Roundup: Hawaii Pay Transparency, 401K Catch-up Contributions, 401K Withdrawals, AI in Employment Decisions, and Minnesota’s New Employment Laws

Paying someone less because of a protected factor is discrimination. It's already illegal everywhere there are employment discrimination laws. So, why include it in a pay transparency law?

Here’s a look at Hawaii's new pay discrimination and transparency law.

For lawmakers, the great thing about payroll taxes is that they are much easier to collect from employers than from individual taxpayers. So, for higher earners, they are going to start collecting the taxes upfront for catch-up contributions and eliminate the option to make pre-tax contributions.

Read more about the new rules on tax and 401(k) catch-up contributions.

It's all a bit of a gamble on when you are going to need it, what your income will look like then, and what your tax rate will be when you withdraw it. But it's getting a little easier to withdraw retirement contributions early.

Learn more about expanded penalty-free early withdrawals from 401(k).

You cannot outsource responsibility or liability for employment discrimination. Artificial intelligence (AI) can do amazing things. But you cannot rely on AI predictions and recommendations as being more objective or "right." These tools offer opinions, not facts. And they are always missing context, care, and compassion.

See the EEOC’s guidance on AI in employment decisions.

The Minnesota Legislature has been busy addressing employment issues. New protections for sick and parental leave and for pregnant and nursing workers. And a new fund to help employers provide disability accommodations is coming too.

Read more about Minnesota’s new employment laws.