April 2023 Government Affairs Update
Biden Administration Targeting May for New Overtime Rule
The Biden Administration is targeting the month of May to issue a new proposed rule containing changes to the regulations governing the exemptions to federally mandated overtime pay. While the details of the proposed rule remain unclear, the rulemaking is expected to include a salary threshold increase and changes to the duties test. If the Administration misses its May target for the proposed rule, BSCAI expects them to issue a new rule in the fall. BSCAI will be sure to keep members updated on the latest developments.
Final OSHA Injury and Illness Workplace Rule Under Review
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently submitted a rule to the White House’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) for review that will expand employers’ injury and illness reporting requirements. The OIRA analysis is typically the final step before a rule is publicly released, though the process can take weeks or months. While the timing remains unclear, BSCAI will keep members updated once OSHA publishes the new rule to the public.
DOL to Host Online Forum on Workplace Compliance Issues
The Department of Labor’s (DOL) Wage and Hour Division will be hosting an online forum for employers and contractors that will include panel discussions on compliance with federal laws governing wages and other workplace issues from May 2nd-3rd. The forum will include representatives of the department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Benefits Security Administration, Employment and Training Administration, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Office of Labor-Management Standards, Occupational Safety Health Administration, Veterans' Employment Training Service, Wage and Hour Division and the Women’s Bureau.
Also attending will be representatives of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, IRS, National Labor Relations Board and the Small Business Administration. During the forum, agency representatives will make presentations, ranging from 30 to 90 minutes. Attendance is free, but registration is required.
SBA Opens Registration for Small Business Week Summit
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recently announced that registration for the 2023 National Small Business Week Virtual Summit is now open. The two-day online event will take place from May 2-3, 2023. Attendance is free of charge, but registration is required. To register, visit National Small Business Week Virtual Summit registration.
This year’s NSBW Virtual Summit will feature educational workshops presented by event cosponsors, access to federal resources, and networking. A detailed agenda and list of cosponsor speakers will be published at a later date.