The COVID-19 Pandemic Leads to the Expansion of the FMLA and Paid Sick Leave for Employees
On March 18, 2020, President Trump signed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which expands the Family and Medical Leave Act ("FMLA") and provides paid sick leave to certain employees impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, as public agencies are considered "covered employers" under the FMLA regardless of size, this new law will affect all Texas public schools and community colleges, when the law becomes effective on April 2, 2020. The FMLA's expanded coverage and paid sick leave benefits will expire on December 31, 2020.

For a more detailed analysis of the expansion of the FMLA and information regarding the paid sick leave benefits for those affected by COVID-19, please click here .
Federal Agencies Issue Guidance for Employers in the Wake of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to novel and complex issues for employers, and federal agencies are issuing critical guidance on employment laws at breakneck speed. As a result, human resources professionals and supervisors are left with the unenviable task of not just keeping up with the updated employment laws, but also ensuring compliance with the various laws.

We compiled these FAQs as a resource to aid human resources personnel and supervisors in staying abreast of guidance from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the Department of Homeland Security regarding employment law-related issues arising from the COVID-19 crisis. Topics in the linked guidance include: making medical-related inquiries to employees who are suspected of contracting COVID-19, inquiring into an employee's recent travel to a restricted location, how to ensure a safe physical working environment for employees, best practices in implementing a remote workplace policy, and Form I-9 compliance during this emergency workplace closure.

We expect more employment law guidance to issue from federal and state agencies as the affects of COVID-19 continue to impact the workplace over the coming weeks and months. Please contact us with any specific questions you may have.