Practical HR Tips, News & Advice. Updated Daily.
A year ago, agency heads assumed they were appointed for fixed terms and protected by law from summary termination. However, by means of a series of presidential actions, even the leaders of the “independent” agencies have been “re-classified” as at-will employees, serving at the pleasure of the president. This is in concert with an expanded view […]
After Congress refused to block state regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) for a second time, President Trump on December 11, 2025, issued Executive Order (EO) 14365, Ensuring a National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence. The purpose as stated is to create a uniform federal framework for AI and sharply limit the ability of states to […]
On December 3, a bipartisan group of legislators led by Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) introduced legislation that would prohibit employers from relying solely on automated decision-making systems to make employment-related decisions. HR 6371, known as the No Robot Bosses Act, would mandate that employers include human oversight when they use automated decision-making software, that they […]
A case decided on December 5 by the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals—a sister federal appeals court to our 5th Circuit, which covers Texas—looks like it is being teed up for review by the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS). The issue: What does it take to get a case dismissed before trial? […]
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s (EEOC) posture has shifted, and employers should take note. With the recent confirmation of a second Republican EEOC commissioner, Brittany Panuccio, the EEOC has a quorum on its five-seat panel, with a two-to-one Republican majority. With the quorum restored, the EEOC can alter policy, guidance, strategic plans, and litigation […]
On October 30, 2025, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) implemented a significant policy shift that directly affects workforce planning and compliance for employers across the country. The agency published an interim final rule that officially ended the practice of automatically extending employment authorization documents (EADs) for certain renewal applicants—a move that could lead […]
Cell phones are a quintessential tool in modern society, including within the realm of employment. Many employers use various data networks that allow employees to access and store the employer’s data on their own personal cell phones or other personal devices under “bring your own device” (BYOD) practices. Allowing employees access to employer data from […]
Political discussions between employees at work become heated, negative political social media posts go viral, off-duty employees are photographed participating in off-duty protests, or workers show up at work wearing pins, buttons, or shirts emblazoned with political slogans. It seems these things are happening more frequently, and third parties are more willing to complain to […]
One of the central facets of the unitary executive theory is that the executive branch of government should operate as a single, fully coordinated entity, with all decisions (major and minor) and all appointees (major and minor) reflecting the policies of the executive— e.g., the president, the sole person elected by a vote of all […]
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has started investigating federal contractors and grant recipients for allegations that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs violate antidiscrimination laws. Background In addition to revoking Executive Order (EO) 11246, President Trump’s January 31, 2025, EO 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity, also added a new certification requirement […]