Legislative Updates - January 27, 2026

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Arkansas
Disaster Assistance
On January 23, 2026, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reminded small businesses and private nonprofit organizations of the February 23, 2026 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that occurred April 2, 2025 – April 22, 2025. Click here to apply and to obtain additional information.

Affected Counties: Arkansas, Baxter, Calhoun, Chicot, Clark, Clay, Cleburne, Columbia, Craighead, Crittenden, Cross, Dallas, Desha, Drew, Faulkner, Fulton, Garland, Grant, Greene, Hempstead, Hot Spring, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lawrence, Lee, Lincoln, Little River, Lonoke, Miller, Mississippi, Monroe, Montgomery, Nevada, Ouachita, Perry, Phillips, Pike, Poinsett, Prairie, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Sharp, St. Francis, Union, White, Woodruff

California
COVID-19 Recordkeeping
On February 3, 2026, recordkeeping and reporting requirements under California’s COVID-19 Prevention Non-Emergency Regulations automatically expire. Employers will still be required to maintain a safe and healthful place of employment as required by Labor Code Section 6400, and must establish, implement and maintain an effective Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) as required by Title 8, California Code of Regulations, Section 3203.  

If an employer identifies COVID-19 as a workplace hazard at their place of employment, then the employer must identify, evaluate and correct any unsafe or unhealthy conditions, work practices or work procedures that are associated with COVID-19. COVID-19 Prevention Non-Emergency Regulations

California
Hospitals - Financial Aid
Effective July 1, 2027, hospitals are required to identify patients who qualify for charity care or discounted payment based on enrollment in government assistance programs or other indicators of financial need. Under the new law, hospitals must “presumptively determine” eligibility for patients enrolled in programs like CalFresh, CalWORKs or housing assistance, treating that enrollment as sufficient proof of financial qualification.

The legislation prohibits hospitals from sending billing statements before notifying patients of their eligibility for financial assistance. Any bills that are sent must reflect the discounts or charity care adjustments. CA A.B. 1312

Colorado
Auto Insurance
On January 20, 2026, the Colorado Division of Insurance (CDOI) issued a Consumer Advisory to alert residents in the Denver Metro Area whose vehicles were damaged due to unleaded gasoline tainted with diesel fuel. The CDOI outlined several points for consumers f iling claims. Those with comprehensive coverage should have damages covered by their insurers, though they remain responsible for their deductibles. Drivers who suspect their vehicles have been compromised should report damage immediately and cease driving. For those with rental car coverage, insurers should provide temporary transportation during repairs, subject to policy limits.

District of Columbia
Minimum Wage
Effective July 1, 2026, the minimum wage in the District of Columbia is raised to $18.40 per hour, up from $17.95 per hour. The minimum direct cash wage for tipped employees increases from $10.00 per hour to $10.30 per hour and the maximum tip credit increases from $7.95 per hour to $8.10 per hour.

Florida
Background Checks
Effective immediately, Florida employers that are hiring individuals to work with children or vulnerable adults (qualified entities) in positions that are subject to mandatory Level Two employment screening must include a link to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration’s clearinghouse website in all job vacancy advertisements and postings for positions. FL H.B. 531

Georgia
Disaster Assistance
On January 20, 2026, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit organizations to offset economic losses caused by the drought that began November 25, 2025. Click here to apply and to obtain additional information.

Affected Counties: Ben Hill, Berrien, Calhoun, Clay, Coffee, Crisp, Dooly, Dougherty, Early,  Irwin, Lee, Quitman, Randolph, Stewart, Sumter, Terrell, Tift, Turner, Webster, Wilcox, Worth

Hawaii
Auto Insurance
On January 16, 2026, the Hawaii Insurance Division issued Memorandum 2026-2PC to inform auto insurers they can no longer use ZIP codes in rating, underwriting or pricing motor vehicle insurance. The regulations permit county-based factors as long as actuarial standards are met. Insurers have until June 30, 2026 to submit new rate filings that do not include ZIP code factors. The new rates will take effect for policies beginning October 1, 2026.

Illinois
Workplace Poster
The State of Illinois has made available its Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act workplace poster. The poster is available in English, Spanish and Polish.

Iowa
Disaster Assistance
On January 22, 2026, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reminded eligible private nonprofit organizations of the February 23, 2026 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the severe winter storm that occurred March 19, 2025. Click here to apply and to obtain additional information.

Affected Counties: Crawford, Harrison, Monona, Woodbury

Kansas
Disaster Assistance
On January 22, 2026, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reminded eligible private nonprofit organizations of the February 23, 2026 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the severe winter storm, straight-line winds, flooding and wildfires that occurred March 14, 2025 – March 19, 2025. Click here to apply and to obtain additional information.

