Sri Lanka Implements Controversial Online Safety Act, Sparking Protests and Concerns Over Freedom of Speech

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka’s new Online Safety Act, which has recently come into force, is facing backlash from rights groups who argue that it is an attempt to suppress freedom of speech. The act grants extensive powers to a government commission to assess and remove content deemed “prohibited.” Despite claims from authorities that the act is aimed at combating cybercrime, critics contend that it is a means to stifle dissent in the lead-up to elections. In 2022, during a period of economic crisis, social media played a crucial role in protests that ultimately … Read more

Minnesota Implements New Employment Laws for 2024: What Employers Need to Know

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota – As the calendar turned to January 1, 2024, Minnesota saw the implementation of several new employment laws. These laws, which were passed during the 2023 legislative session, bring significant changes for employers with workers in the state. In this White Paper, we delve into the intricacies of the modifications that employers must adhere to going forward. Chief among them are the restrictions on inquiring into job applicants’ pay history and the obligation to provide sick and safe leave to employees. Taking immediate action in the form of updating hiring and sick leave … Read more

Equitable Housing Access: Kansas City Implements Landmark Law Ensuring Landlords Accept Vouchers

Kansas City, Missouri – A new law has been enacted in Kansas City, requiring landlords to accept housing vouchers. This move aims to tackle the longstanding issue of housing discrimination against low-income individuals and families who rely on vouchers to secure affordable housing. Under the new legislation, landlords in Kansas City will no longer be able to reject tenants solely because they are voucher holders. This change is expected to provide much-needed relief for low-income households struggling to find suitable housing options. The law represents a step toward promoting fair housing practices and reducing the … Read more

Littleton City Council Implements New Salary Increase Cycle for Appointed Officials

Littleton, Colorado – The Littleton City Council has approved salary raises for the city manager, city attorney, and presiding municipal judge, marking another increase in their compensation just five months after their previous raises. The council has also made a significant change to the city’s performance evaluation cycle, aligning it with the calendar year instead of the summer. Tracy Hooker, the Human Resources Director, explained that these recent raises were implemented to bridge the gap between the appointed members’ salary increases in 2023 and 2025. Previously, salary increases for appointed positions occurred during the summer, … Read more