The Compliance Quarterly, a guide for California HR professionals, is published four times a year. It focuses on legal developments in California of interest to employee benefits and human resources professionals.

Topics include California statutory and regulatory developments, local ordinances on topics such as government contracts, paid sick leave, and health care as well as court decisions affecting employee benefits.

Third Quarter 2009: Compliance Quarterly

In this issue:

• Family and medical leave issues for California employers
• Cashed-out defined contribution plan participants can bring fiduciary breach lawsuits
• Key welfare benefits tasks 4th quarter 2009

 
Second Quarter 2009: Compliance Quarterly

In this issue:

• Same-sex marriage ban upheld – existing marriages still valid
• Selected California employment and benefit notices
• IRS permits midyear suspension of 401(k) safe-harbor contributions
• Key welfare benefits tasks 3rd quarter 2009

First Quarter 2009: Compliance Quarterly

In this issue:

• New California law applies temporary COBRA subsidy to Cal-COBRA
• Re-start on investment advice rules
• California bars balance billing for emergency room care
• San Francisco Health Care Security Ordinance in 2009
• Key welfare benefits tasks 2nd quarter 2009
  

Fourth Quarter 2008: Compliance Quarterly

In this issue:

• Final FMLA regulations require employer action, coordination with California leave laws
• New laws impacting California employers
• Key welfare benefits tasks 1st quarter 2009
• Federal court again emphasizes procedural prudence in 401(k) fiduciary case
• San Francisco Health Care Security Ordinance – 2009 compliance reminders
• 2009 annual plan limits

Third Quarter 2008: Compliance Quarterly

In this issue:

• Ninth Circuit upholds San Francisco employer spending mandate
• San Francisco launches commuter benefit
• Key welfare benefits tasks 4th quarter 2008
• Former DC plan participants can bring fiduciary breach lawsuits
• Posting SPDs on an intranet - proceed with caution
• California employers must treat "kin care" same as sick leave

Second Quarter 2008: Compliance Quarterly

In this issue:

• California same-sex marriage: impact on employee benefits
• San Francisco Health Care Security Ordinance remains in effect - for now
• California and ERISA non-English language rules
• Reminder - annual Medicare Part D creditable coverage notices

First Quarter 2008: Compliance Quarterly

In this issue:

• San Francisco Health Care Security Ordinance in effect - for now
• New laws impact California employers
• New leaves for military families in Californina
• Supreme Court decides individual 401(k) participants can sue plan fiduciaries
• California expands security breach notice law

Fourth Quarter 2007: Compliance Quarterly  

In this issue: 

• SF Health Care Security Ordinance: Employer Spending Requirement Invalidated
• SF Health Care Security Ordinance: Healthy San Francisco Continues
• IRS Delays Effective Date of Section 409A Rules for NQDC Plans
• California Employers Must Provide Earned Income Tax Credit Notice, Effective January 1, 2008
• IRS Announces 2008 Plan Limits

Third Quarter 2007: Compliance Quarterly

In this issue:

•  New California Law Grants Leave to Spouses of Military Members
• Final IRS Regulations May Require Immediate 401(k) Plan Changes

Second Quarter 2007: Compliance Quarterly

In this issue:

• Massachusetts Health Care Reform Law Impacts Many California Employers
• New California Health Care Websites
• Retirement Plan Compliance Action Steps for 2007
• Wage Withholding in California After the Pension Protection Act of 2006
• California Healthy Families Program

First Quarter 2007: Compliance Quarterly

In this issue: 

• San Francisco Delays Full Implementation of Ordinances
• New Lawsuits Over 401(k) Fees
• California State Contractor Domestic Partner Benefits Law Now in Effect
• Governor's Health Care Reform Proposal
• HIPAA Privacy Notice Reminders Due for Small Plans 

Fourth Quarter 2006: Compliance Quarterly

In this issue: 

• New San Francisco Paid Sick Leave Ordinance
• Medical Waiver Forms
• Disclosure of Medical Information to Defend Lawsuits Permitted
• California SDI & PFL 2007 Program Changes
• IRS Announces 2007 Plan Limits

Third Quarter 2006: Compliance Quarterly

In this issue:

• San Francisco Adopts Health Access Program with Employer Funding
• The Role of HIPAA, ADA, and State Insurance Laws in the Implementation of Wellness Programs
• New Pension Act Encourages Auto-Enrollment in 410(k) and 403(b) Plans
• AB 356 - New Notice Obligation for California Employers

Second Quarter 2006: Compliance Quarterly

In this issue:

• State Contractors Must Provide Equal Benefits to Domestic Partners
• California Fair Share Health Care Bill
• Termination of California Employees - Required Employer Actions

First Quarter 2006: Compliance Quarterly

In this issue:

• New Laws Impact California Employers
• Regulators Shed Light on California Domestic Partner Law
• Capitated Networks are "Insured" Products: Impact on Cal-COBRA
• Failure to Consider Plan Termination Alternatives Results in Fiduciary Liability
• Vacation Pay Plans and ERISA