Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requires employers with more than 15 employees to reasonably accommodate an employee’s (or prospective employee’s) refusal to be vaccinated under a mandatory vaccination policy if the refusal is based on a “sincerely held religious belief.” The employer must “reasonably accommodate” the employee’s religious belief unless to… Read More »
COVID-19
March 2021 Update: Governor Abbott Lifts COVID-19 Restrictions
On March 2, Governor Greg Abbott issued Executive Order GA-34 that lifted the mask and occupancy limit mandates in Texas on the state level, effective March 10, 2021, and only gives counties the authority to re-impose the restrictions under certain circumstances, including hospitalization rates, and with some limits. How This Impacts You If you’re a business… Read More »
Business Law Breakdown: Payroll Protection Act Loan Forgiveness
Hi, I’m Jim Howicz, partner with Richards Rodriguez & Skeith. It’s July 2020, and if you’re a regular follower of our series I’m going to try to do something different. Because of the coronavirus, we’ve been away from the office for a few months. I’m recording this video at home and addressing a topic specific… Read More »
Low-Interest Loans to Small and Mid-Sized Businesses
CARES Act – Low-Interest Loans to Small and Mid-Sized Businesses Title IV of the CARES Act provides $500 billion in emergency relief in order to provide liquidity to eligible businesses, States, municipalities and Tribes related to losses incurred as a result of coronavirus. What you need to know: The Treasury is directed to use $454… Read More »
Unemployment Insurance Provisions
How does the CARES Act affect unemployment insurance benefits? The Texas Workforce Commission is still working on an agreement with the federal government for the implementation of the CARES Act assistance, but here are some of the highlights of the CARES Act unemployment insurance provisions: It creates a new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program which: provides… Read More »
CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program
Big Picture The Paycheck Protection Program is intended to provide American small businesses with 8 weeks of cash-flow assistance through 100% federally guaranteed loans. There is no cost to apply. The funding is meant to help retain workers, maintain payroll, and cover rent/mortgage/utility expenses. The loan is intended to help small business owners cover expenses… Read More »
CARES Act Eviction Moratorium
CARES Act, Texas, Travis County and City of Austin Temporary Relief from Evictions for Certain Residential Tenants What you need to know: The CARES Act imposes a national 120-day moratorium on evictions against residential tenants who cannot pay their rent due to income interruptions related to the COVID-19 outbreak. Who/What is covered: The moratorium only… Read More »
Emergency Legislation: Families First Coronavirus Response Act
What it is: Emergency FMLA and sick leave legislation designed to protect employees and employers affected by COVID-19. When it takes effect: by April 2, 2020. What you need to know: For many employers, you may be responsible for providing your employees with additional benefits, including paid leave related to COVID-19. The Big Picture On… Read More »
How Will COVID-19 Impact My Business?
In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, employers are faced with figuring out how to protect their businesses while minimizing the harm to their employees. The challenges employers are facing include making sure they are complying with applicable health and safety regulations, navigating laws regarding disability discrimination and family medical leave, and ensuring employee privacy… Read More »
