Advocacy

The Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) updated its list of “Critical Essential Infrastructure” to expand upon its guidance for states and municipalities to use in defining what business operations should be considered “essential.” Read here for more details.

A common question that is being asked is “Can I become infected with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) by touching my mail or a package?” Read here for answers.

The Department of Labor (DOL) has issued posters explaining the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and the impacts it will have on employees that must be hung in the workplace. Read here for details.

In addition to the federal emergency sick leave requirements, employers with employees in New York also are subject to the NY Paid Sick Time Plan, which requires employers with more than 10 employees or $1 million in revenue to provide COVID-19-related paid leave. Read here for more details.

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act goes into effect no later than April 2, 2020, and will expire on December 30, 2020. The bill has two separate provisions that impact private entities and individuals that employ fewer than 500 employees. Read here for more information.

Due to the rapid spread of COVID-19, many states and localities are now issuing strict orders to citizens to “shelter in place” or “stay at home” and for all “non-essential businesses” to close. This has caused confusion around which businesses beyond the obvious (i.e., pharmacies, hospitals, grocery stores) ones are considered essential and allowed to remain open. SGIA is working feverously to ensure vital printing operations are included in the "essential" business list.

Since 2017, there has been 62 proposals in 17 states that would require warning labels or ingredient listings. In order to provide a uniform and consistent approach to product ingredient labeling, SGIA has joined the Coalition for Accurate Product Labels (CAPL), which has successfully been able to get legislation introduced that will address this issue.

As a result of changes made by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to the fall protection requirements, the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), has continued its rulemaking process to revise its state regulations.

On Tuesday, March 3, 2020 the House Small Business Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax and Capital Access held a hearing to determine the impacts of the online sales tax requirements set as a result of the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court in South Dakota v. Wayfair.

Due to the continued challenges with the implosion of the plastic recycling market caused by many countries, led by China, refusing to accept many waste streams, action by the US Congress has been initiated. Inside, you'll find a brief review of the key provisions of this pending legislation from Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and Rep. Alan Lowenthal (D-Calif.).