Last week, there were a number of HR related ballot measures that were passed. Here is a summary.

Marijuana

  • Arizona passed recreational marijuana with no restrictions for employers prohibiting it in the workplace.
  • Mississippi passed medical marijuana use and allows employers to not accommodate on site use or change current drug testing policies.
  • Montana passed recreational marijuana with no restrictions for employers prohibiting it in the workplace.
  • New Jersey passed recreational marijuana and does not specify how it affects employers.
  • South Dakota passed recreational and medical marijuana. Employees will not be protected during recreational use if employers prohibit marijuana use in the workplace.  Under the medical marijuana law, employees would be afforded the same protections as other prescribed drugs.

Minimum Wage

  • Florida will be increasing their minimum wage to $15 per hour by increasing $1 per year starting next year through 2026. After they hit $15 in 2026, it will automatically increase based on inflation.

Paid Family Leave Programs

  • Colorado passed a paid family leave for up to 12 weeks. This leave will be funded through a payroll tax.

Employment Classification

  • California reversed a law that classified gig workers that drove their personal vehicle for delivery service apps as employees. Workers that work for companies that provide apps to connect businesses and customers with delivery drivers are still considered independent contractors.