Health Notice to Employees clarifies an employee’s obligation to comply with all workplace safety and health rules established by the employer. In addition, an employee can file a complaint with Utah OSHA if they feel that their employer has retaliated against them for making safety or health complaints, or for exercising their rights under the Utah OSHA Act. Such whistleblower complaints must be filed with Utah OSHA within 30 days.

Effective Date: September 2012

The new poster will be available October 12, 2012.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in Utah. All employers must update their posters.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission has released a new poster that must be posted by all employers regarding the criteria for determining independent contractor or employee status in the workplace. The poster lists the three criteria that must be met for a worker to be classified as an independent contractor. The poster also indicates the penalties for misclassifying a worker as an independent contractor. This is a mandatory change.

 Statutory language regarding this posting: Every employer shall post in a prominent and accessible location at each of its business premises a poster provided by the administrator that describes the responsibilities of independent contractors to pay taxes as required by state and federal laws, the rights of employees to workers’ compensation and unemployment benefits, protections against retaliation, and the penalties if the employer fails to properly classify an individual as an employee. The notice shall also contain contact information for individuals to file complaints or obtain information regarding employment classification.

Effective Date: September 2012

The new poster will be available October 12, 2012.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in Louisiana. All employers must update their posters.

The Oklahoma Fair Employment poster has been updated to reflect a change in responsibility from the Oklahoma Human Rights Commission to the Office of the Attorney General, Office of Civil Rights Enforcement. Employees or applicants must now contact the Office of the Attorney General to file a discrimination complaint. This is a mandatory change.

 Statutory language regarding this posting: SB 763 created within the Office of the Attorney General an Office of Civil Rights Enforcement to assume all functions, duties, contracts and responsibilities of the Oklahoma Human Rights Commission.

Effective Date: September 2012

The new poster will be available September 25, 2012.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in Oklahoma. All employers must update their posters.

The Texas Workers’ Compensation posters have been updated effective January 1, 2013. All the posters were updated to clarify “illness” means “occupational illness.” The covered employer and self-insured employer poster was updated to reflect that the Division of Workers’ Compensation will process any requests for dispute resolution of a claim, and the Office of Injured Employee Counsel (OIEC) will provide free assistance and explain an injured employees’ rights and responsibilities. The non-covered employer poster was updated to reflect that an injured employee should contact their employer regarding the availability of benefits for a work-related injury or occupational disease. This is a mandatory change.

Statutory language regarding this posting: Notices posted or provided on and after the effective date of this rule shall contain the specific text required by this rule. Notices posted prior to the effective date of this rule shall, be replaced with the text required by this rule. Any time the information regarding coverage status, insurance carrier, safety hotline number, or third party administrator changes, the notice shall be updated to reflect current information.

Effective Date: January 2013

The new poster will be available September 20, 2012.

This is a mandatory change affecting all businesses in Texas. All employers must update their posters.