There is a new Form I-9 that employers should begin using right away. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced the release of its newly updated Employment Eligibility Verification form, Form I-9. All employers are required to use Form I-9 at the time of hire to verify the identity and employment eligibility of their employees.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has issued new regulations that require employers to use updated versions of Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) forms. The new regulations went into effect January 1, 2013, and affect all employers using outside agencies to conduct background checks on candidates for employment.

On February 6, 2013, the U.S. Department of Labor issued final Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) regulations that take effect March 8, 2013. These regulations relate specifically to leave taken by family members of military personnel, among other issues.

A new, online version of The Maryland Entrepreneur’s Guide was recently released to the public. This guide provides basic information regarding starting a business in Maryland, including financing, entity choice, and tax credits, among other topics. Although the guide has existed in various forms over the last few years, the online version makes the guide more accessible to Maryland’s entrepreneurs.

Although all employers with workers in the United States are required to complete an I-9 for each employee, employers often give little thought to proper completion of this deceptively simple form. Failing to complete the form, or completing it incorrectly, however, can subject the employer to civil or criminal fines and penalties. Employers hoping to avoid that problem should take note: the number of random I-9 audits conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has risen dramatically over the past few years.

Employers who anticipate hiring new H-1B employees under the FY2014 cap (for employment beginning October 1, 2013) should be aware that the first day to submit petitions for new H-1B employment is April 1, 2013.

Employers have long been required to verify each new employee’s identity and eligibility to work in the United States through the completion of the Employment Eligibility Verification form ("I-9"). Proper completion of the I-9 is required for all employees, regardless of citizenship. Despite its being in effect for more than 25 years, compliance with this law still eludes many employers.

The Department of Labor recently issued a booklet entitled, "Need Time? The Employee's Guide to The Family And Medical Leave Act."

 Substantial statutory and regulatory requirements are already in place to regulate Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs). Nevertheless, the Maryland legislature enacted legislation in the 2012 session that imposed additional requirements on CCRCs. 

 Recording some real estate instruments in Maryland will soon become more expensive. Apparently, the fiscal pressures of the recession have caused Maryland’s government to take action in an attempt to boost revenues. Effective July 1, 2012, the State & Local Revenue Financing Act of 2012 will require taxation of some indemnity deeds of trust and mortgages ("IDOTS").

A new law takes effect October 1, 2012, prohibiting Maryland employers from requiring employees to report for certain evening and night shifts after serving on jury duty.

On April 26, 2012, the Maryland Court of Appeals significantly modified the Maryland common law on liability for attacks by pit bulls and cross-bred pit bull mixes. As a result, the only corrective action that an owner or landlord may be able to take to avoid liability for harm caused to another by a pit bull or cross-bred pit bull mix on the premises is to exclude such dogs altogether.

Although the Elder Justice Act took effect in 2010 and the newness has worn off a bit, health care facilities should periodically look at the Act and its requirements. Compliance with the Act’s requirements is not a one-time event. Among other things, the Act requires owners and operators of long-term care facilities to annually notify specific individuals, including operators and managers of facilities, of their individual reporting requirements.

If Governor Martin O’Malley signs it, a bill passed by the Maryland Legislature will make Maryland the first state to prohibit employers from asking or requiring their prospective or current employees to give access to their personal online accounts.

The National Labor Relations Board ("NLRB") is spending more time considering social media issues under the National Labor Relations Act (the "Act"). The NLRB’s Acting General Counsel just released a second report on recent social media cases. Employers (union and non-union alike) are covered by the Act and should pay attention to the NLRB’s actions in this evolving area of law.