Littler’s Workplace Policy Institute released its Policy Week in Review on May 1, providing updates on recent federal legislative, regulatory, and congressional actions that impact the workplace.
The summary covers significant decisions and initiatives affecting employers and employees across the country. The report includes details on Supreme Court cases, executive orders, legislative proposals, and regulatory changes that could influence how businesses operate and how workers are classified or access benefits.
The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear Sun Valley Orchards v. U.S. Department of Labor to determine whether federal agencies can impose monetary penalties through internal enforcement processes without court involvement. The outcome could affect similar enforcement programs at other agencies if the previous appellate decision is upheld.
President Trump signed an executive order on April 30 directing the Treasury Department to create a website (TrumpIRA.gov) for workers without employer-sponsored retirement plans to compare investment options and enroll in retirement plans. Additionally, President Trump’s Executive Order 14202 led to a task force report addressing anti-Christian bias within the federal government.
Senate Republicans introduced two bills aimed at expanding apprenticeship opportunities: the ADVICE Act would establish an advisory committee for apprenticeship data recommendations, while the START Act seeks to expedite new program approvals. On April 23, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche issued an order reclassifying certain marijuana products as Schedule III controlled substances available by prescription; recreational use remains illegal under federal law for now.
Littler’s Workplace Policy Institute filed comments supporting aspects of a proposed Department of Labor rule that would clarify standards distinguishing employees from independent contractors under various laws. WPI said focusing on two main factors would make rules more workable than current approaches and better reflect modern work arrangements shaped by technology-driven flexibility.
