The One Big Beautiful Bill Has Arrived—Here's What It Says About Employee Benefits
On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed into law the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB). This client alert summarizes key provisions of the OBBB impacting employee benefits. The provisions become effective January 1, 2026 unless otherwise specified.
DOJ Incentivizes Whistleblowers to Report Immigration Violations in the Workplace
Employers are facing a new risk related to immigration law non-compliance: incentives for immigration whistleblowers. The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently amended the Corporate Whistleblower Awards Pilot Program (CWAPP) to encourage individuals, including disgruntled former employees, to report suspected immigration law violations. If a tip leads to a criminal or civil forfeiture of at least $1,000,000, the whistleblower could be rewarded with up to 30% of the proceeds.
SCOTUS Agrees to Review State Bans on Transgender Athletes in Girls' and Women's School Sports
Just days after the University of Pennsylvania's settlement with the federal government, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear two cases involving state transgender athlete bans of girls and women competing in school sports consistent with their gender identity. Little v. Hecox from Idaho and West Virginia v. B.P.J. from West Virginia address whether such bans violate constitutional protections and federal civil rights laws.
Attorney Spotlight
Janice Gregerson: As summer winds down and schools prepare to welcome students back to class, it is important that faculty and staff training be included in any return-to-school/orientation programming. It is an opportune time not only to conduct any legally mandated training, which may vary, depending on state or local requirements, but also to conduct training on appropriate boundaries and professional interactions with students and colleagues. Thoughtfully conducted boundaries training that is reflective of not only industry best practices but also school-specific policies, is one way that schools can ensure they prioritize student safety and set the tone for the school year.
In Case You Missed It
New York's COVID-19 Emergency Leave Ends
New York's COVID-19 emergency leave law (the Law) was a first-in-the-nation law requiring employers to provide paid emergency leave and other benefits for COVID-related quarantine or isolation. On July 31, 2025, the Law will sunset.
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We are continuing to monitor key trends and significant updates that affect employers across a wide variety of industries. We want to make sure we touch upon issues that are of concern to you. We invite you to take a moment and let us know what you would like to hear more about in this newsletter. Click below to email our team of attorneys.
About the Labor and Employment Group
The national, 40-person Labor and Employment team at Venable provides guidance and support across the full spectrum of workplace dynamics – helping employers control costs, avoid disputes, and defend themselves when litigation arises. Allison Gotfried, editor of this newsletter, invites you to share the content with your colleagues and reach out with any questions.