Keep Your Company Compliant in July: Employment Law Updates July 1

Posted By: Guardian HR Staff Posted On: July 2, 2026 Share:
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Monthly Compliance – July

July is one of the busiest months of the year for employment law changes. Between new state laws, federal agency updates, and recent court decisions, employers should take time to review their HR and payroll practices to ensure they remain compliant.Use this monthly update as a starting point for identifying changes that may affect your organization. If your business operates in multiple states or employs remote workers, be sure to review each applicable jurisdiction carefully.

Holidays

Independence Day – Saturday, July 4


Important Dates and Deadlines for this Month

July 1 - Employers Nationwide

Review Minimum Wage Changes

Many states, cities, and counties implement minimum wage increases on July 1. Employers should confirm that all employee pay rates meet applicable state and local requirements before processing payroll. See the chart of state and local minimum wage changes here.

July 1 - Federal Updates

Review Recent Supreme Court Decisions

The U.S. Supreme Court recently concluded its 2025–2026 term, issuing several decisions that may affect employers, including cases involving federal agencies, immigration protections, and Title IX. While many of these rulings will require additional agency guidance before employers need to act, now is a good time to stay informed and monitor future developments.

Department of Labor Wage & Hour Guidance

The U.S. Department of Labor recently released new opinion letters addressing wage and hour compliance under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Employers should use this opportunity to review employee classifications, overtime calculations, meal and rest break practices, and timekeeping procedures.

EEOC Enforcement Priorities

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has updated its enforcement priorities, with continued emphasis on intentional workplace discrimination. Employers should review anti-discrimination policies, complaint procedures, and manager training to ensure compliance.

Immigration Compliance

Recent court decisions and increased federal funding for immigration enforcement highlight the importance of maintaining accurate I-9 documentation and having procedures in place should your organization experience an audit or worksite inspection.

July 15

New York

Employers with 10 to 14 employees must register for the New York Secure Choice Retirement Savings Program.

July 17

New Jersey

Amendments to the New Jersey Family Leave Act and Paid Family Leave laws become effective.

Employers should review leave policies and employee communications to ensure compliance.

July 18

Nebraska

Several employment law changes take effect, including updates related to child labor requirements, unemployment insurance, youth wages, and the state's new Mini-WARN Act.

Employers with Nebraska employees should review these changes carefully.


Topics to Discuss and/or Review

Review State Employment Law Changes

Several states have employment laws taking effect during July.

Notable updates include (but not limited to):

  • Alaska – Exempt salary threshold increase
  • Connecticut – Warehouse worker protections
  • Georgia – Phase-out of subminimum wages for workers with disabilities
  • Hawaii – Expanded military family leave protections
  • Illinois (Chicago) – Fair Workweek compensation threshold adjustments
  • Indiana – Employment eligibility verification and unemployment insurance changes
  • Oregon – Garnishment law updates
  • South Carolina – Unemployment tax reporting penalties
  • Tennessee – Noncompete, pay frequency, and final pay law changes
  • Virginia – Numerous employment law updates, including pay transparency, wage payment, noncompete restrictions, discrimination protections, and workplace violence reporting requirements
  • Washington – Child labor and Fair Chance hiring law amendments
  • Wyoming – Concealed carry law changes

If you have employees in any of these states, review the applicable laws and determine whether policy or payroll updates are necessary. Find a more exhaustive list of updates here.

Conduct a Mid-Year HR Compliance Review

The beginning of the second half of the year is an excellent time to perform a comprehensive HR audit.

Consider reviewing:

  • Employee handbook updates
  • Required labor law posters
  • Payroll procedures
  • Overtime classifications
  • Employee files
  • Harassment prevention training
  • Leave policies
  • Workplace safety programs
  • I-9 compliance

Addressing potential issues now can help reduce compliance risks later in the year.

Review AI and Technology Policies

As artificial intelligence becomes more common in the workplace, employers should ensure appropriate safeguards are in place.

Consider reviewing:

  • AI acceptable use policies
  • Employee privacy practices
  • Vendor compliance
  • Data security
  • Human oversight of AI-assisted employment decisions

Find a checklist to prepare for AI in the workplace here.


Tips

More information in reference to the topics discussed in this month’s compliance calendar can be found in our comprehensive online Forms Library, which is available to members 24/7. 

Note: This calendar is designed to help our clients review the key human resources-related reporting and notice requirements that may apply to their organizations. Please note that this list is for general reference purposes only and is not all-inclusive. Please note that these HR compliance dates, deadlines, and requirements are current as of this document's published date. HR compliance regulations are subject to frequent change at federal, state, and local levels. We strongly recommend regularly verifying the latest requirements and deadlines with official government sources or qualified legal counsel to ensure ongoing compliance.

Many of the compliance requirements are complex ERISA or other statutory legal filings and responsibilities may vary depending on your company’s plans. We encourage you to consult with your insurance brokers, plan administrators and/or your ERISA and tax advisors for further guidance.

For the most current information on certain tax-related or benefit-related documents or forms provided by the IRS, or other sources, please check with a tax professional, benefit professional and/or the correlating websites (i.e. irs.gov/LatestForms, etc.).

Guardian HR Staff

Guardian HR Staff

In-House Writing Team

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