Affected Counties: Barton, Chautauqua, Edwards, Elk, Ellis, Gove, Graham, Gray, Greeley, Hodgeman, Jewell, Lincoln, Logan, Ness, Norton, Osborne, Pawnee, Phillips, Rice, Rooks, Rush, Russell, Sheridan, Sherman, Smith, Stafford, Wallace, Woodson

Kentucky
Investment Guidance
On January 22, 2026, the Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions’ (DFI) Securities Division and the Kentucky Department of Insurance (DOI), issued guidance to help insurance agents avoid engaging in unregistered investment advisory activity under the Securities Act of Kentucky. The departments stated that insurance agents should avoid:

• Recommending the liquidation or transfer of securities to purchase insurance or annuity products, especially when profiting from that advice
• roviding opinions or forecasts about securities or comparative performance between securities and insurance products that could be interpreted as investment advice

Maryland
First Class Mail
On January 20, 2026, the Maryland Insurance Administration issued Bulletin 26-2 to clarify that the United States Postal Service Intelligent Mail Barcode satisfies the requirements of a “first-class tracking method” as defined in 1-101 (m-1) of the Insurance Article.

Maryland
Producer Termination Reporting
On January 21, 2026, the Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA) issued Bulletin 26-3 to inform insurers on how to submit notifications to the MIA when a producer’s appointment is terminated “for cause.” Insurers may use one of the following two methods to make the required notification to the Commissioner:

• Complete the online form located at: https://marylandinsurance.my.site.com/regulations/s/enforcement- intake?language=en_US (This link allows the insurer to submit the notification and any supporting documents directly to the Maryland Insurance Administration’s case management system), or
• The notification and all supporting documents can be emailed to enforcement.mia@maryland.gov.

Maryland
Prescriptions
On January 23, 2026, the Maryland Insurance Administration issued Bulletin 26-4 ordering all health insurers to suspend time limits on prescription medication refills following Gov. Wes Moore’s Executive Order 01.012026.01. The directive requires the insurers to authorize payment for at least a 30-day supply of prescription medications, regardless of when the prescription was last filled.

Maryland
Prince George’s County
Effective immediately, the minimum wage in Prince George’s County is raised to $15.30 per hour, up from $15.00.

Massachusetts
Employer Reporting
By February 2, 2026, businesses with 100 or more employees in Massachusetts must submit their EEO-1 report to the state in order to comply with salary transparency laws. Multi-state employers may submit their consolidation report, headquarters report or establishment report, as long as it covers all Massachusetts establishments. Employers may submit their reports through the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s online portal at:
‍https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/corporations/eeo-data-reports.htm

Michigan
Immunizations
On January 21, 2026, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) advised residents that, even though the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced an updated childhood vaccine schedule, most health insurance plans will continue to cover childhood vaccines without cost-sharing.

Michigan
Insurance Guaranty Limit
On January 23, 2026, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services issued Bulletin 2026-04 -INS announcing that the Michigan Property and Casualty Guaranty Association (fund to pay claims when insurers become insolvent) will now provide coverage for policyholders with a net worth up to $39.92 million, previously $38.73 million in 2025. In addition, the maximum payout on any single claim has been raised to $7.98 million from $7.75 million.

Missouri
Disaster Assistance
On January 23, 2026, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reminded small businesses and private nonprofit organizations of the February 23, 2026 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and wildfires that occurred March 14, 2025 – March 15, 2025. Click here to apply and to obtain additional information.

Affected Counties: Benton, Bollinger, Butler, Camden, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Christian, Crawford, Dallas, Dent, Douglas, Dunklin, Franklin, Gasconade, Greene, Hickory, Howell, Iron, Jefferson, Laclede, Madison, Maries, Miller, Morgan, Oregon, Ozark, Perry, Phelps, Pulaski, Reynolds, Ripley, Shannon, St. Charles, St. Francois, St. Louis, St. Louis City, Ste. Genevieve, Stoddard, Taney, Texas, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Webster, Wright

Montana
Scams
On January 23, 2026, the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI) issued a Release to urge investors to be alert to the most common financial scams and frauds targeting consumers in 2026. The release references 12 scams that include social media lures, fake equity pitches and deep fake impersonations.

Nebraska
Disaster Assistance
On January 22, 2026, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reminded eligible private nonprofit organizations of the February 23, 2026 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the severe winter storm and straight-line winds that occurred March 18, 2025 – March 19, 2025. Click here to apply and to obtain additional information.

