May 5, 2011: FLSA Tip Credit
The final rule provides that to use the tip credit, an employer must inform a tipped employee about several aspects of using the tip credit, including the direct cash wage the employer is paying the tipped employee. The rule also clarifies, though does not amend, certain issues related to the meal credit, compensatory time provisions and the fluctuating workweek method of computing overtime.
May 24, 2011: ADA Amendments Act Final Rule
The long-awaited final regulations updating the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) scale back the proposed rule in several respects, including the definition of "disability." Instead of listing impairments consistently considered disabilities under federal law, the regulations provide guidelines for employers to use in identifying disabilities.
November 1, 2011: Participant Disclosure Rule
Plan administrators must take steps to ensure that retirement plan participants and beneficiaries on a regular and periodic basis are provided sufficient information regarding the plan and its investment options, including fee and expense information, so participants can make informed decisions with regard to the management of their individual accounts.
January 1, 2012: Service Provider Disclosure Rule
The U.S. Department of Labor issued interim final regulations outlining the requirements that retirement plan service providers must follow to disclose fees to plan sponsors.