As featured in #WorkforceWednesday®: This week, we’re covering new “Stay or Pay” bans in California and New York, developing immigration news for employers, and the EEOC’s streamlined path for faster policy changes.
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California and New York Target “Stay or Pay” Agreements
“Stay or Pay” bans are now in effect in California and New York. These laws largely ban employers from requiring workers to reimburse training and other similar costs if they leave before a specified period, effectively forcing an individual to remain in their job.
New York Employers: Check out our webinar on legal updates in New York State and New York City, including Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s employment priorities and newly enacted laws on sick leave and “Stay or Pay” agreements. Register here.
Administration Pauses H-1B Fee and Immigrant Visas
A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration may impose a new $100,000 fee on H-1B visa petitions filed after September 21, 2025, though the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has appealed. Separately, the U.S. Department of State announced an indefinite pause on immigrant visa issuance for residents of 75 countries.
EEOC Clears Path for Faster Policy Changes
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has scrapped its internal voting procedures, giving Chair Andrea Lucas the power to set agendas and decide when and how votes proceed without public input.
Other Highlights
How Jonathan Brenner Delivers Creative Legal Solutions for California Employers
Whether you’re managing a California workforce or navigating compliance across state lines, Epstein Becker Green attorney Jonathan Brenner offers battle-tested insights grounded in the belief that every challenge has a solution—you just need the right partner to find it.
New York’s Trapped at Work Act, in Effect for Now, but New Bill Aims to Amend Terms and Extend Effective Date
Workforce Bulletin
Drew C. Ambrose, Nancy Gunzenhauser Popper
Federal Shutdowns and Workplace Law: Navigating Legal Uncertainty
Workforce Bulletin
Madeleine Kardek
Agentic AI’s Next Iteration: From Super-AIs to Teams of Specialized Agents—and What It Means for Law & Business
Commercial Litigation Update
Bryan Hahm
FTC Continues to Focus on Non-Competes with Public Workshop
Antitrust Byte
E. John Steren, Patricia M. Wagner, Jeremy R. Morris
Your Workforce. Our Business.®
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About Employment Law This Week
Employment Law This Week® gives a rundown of the top developments in employment and labor law and workforce management in a matter of minutes every #WorkforceWednesday®.
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