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The U.S. Department of Labor Proposes FLSA Changes to Give Millions of Workers Overtime Pay Protection

Client Alert
September 18, 2023

On August 30th, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) proposing new regulations to guarantee overtime pay protection for millions of employees. Specifically, the NPRM proposes to change the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) regulations with the following:

  • Increase the salary threshold for bona fide executive, administrative, and professional (EAP) employees from $35,668 annually to $55,068,
  • Increase the salary threshold for highly compensated employees (HCE) from $107,432 annually to $143,988,
  • Apply these salary changes to U.S. territories and to employees in the motion picture industry, and
  • Automatically update these earning thresholds every three years with current wage data.

The FLSA establishes minimum wage and overtime pay for employees in the private sector and in federal, state, and local governments. Non-exempt workers are guaranteed a federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour and overtime pay of not less than one and one-half times their regular pay rate after 40 hours of work in a week.

Current FLSA regulations provide that EAP employees who earn a salary of $35,668 annually and perform duties within the EAP description (e.g., management, directing the work of others, performance of work requiring advanced knowledge, etc.) are exempt from FLSA protection. Similarly, current FLSA regulations exempt HCEs who earn a salary of $107,432.

EAP regulations were last updated in 2019. The DOL noted that keeping the earnings threshold up to date would benefit both workers and employers. Further, the DOL hopes FLSA thresholds reflect current economic conditions. In the first year, the DOL has estimated that 3.4 million workers exempt under current regulations will become newly entitled to overtime protection if the NPRM goes into effect.

The NPRM will be open for public comment for 60 days to consider comments before issuing a final rule. While it is uncertain when the NPRM could be finalized or whether it would be upheld by courts, employers should start to prepare for its potential issuance by re-considering exemptions in their current workforce.

Should you have any questions concerning the NPRM, please contact BMD Member John Childs at jnchilds@bmdllc.com or BMD Labor & Employment Partner and Co-Chair of its Labor & Employment Division, Bryan Meek, at bmeek@bmdllc.com.

DOLU.S. Department of LaborovertimeJohn ChildsBryan Meek
Client Alert

Don't Get Caught Dazed and Confused: Another Florida Court Weighs in on Employer Obligations to Accommodate Medical Marijuana Use

March 3, 2025A Florida trial court ruled in Giambrone v. Hillsborough County that employers may need to accommodate off-duty medical marijuana use under the Florida Civil Rights Act (FCRA). This contrasts with prior rulings and raises new compliance challenges for employers. With the case on appeal, now is the time to review workplace drug policies.Client Alert

Corporate Transparency Act to be Re-evaluated

February 28, 2025Recent federal rulings have impacted the enforceability of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), which took effect on January 1, 2024. While reporting requirements were briefly reinstated, FinCEN has now paused enforcement and is reevaluating the CTA. Businesses are no longer required to submit reports until further guidance is issued. For updates and legal counsel, contact BMD Member Blake Gerney.Client Alert

Ohio Recovery Housing Operators Beware: House Bill 58 Seeks to Make Major Changes

February 26, 2025Ohio House Bill 58 proposes significant changes to recovery housing oversight, granting ADAMH Boards authority to inspect and investigate recovery residences. The bill also introduces a Certificate of Need (CON) program, requiring state approval for major facility changes. OMHAS will assess applications based on cost, quality, accessibility, and financial feasibility. The bill also establishes a recovery housing residence fund to support inspections. For more information, contact BMD attorneys Daphne Kackloudis or Jordan Burdick.Client Alert

January 2025 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Brings Notable Changes to HIPAA Security Rule

February 25, 2025In January 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services proposed amendments to the HIPAA Security Rule, aiming to enhance cybersecurity for covered entities (CEs) and business associates (BAs). Key changes include mandatory compliance audits, workforce training, vulnerability scans, and risk assessments. Comments on the proposed rule are due by March 7, 2025.Client Alert

Corporate Transparency Act Effective Again

February 20, 2025The federal judiciary has issued multiple rulings on the enforceability of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), which took effect on January 1, 2024. Previously, enforcement was halted nationwide due to litigation in Smith v. U.S. Department of the Treasury. However, on February 18th, the court lifted the stay, reinstating the CTA’s reporting requirements. Non-exempt entities now have until March 21, 2025, to comply. Businesses should act promptly to avoid civil penalties of $591 per day and potential criminal liability.
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