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Updates From Our Lawyers in Arizona

At Farhang & Medcoff, our lawyers in Arizona enjoy working with our clients on a long-term basis. Forging long-term partnerships with our clients enables us to take the time to thoroughly inform and advise them about the issues at hand and all of the applicable laws and regulations. Client education is a top priority for us, as it enables each of our clients to make informed decisions about their business, transactions, or other issues.

 

We encourage you to take a few minutes to look through our blog archive for topics of interest to you. With a focus on federal and state employment and labor law, our blog serves as a resource for business owners across Arizona. Do note, however, that if you need personalized legal guidance, you will need to schedule a consultation with our lawyers in Arizona.

POTUS Approves Law to End Forced Arbitration in Sexual Misconduct Cases

President Joe Biden signed H.R. 4445, or the Ending Forced Arbitration of Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment Act, into law on Monday.

House Narrowly Passes Bill Seeking to End All Employment Arbitration Agreements

The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 963 (the “Bill”) yesterday in a 222-209 heavily partisan vote. The Bill, also called the “Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal” or “FAIR,” would nullify most pre-dispute forced employment arbitration agreements if passed by the Senate and signed into law by the President.

House Passes Hairstyle Discrimination Ban

 The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2116 (the "Bill") last Friday in a 259-189 party-line vote. The Bill, also called the “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair” (“Crown”), would prohibit discrimination against natural hair textures and hairstyles in housing programs, federally assisted public accommodations, employment, and more.

Congress Enacts New Protections for Pregnant and Nursing Employees

Employers take note—Congress’s recent enactment of the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act (“PUMP Act”) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (“PWFA”) has significant implications for Arizona employers. Both the PUMP Act and PWFA are federal laws that expand the rights of pregnant and nursing employees by, among other measures, requiring employers to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnancy-related conditions and to create suitable spaces for nursing parents in the workplace.

Ninth Circuit Dismisses ‘Equal Opportunity Harasser Defense’ in Offensive Music Case

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (“Ninth Circuit”) oversees cases originating in Arizona. Notably, the Ninth Circuit recently determined that employers can be held liable under federal harassment law when sexually explicit and offensive music is played in the workplace, even if both male and female employees alike are offended. This decision cuts against a long-standing defense – the equal opportunity offender (explained further below).

New Ruling May Extend Statute of Limitations for Arizona Race Discrimination / Wrongful Termination Claims

Attention employers: the US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit (“4th Circuit”) issued a ruling that may impact whether certain race discrimination claims are viable.

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