--- title: Employment Law Changes for April 2020 description: The Family First Coronavirus Response Act and the CARES Act are two recent pieces of legislation that dramatically affected HR law during April 2020. image: https://www.backstitch.io/hubfs/HRLawBlogGraphic%20(1).png --- [![backstitch purple logo](https://www.backstitch.io/hs-fs/hubfs/backstitch_logo_purple_2020.png?width=170&height=36&name=backstitch_logo_purple_2020.png "backstitch purple logo")](https://www.backstitch.io/) ## [Integrate Mental and Financial Wellness into Your Total Rewards](https://www.backstitch.io/blog/mental-wellness-total-rewards) [Read](https://www.backstitch.io/blog/mental-wellness-total-rewards) ## [Implement Flexible Benefits Allowances for Your Workforce](https://www.backstitch.io/blog/flexible-benefits-allowances) [Read](https://www.backstitch.io/blog/flexible-benefits-allowances) ## [Essential Skills and Tools that Every Total Rewards Professional Need](https://www.backstitch.io/blog/skills-and-tools-for-trs-professionals) [Read](https://www.backstitch.io/blog/skills-and-tools-for-trs-professionals) ## [AI and HR: Realistic Expectations for Automated Benefits Communication](https://www.backstitch.io/blog/ai-and-hr-realistic-expectations-for-automated-benefits-communication) [Read](https://www.backstitch.io/blog/ai-and-hr-realistic-expectations-for-automated-benefits-communication) ## [Open Enrollment in a Hybrid Workplace: Best Practices for Virtual Success](https://www.backstitch.io/blog/open-enrollment-in-a-hybrid-workplace-best-practices-for-virtual-success) [Read](https://www.backstitch.io/blog/open-enrollment-in-a-hybrid-workplace-best-practices-for-virtual-success) by [Liang Deng](https://www.backstitch.io/blog/author/liang-deng) on Apr 29, 2020 [Human Resources](https://www.backstitch.io/blog/topic/human-resources) [HR Law](https://www.backstitch.io/blog/topic/hr-law) # Employment Law Changes for April 2020 ### Subscribe to Email Updates ![HRLawBlogGraphic (1)](https://www.backstitch.io/hs-fs/hubfs/HRLawBlogGraphic%20(1).png?width=200&name=HRLawBlogGraphic%20(1).png) *Welcome to the backstitch HR law blog, a series where we provide the latest updates on upcoming and recently in-effect legislation. Our blog series will provide short snippets of State, Federal, and Global changes in HR and employment law, so your organization can continue to stay up to date in the legal world.  * --- ## Federal The [Family First Coronavirus Response Act](https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/6201/text/eh?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22hr6201%22%5D%7D&r=1), the first bill to address the global pandemic, went into effect on April 1st. It drastically expands FMLA to allow for paid leave for employees sickened from COVID-19, as well as allowing leave for parents who take time off to care for their dependents due to schools and daycares closing. Paid leave has been extended to 12 weeks, while unpaid leave has been lowered to 10 days. Previously, employers of less than 50 employees were not subject to FMLA; now, employers with fewer than 500 employees are also included. For organizations now struggling to afford sick leave, tax credits are offered to offset Social Security taxes up to 100% of the qualified sick leave paid out to employees. Employees are capped at $511/day if they are ill, or $200/day for family or childcare leave.  The [Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act](https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/3548/text?q=product+update), a second phase of the Federal Government's COVID-19 response, provided more direct aid to individuals and businesses. These guidelines outlined in the CARES Act dramatically affect employee benefits. 401(k) plans typically have a 10% early withdrawal fee, which is now waived for qualified coronavirus-related distributions up to $100,000. Qualified individuals include anyone:  > **Diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 by a CDC approved test** > **Who has a spouse or dependent diagnosed with the disease** > **Experiencing financial burdens due to quarantines, furloughs, layoffs, or reduced hours due to the disease or care for spouses and dependents with the disease.** The CARES Act also expands the usage of some health plan options. HSAs can now be utilized for telemedicine options, even before the deductible has been met. HSAs, HRAs, and FSAs are also now eligible for the payment of non-prescription, over-the-counter medications and supplies, including face masks and feminine hygiene products. Finally, employers that offer a student load assistance benefit can expand their contribution to include other education-related expenses, and they can pay with pre-tax dollars.  > **Read: [How to Stay Compliant with Work from Home Policies](https://www.backstitch.io/blog/stay-compliant-with-work-from-home-policies)** Several laws outside of coronavirus-related legislation have been postponed. These will be addressed in the following months.  --- **Make sure your company will be compliant with these new updates to avoid costly penalties and lost productivity. [Follow this series](https://www.backstitch.io/info/subscribe-to-our-blog-newsletter) to ensure your company is compliant with the many employment law changes happening in the future. ** ### [Liang Deng](https://www.backstitch.io/blog/author/liang-deng) Chief of Staff [![Get More Stories Like This](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/731034/4107f39f-2b58-4b20-8993-4fd20eae5e7b.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/731034/4107f39f-2b58-4b20-8993-4fd20eae5e7b) [**](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.backstitch.io%2Fblog%2Ftop-employment-law-changes-in-april-2020) [**](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.backstitch.io%2Fblog%2Ftop-employment-law-changes-in-april-2020) ![post_img](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/2558854/hubfs/Future-Vision-Assets/post_img1.jpg?width=786&name=post_img1.jpg "post_img") ### READ MORE OF WHAT YOU LIKE. 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