Affected Counties: Boone, Burt, Butler, Cass, Clay, Colfax, Cuming, Dakota, Dodge, Douglas, Fillmore, Hamilton, Jefferson, Johnson, Lancaster, Nuckolls, Otoe, Platte, Polk, Saline, Sarpy, Saunders, Seward, Thayer, Thurston, Washington, Webster, York

Nevada
Sales Tax
On January 23, 2026, the Nevada Department of Taxation announced that the state’s sales and use tax remittance schedule is changing due to NV A.B. 594. Moving forward, companies must now submit their tax payments by the 20th of each month, rather than the last day of the month. The shift represents roughly a 10-day reduction in the filing window and affects all Nevada businesses required to file sales and use tax returns. Effective February 20, 2025.

New Jersey
Small Business Set-Aside Program
On January 12, 2026, Gov. Phil Murphy signed NJ A.B. 4928 modifying New Jersey’s existing small business set-aside program by bringing eligibility requirements more in line with federal standards. The set-aside program reserves certain state contracts exclusively for small businesses in order to give them a better chance to compete for government work without having to compete with large corporations.

The legislation exempts businesses that already comply with federal revenue standards from these requirements. Additionally, it recalibrates the state’s calculation of gross revenues for eligibility purposes, extending the assessment period from three years to five years.

New Jersey
Regulatory Communications
On January 12, 2026, Gov. Phil Murphy signed NJ A.B. 5422 permitting businesses the ability to receive regulatory and tax information from the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services and the Department of Labor and Workforce Development via email.

New Jersey
Pet Insurance
On January 12, 2026, Gov. Phil Murphy signed NJ A.B. 1203, the Pet Insurance Act, effective January 1, 2027. Under the new regulations:

• Insurers can impose waiting periods of up to 30 days for illnesses or orthopedic conditions but waiting periods for accident coverage are prohibited
• Policies must take effect within two days of purchase in most cases, though exceptions exist for individualized underwriting
• Policyholders will have 30 business days to review and return their policies for a full refund if dissatisfied, provided they haven’t filed a claim
• Insurers must clearly disclose all exclusions, coverage limitations and the formulas they use to calculate claim payments
• Insurance agents selling pet insurance must complete specialized training covering preexisting conditions, the differences between insurance and wellness programs and how policies handle hereditary and chronic conditions

New Jersey
Health Insurance Coverage
On January 18, 2026, Gov. Phil Murphy signed NJ S.B. 4894 requiring health insurers to provide coverage for  immunizations without imposing any deductibles, copayment or other cost-sharing on policyholders. The state health department will determine the exact list of which vaccines must be covered, though it is required to consider recommendations from the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and major medical organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Physicians.

Plans with provider networks are not required to cover out-of-network vaccine providers, except when no in-network provider is available to deliver a recommended immunization

Insurance companies have a one-year grace period to implement coverage after the state issues new immunization recommendations. Once coverage begins at the start of a plan year, it must continue through the end of that year, though the state insurance commissioner may remove a coverage requirement mid-year if recommendations change. Effective immediately.

New Jersey
E-Bike Insurance
On January 19, 2026, Gov. Phil Murphy signed NJ S.B. 4834 requiring individuals using motorized bicycles (speeds between 21 and 28 miles per hour) to be treated as motor vehicles and mandating that operators maintain insurance. The measure also requires operators of motorized bicycles to possess an insurance identification card at all times while riding and present it to law enforcement upon request. The rules allow for a 6-month grace period to allow individuals the opportunity to obtain coverage.

New Jersey
Health Insurance Coverage
On January 20, 2026, Gov. Phil Murphy signed NJ A.B. 5052 requiring health insurers to accept and reimburse claims for screening, prevention and treatment of behavioral health issues in children ages 18 and under using “at-risk diagnoses.” This coverage must be provided to the same extent as any other covered service, drug, device, product or procedure under existing contracts.

New Jersey
Discrimination
Effective January 20, 2026, the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) is amended to prohibit discrimination on the basis of service in the United States Armed Forces. Existing law already prohibits discrimination based on an individual’s liability for service in the United States Armed Forces; the amendment extends discrimination protections to current military members and military veterans. NJ S.B. 3800

New Mexico
Fire Protection Rating
On January 22, 2026, the New Mexico Office of Superintendent of Insurance issued Bulletin 2026-003 to notify property and casualty insurance companies servicing Ruidoso, NM that within 90 days they must notify policyholders that Ruidoso’s Public Protection Classification will be downgraded from class 2 to class 3. The ratings assess a community’s f ire protection capabilities based on emergency communications, fire department operations, water supply and community risk reduction measures.

New York
Cyber Security
On January 22, 2026, the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) issued an Industry Letter to bring attention to phishing emails claiming to come from DFS personnel urging regulated entities to open files, make payments and/or claims in order to share a f ile that is missing to prompt further engagement. The DFS is urging regulated entities to closely review email header information, including the email address used to transmit the email.

