Law Offices of Keri Trask Lazarus

12/09/2022

With the new year coming, employees in Oregon will se a reduction in the paychecks to Paid Leave Oregon. Oregon is created a paid leave fund through an employment tax effective January 1, 2023. Employees should understand how they will be able to use this fund in the future, and employers should understand their obligations associated with this new fund. Below is a link to an article from the state of Oregon explaining this development in Oregon law.

Paid Leave Oregon is a new program that ensures individuals, employers, and families--of every kind--have the time and support they need to care for themselves and their loved ones when life's important moments affect their health and safety.

07/29/2022

With the high temperatures Oregon is experiencing this week, it is important to be up to date on OSHA rules and guidelines. In June of this year, OSHA issued a rest break schedule for temperatures exceeding 90 degrees. Employees and employers should confirm they are in compliance with the new rules during this heat wave. Below is a link to a document published by OSHA.

07/01/2022

It is important for businesses and employees earning minimum wage to be aware that today the minimum wage in Oregon increased. Below is an article from OPB explaining the increase in different counties.

Starting July 1, minimum wage workers in Oregon will see an increase in pay. What the new hourly rate will be depends on where they work in the state.

05/06/2022

If you are an employer, or employee, it is important to know about the new paid leave program (similar to FMLA but at the state level). The program will go into effect in 2023 and will allow for family leave, medical leave, and safe leave. Below is an article from News Channel 21 with more information about the program.

The Oregon Employment Department’s Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance program, set to roll out next year, is now “Paid Leave Oregon.”

04/29/2022

Oregon's Senate has passed a bill requiring landlords and homeowner associations to allow tenants and owners in their associations to install air conditioning in rental units. If you are a landlord, tenant, or a homeowner in an association needing air conditioning you should be aware of this legislation. Below is an article from the Oregonian regarding the bill.

Senate Bill 1536 limits restrictions that landlords and homeowners associations can place on portable cooling devices and calls for the creation of a state program to distribute air conditioners and filters to needy residents on an emergency basis.

03/18/2022

Now that it is 2022, it is important to ensure your business and/or your employer is in compliance with the new laws governing businesses that went into effect for this year. Below is an article from Holland & Knight summarizing the laws that went into effect this year.

The Oregon Legislature enacted several new laws that will impact the workplace in 2022, with many of the laws going into effect on Jan. 1.

02/28/2022

Oregon's Governor is going to lift the mask mandate for many businesses effective March 12, 2022. The date this will go into effect has proven to be a moving target over the last few weeks, so it still may change. However, it is important for business owners and customers to understand what is expected of them as we move forward. Below is an article from Canby First about the Governor's recent announcement.

In a surprise move, Governor Kate Brown said Monday that Oregon, Washington and California will jointly lift their indoor mask mandate on March 12.

01/18/2022

The US Supreme Court overruled President Biden's OSHA rule forcing employers with more than 100 employees to require their employees to get vaccinated. It is now up to states and businesses to make decisions about vaccinations. It is important to understand your legal rights and obligations as an employer or employee. Below is a link to a CNN article regarding the ruling.

The Supreme Court on Thursday blocked President Joe Biden's vaccine and testing requirement aimed at large businesses, but it allowed a vaccine mandate for certain health care workers to go into effect nationwide.

11/08/2021

President Biden passed a new OSHA rule that requires businesses with more than 100 employees to force their employees to be vaccinated or undergo regular testing or potentially face of fine of $14,000 per infraction. The rule is already being litigated with several states suing and a federal judge in the Fifth Circuit ruling against it. Whether you are an employer or employee, it is important to know the rule as it will apply unless a case comes down in your Federal Circuit Court or the US Supreme Court that renders it unenforceable. Below is an article from abc news that further explains the new rule.

The new OSHA vaccine mandate regulations cover a majority of the American workforce.

10/21/2021

The 72- hour and144 hour notices for non-payment of rend are not valid in Oregon for the time being due to COVID-19. The time frame has been changed to 10-days and 13-days respectively. Landlords and tenants need to keep watching as the laws in Oregon continue to change regularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Oregon Rental Housing Association wrote an article about these changes that can be accessed with the link below.

10-Day Notice to Pay or Vacate for Nonpayment of Rent – ORHA form 4A13-Day Notice to Pay or Vacate for Nonpayment of Rent – ORHA form 44APast-Due Rent Reminder – ORHA form 14Notice of Termination with Cause – ORHA form 38

10/11/2021

In the ever-changing environment in which we all now find ourselves, OSHA has been promulgating new rules governing workplaces related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Below is a link to OSHA's most recent rules for Oregon businesses effective Sept. 16, 2021 through Dec. 26, 2021. It is important to understand these rules both as an employer and as an employee.

10/01/2021

If you were recently in a motor vehicle collision in which anyone was injured or more than $2,500 damage was done to any vehicle or property you are required to complete and file an Oregon Traffic Accident and Insurance Report with DMV within 72 hours of the collision. This requirement exists regardless of fault. Below is a link to the report you are required to file in such situations.