On Dec. 1, 2020, the provision of North Carolina House Bill 142 that preempted municipalities from passing non-discrimination ordinances expired. Since then, municipalities across North Carolina have passed anti-discrimination ordinances aimed to...(read more)
North Carolina Governor Lifts “Stay at Home” Order and Amends COVID Restrictions
This week, Governor Roy Cooper issued a new Executive Order 195 lifting his modified “Stay at Home” Order and loosening various restrictions imposed due to COVID-19. Among other things, the Order increases the number of people that may gather...(read more)
Federal Income Tax Changes in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021
The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, enacted late last year, includes several tax related changes and incentives affecting businesses. Congress overruled guidance from the Internal Revenue Service to provide that expenses paid with Payroll...(read more)
North Carolina Governor Extends COVID Orders
This week, Governor Roy Cooper extended four Executive Orders issued previously to address the COVID crisis. The Orders extended this week are the following: EO 189 , Modified “Stay at Home,” was extended through Feb. 28. Brooks Pierce Client Alert...(read more)
North Carolina Government Officials Begin 2021 Work in Raleigh and Washington
Government officials in both Raleigh and Washington have started work in 2021. In Raleigh, the Council of State, which includes Gov. Roy Cooper, has taken office, and the North Carolina General Assembly has started its session. In Washington,...(read more)
New DOL Independent Contractor Rules
The U.S. Department of Labor has announced new rules, effective March 8, 2021, clarifying how to determine if an individual is an employee–entitled to minimum wage, overtime, and other statutory protections—or an independent contractor. Prior...(read more)
Mandatory COVID Leave Expires, but Tax Credits for Providing COVID Leave are Extended
Starting Jan. 1, 2021, employers subject to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) are no longer required to provide employees with COVID-related paid leave, but they may do so in some situations and still receive tax credits for doing...(read more)
EEOC Releases Guidance on COVID-19 Vaccine in the Workplace
On Dec. 16, 2020, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released its much-awaited guidance on the COVID-19 vaccine in the workplace. (See section “K. Vaccinations” at this link for the full guidance.) This guidance provides crucial...(read more)