Global Shifts in Employment Law: Nations Advance Worker Protection and Gender Equality in 2024

As 2024 unfolded, the world witnessed a sea change in employment laws with several countries instituting progressive legislation aimed at enhancing employee rights and welfare. Various governments have introduced measures to foster gender equality, protect workers’ rights, and ensure fair employment practices. This global legislative shift underscores an evolving focus on creating balanced, inclusive workplaces that support diverse workforce needs. In Italy, significant enhancements to parental leave kicked off on January 1, 2024. Italian workers caring for children under twelve are now eligible for a payment from the National Institute for Social Security, amounting to … Read more

California’s Youth Protection Social Media Law Faces Partial Injunction, Judge Strikes Down Certain Provisions on First Amendment Concerns

San Jose, Calif. – A federal judge in California has partially blocked a new state law intended to protect minors from potential harms on social media. This action comes after a lawsuit from NetChoice, a tech industry lobbying group, asserting that the law threatens free speech rights. The litigation centers around Senate Bill 976, known as the Protecting Our Kids from Social Media Addiction Act, which was approved in September last year. It aims to restrict social media platforms from delivering addictive content to young users without parental consent. U.S. District Judge Edward J. Davila … Read more

New Hampshire Imposes Groundbreaking Laws to Elevate Protection Against Domestic and Sexual Violence

CONCORD, N.H. — As the new year begins, New Hampshire has enacted several laws aimed at tackling issues related to domestic and sexual violence. With these groundbreaking measures drafted and enacted under the auspices of Gov. Chris Sununu, the state seeks enhanced protections particularly in the realms of housing for abuse victims, the prohibition of child marriage, and the regulation of sexually explicit deepfake content. The New Hampshire Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence has heralded these legal moves, noting that they reflect persistent bipartisan commitment to defending victims’ rights and increasing accountability for offenders. … Read more

California Bans Bank Fees on Declined Withdrawals, Boosting Consumer Financial Protection

Sacramento, Calif. – A newly enacted California law, set to take effect starting January 1, aims to alleviate the financial burden on citizens by banning state-chartered banks from imposing fees on instantly declined transactions due to insufficient funds. This legislation points to a significant shift in the financial management policies intended to favor consumers, particularly those facing economic hardships. The law, known as Assembly Bill 2017, primarily targets instances where customers face penalties at ATMs or during other automatic withdrawal attempts when their bank balances fail to cover the transactions. Californians can expect some relief … Read more