Legitimate DFS emails will be sent only from @dfs.ny.gov or @public.govdelivery.com. At least some of the messages claiming to be from DFS were sent from @myportal.dfs.ny.gov. cazepost.com. Emails from this domain are not legitimate.

New York
Workers’ Compensation
Effective April 1, 2026, the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board issued a Bulletin to announce that they will no longer accept paper forms via fax.  Information and instructions on other submission options can be found on the Forms webpage and on each form itself.

New York
Paid Family Leave – Construction Industry
Effective January 1, 2027, New York’s Paid Family Leave (PFL) law covers employees who perform construction, demolition, reconstruction, excavation, rehabilitation, repairs, renovations, alterations or improvements for multiple employers under a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) if they were employed for at least 26 of the last 39 weeks by any covered employer that is a signatory to a CBA. NY A.B. 4727

New York
New York City
Effective February 22, 2026, amendments to New York City’s Earned Safe and Sick Time Act (ESSTA) include:

• The expansion of the qualifying reasons for which sick and safe leave may be used, including personal events under the Temporary Schedule Change Act (TSCA)
• The codification of ESSTA rules providing paid prenatal personal leave
• The addition of a bank of unpaid sick and safe leave, which replaces the two days of unpaid leave provided by the TSCA NYC INT 0780-2024

North Carolina
Rounding Cash Transactions
On January 22, 2026, the North Carolina Department of Revenue issued Directive SD26-1 in order to provide guidance to retailers that round cash transactions due to the suspension of the penny. The directive instructs retailers:

• To calculate sales and use tax on the sales price of, or gross receipts derived from taxable sales
• Engaging in After-Tax Rounding, that the rounding will not impact the calculation of the sales and use tax due. The retailer calculates the sales price or gross receipts from the transaction before rounding cash transactions
• That if the retailer rounds a cash transaction down to the nearest five-cent increment after calculating tax, the rounding does not reduce the tax due
• That if a retailer rounds a cash transaction up to the nearest five-cent increment after calculating tax, the rounding does not increase the sales price or gross receipts from the sale

Pennsylvania
Unemployment Insurance
Effective February 20, 2026, Pennsylvania unemployment insurance law is amended to provide benefit eligibility for Pennsylvania employees who voluntarily leave work due to a domestic violence situation.  

The amendment also requires unemployment claimants to make good faith efforts to obtain employment and prohibits actions that unreasonably discourage their own hire. PA H.B. 274

Texas
Residential and Auto Insurance
On January 15, 2026, the Texas Department of Insurance issued Adoption Order 2026-9741 announcing the adoption of new reporting requirements that require residential and auto insurers to disclose why they cancel, decline or refuse to renew policies. The reports must include specific reason codes, the property’s ZIP code and whether the decision was based on aerial imagery or third-party data. Expected effective date - April 1, 2026.

Texas
Disaster Assistance
On January 20, 2026, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit organizations to offset economic losses caused by the drought that began December 29, 2025. Click here to apply and to obtain additional information.

Affected Counties: Austin, Brazos, Burleson, Fayette, Fort Bend, Grimes, Harris, Lee, Montgomery, Waller, Washington

Texas
Disaster Assistance
On January 20, 2026, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit organizations to offset economic losses caused by the drought that began November 4, 2025. Click here to apply and to obtain additional information.

Affected Counties: Austin, Colorado, Fayette, Fort Bend, Waller, Washington, Wharton

Texas
Disaster Assistance
On January 23, 2026, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reminded small businesses and private nonprofit organizations of the February 23, 2026 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by severe storms and flooding that occurred March 26, 2025 – March 28, 2025. Click here to apply and to obtain additional information.

Affected Counties: Brooks, Cameron, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Kenedy, Starr, Willacy, Zapata

Virginia
Disaster Assistance
On January 20, 2026, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit organizations to offset economic losses caused by the drought that began September 16, 2025. Click here to apply and to obtain additional information.

Affected Counties: Clarke, Frederick, Shenandoah, Warren, Winchester

West Virginia
Disaster Assistance
On January 20, 2026, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses and private nonprofit organizations to offset economic losses caused by the drought that began September 16, 2025. Click here to apply and to obtain additional information.

Affected Counties: Fayette, Greenbrier, Kanawha, Nicholas, Raleigh, Summers

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The information contained in this article is intended for educational purposes and to provide a general understanding of regulatory events and legislative change – not to provide specific legal advice. Employers are advised to discuss and/or receive counsel from their licensed legal, insurance  or accounting professional, prior to implementing any new policy or policy change.

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