Arizona
On July 13, 2009, Arizona became another state to enact a "Guns-at-Work" law after Governor Jan Brewer signed a bill that limits Arizona employers from enforcing any policies that prohibit employees from storing their lawfully owned firearms in their locked vehicles while parked in their employer's parking lot.
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed a district court ruling upholding the Legal Arizona Workers Act, the Arizona law prohibiting employers from knowingly or intentionally hiring undocumented workers and suspending or revoking the business licenses of employers that do.
Late last week, Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano signed House Bill 2745 into law. The bill clarifies the scope of the Legal Arizona Workers Act, while imposing new obligations on employers and state contractors.
Following months of litigation, a federal district court judge has ruled that the Legal Arizona Workers Act is constitutional. The decision – which the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals will likely review – affirms the new Arizona law prohibiting employers from knowingly or intentionally employing unauthorized workers at the risk of losing their business licenses.
The U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona has dismissed two lawsuits challenging the Legal Arizona Workers Act. Effective January 1, 2008, the law imposes new obligations on Arizona companies and penalizes those that knowingly or intentionally employ undocumented workers.
Multiple Arizona-based groups have filed two federal lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of the recently enacted Legal Arizona Workers Act. The court's ruling, which is expected by the end of the year, will have a significant effect on immigration law compliance for Arizona employers.
Arizona enacts the Legal Arizona Workers Act imposing new obligations on all Arizona employers. Effective January 1, 2008, any Arizona employer who knowingly or intentionally hires unauthorized employees may have their business license suspended and all Arizona employers must enroll in the federal government's Employment Eligibility Verification Program (EEVP), in order to confirm the work eligibility of all new hires.
Arizona's new law prohibiting smoking in most public places, including workplaces, becomes effective May 1, 2007. The law imposes new obligations on employers, and this ASAP provides tips for employers in implementing these new rules.
In November, Arizonans approved a ballot initiative that not only increases the minimum wage, but threatens to have significant repercussions for employers beyond what to pay employees.
The Arizona Supreme Court ruled that certain provisions added to the workers' compensation statute were unconstitutional. The provisions precluded an award of benefits when the alcohol or controlled substances contributed at least in part to a worker's injury.