Updating personnel rules is an endless task. Laws are constantly changing, and agencies are experiencing significant operational changes now more than ever. The responsibility of ensuring that all personnel rules are up to date and reflect both the legal requirements and the operational requirements is time-consuming and daunting. However, auditing personnel rules is one of

La_city_hwysFans of the late night television show Saturday Night Live probably have seen the recurring sketch called, “The Californians.”  “The Californians” is a soap opera, and the characters portray Californian stereotypes, such as poking fun at the way Californians speak and drive and their obsession over traffic.  One of the recurring jokes is that Californians

Baby-Bonding.jpgA gap that existed in California law concerning continuation of health insurance coverage during maternity leave has now been filled by the California legislature.  Effective January 1, 2012, health insurers will be required to cover maternity benefits and employers who had been required to continue health insurance during a maternity leave covered by the Family

Woman-Returning-To-Work.pngThe federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) and the California Family Rights Act of 1993 (CFRA) provide leave and maintenance of health benefits to eligible employees in three situations.  First, leave is permitted for the serious health condition of an employee or a listed family member.  Second, leave is permitted for prenatal

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The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) and Verizon Services Corporation, which employs more than 7,000 people, agreed to settle a class action lawsuit challenging the company’s handling of family medical leave requests under the California Family Rights Act (CFRA).  The DFEH’s lawsuit against Verizon alleges that the company had several policies and