State labor legislation enacted in 2002; mininum wage rate increases, limits on overtime for nurses, paid family and medical leave, workplace security, and military re-employment rights were among major legislation enacted during the year

Monthly Labor Review, Jan, 2003 by Richard R. Nelson

In other developments, Guam enacted a paternity leave provision and employers in Puerto Rico are to give priority in processing flexible work schedule requests to women with minor children and to single parents with custody of their children. Significant amendments were made expanding coverage of the Washington law requiring employers to allow use of sick leave in the event of family members' serious health conditions. Separate measures enacted in Maine add organ donation to the reasons allowed for family leave, and provide leave to attend to medical treatment for a victim of violence who is an employee's child, parent, or spouse.

Child labor. Child labor continued as a major subject of legislative concern, with bills introduced in more than one-half of the States. Several important changes were made in the West Virginia law, including conforming the hours, nightwork, and prohibited hazardous occupations orders to Federal law and increasing penalties for violations. Missouri now prohibits door-to-door sales by minors under age 16. Such sales also will be prohibited in Pennsylvania unless certain conditions are met. An Ohio law revises certificate requirements and requires the electronic filing of age and schooling certificates. Kentucky adopted new regulations changing permitted hours of employment and requiring that hours restrictions apply to school dropouts under age 18.

Laws easing restrictions were enacted in Illinois permitting 12- and 13-year-olds to be employed to officiate certain youth sports activities, in Massachusetts permitting the operation of golf carts on golf courses, and in Alaska where employers may now get advance approval for hiring minors in lieu of individual advance written authorization.

Agriculture. A comprehensive farm labor contractor registration act was passed in Idaho. Several revisions were made in the Nebraska law including changes pertaining to exemptions and application and renewal fees and addition of a requirement that a bilingual employee be available under certain circumstances. Florida placed new restrictions on deductions from wages for any tools, equipment, transportation, or recruiting fees that are for the benefit of the employer.

Apparel industry. The apparel industry continues to be an area of interest and concern. The governor in New Jersey issued an executive order specifying that public bodies purchasing apparel are to require that all production be performed in the United States and that all labor laws are complied with. A New York State Apparel Workers Fair Labor Conditions and Procurement Act also requires that labor standards and working conditions be considered by State agencies, universities, and community colleges when purchasing apparel. New York also enacted requirements for the posting, at the worksite, of wage payment requirements and labor department contact information.

Equal employment opportunity. Hawaii, Utah, and Virginia joined the more than one-half of the States who have previously enacted legislation banning employment discrimination against individuals based on genetic characteristics, genetic information, or test results. The existing law in Rhode Island was amended.