In a profession that moves as fast as the legal industry, it’s important to stay on top of new ideas and trends. One area that deserves close attention is law new – a broad term that refers to alternative legal services providers, start-up companies and law firm subsidiaries that help complement traditional legal work. While this area may not yet make up a substantial percentage of the overall practice of law, it’s growing rapidly. Lawyers who understand the power of this concept can use it to expand their client base and create value for their firms.
The legislative process starts with a policy idea, which can come from a senator’s constituents, an advocacy group or a State official. Once the idea is settled upon, it must be drafted as a bill before it can be considered by the Senate. This step is typically carried out by staff of the Senate’s Legislative Bill Drafting Commission. However, interest groups and government agencies may have their own attorneys draft bills on their behalf.
A bill must be passed by both houses of the legislature before it can become law. Once a bill is passed, the Governor has 10 days to sign it into law or veto it. If the Governor signs a bill, it becomes law; if the bill is vetoed, it must return to the house that first passed it where a vote can be taken to override the Governor’s veto.
This legislation amends rules that implement the requirement that any business that uses automated employment decision tools must first conduct a bias audit. DCWP will begin enforcement of this rule on July 5, 2023. It also amends rules to align City data breach notification laws with those in the State’s SHIELD Act, and adds a definition of “family member” for paid sick leave purposes. Ogletree Deakins continues to monitor developments in the areas of background checks, drug testing, employment law, leaves of absence, multistate compliance, pay equity, and workplace safety and health. For more information, please visit our Employment Law, Labor & Employee Benefits, Pay Equity and Workplace Safety and Health blogs.