New Year’s Roundup: Illinois Edition 2026

The following changes to Illinois employment law take effect on January 1, 2026, and apply to employers of all sizes unless otherwise noted. ORGAN DONOR LEAVE APPLIES TO PART-TIME EMPLOYEES The state’s paid organ donation leave law, which applies to employers with 51...

Nebraska Increases Minimum Wage on January 1, 2026

On January 1, 2026, Nebraska’s minimum wage will increase to $15 per hour. The minimum base wage for tipped employees remains the same at $2.13 per hour. Nebraska’s minimum wage law covers employers with four or more employees, not counting seasonal employees who work...

Vermont Increases Minimum Wage on January 1, 2026

On January 1, 2026, Vermont’s minimum wage will increase to $14.42 per hour. The minimum base wage for tipped employees will increase to $7.21 per hour. Vermont’s minimum wage applies to employers that have two or more employees. Employers that have only one employee...

Maryland: Howard County Increases Minimum Wage on January 1, 2026

The minimum wage in Howard County, Maryland, will increase to $15.50 per hour for employers with 14 or fewer employees as well as certain charitable organizations, home health service providers, and food service facilities. The minimum base wage for tipped employees...