Oregon’s 2026 short legislative session is underway, and a few proposed bills could affect employers of all shapes and sizes. Although short sessions move quickly, they often include important policy changes, particularly in the labor and employment space. Below is an overview of three bills that Oregon employers should monitor closely.
Federal Contractor Alert
The VETS-4212 filing period for federal contractors opened last week on August 1, 2025, and closes on September 30, 2025.
Federal contractors and subcontractors with 50 or more employees and at least one federal contract of $150,000 or more are required to file their annual VETS-4212 Report, which provides an overview of the contractor’s workforce
DOL Signals Business Friendly Independent Contractor Standard: What Employers Need to Know
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently stated that it will not enforce an employee-friendly independent contractor rule implemented by the Biden administration in 2024 (“Biden Rule”). The Biden Rule made it more difficult for businesses to classify workers as independent contractors. In contrast, the DOL’s announced approach will renew focus on a factor that
2024 EEO-1 Data Collection Opens
As of yesterday—May 20, 2025—EEO-1 data collection is open. The deadline to file the 2024 EEO-1 Component 1 report is June 24, 2025. The EEOC stated there will be no extensions, so covered employers should act promptly to file their reports. For detailed information on the EEOC’s substantive filing requirements, employers may refer to the
Oregon Lawmakers Eye Major Employment Changes: Three Bills Employers Should Watch Closely
As the 83rd Oregon Legislative Session approaches its end, several employment-related bills are still in play, and they could carry significant implications for businesses across the state. While none have been signed into law yet, the momentum behind them makes this a critical time for employers to pay attention and speak up.
Three proposals—SB 916
EEO-1 Component 1 Reporting Updates
Edited May 20, 2025
Last month, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) submitted a proposed 2024 EEO-1 instruction booklet to the Office of Management and Budget. If the proposal is approved, the EEO-1 reporting period will begin on May 20, 2025 and run through June 24, 2025. As employers prepare to file their 2024 EEO-1
What to Know About Recent Non-Compete and Salary Basis Changes in Light of Expected Legal Challenges
Two administrative agencies within the federal government have been busy lately publishing new rules that govern important aspects of employers’ relationships with their employees. Read more below for further updates.
DOL Rolls Out Final Rule Increasing Minimum Salary For Exempt Employees
The U.S. Department of Labor (“DOL”) has rolled out its long-awaited update to the
Employers Face June 1 Deadline to Inform Employees Whose Approved OFLA Leave Is Affected by Recent OFLA Amendments
As we previously advised, under Oregon Senate Bill 1515 (“SB 1515”) effective July 1, 2024, most of the Oregon Family Leave Act (“OFLA”)—including leave for the employee’s or a family member’s serious health condition—will sunset. (Pregnancy disability, sick child, and bereavement leave remain available under OFLA.) Employees may instead look to other applicable leave
Governor Kotek Signs New Law Amending Oregon Leave Laws
On March 21, 2024, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek signed into law Senate Bill 1515, amending the Oregon Family Leave Act (“OFLA”) and the Paid Leave Oregon program (“PLO”). The bill is intended to better align the OFLA and PLO. This alert highlights the most significant OFLA and PLO changes, which will take effect July 1
Oregon Health Authority Suspends COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate for Health Care Workers
On May 10, 2023, the Oregon Health Authority (“OHA”) announced that, effective May 11, it is suspending the statewide rule requiring that health care workers be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 unless they have an approved medical or religious exception. The news coincides with the end of the federal public health emergency on May 11, along