January 1 Resource Center
January 1 is a crucial date for HR, with dozens of new developments taking effect.
This resource center collects Brightmine HR & Compliance Center resources that can help you and your team start the new year on the right foot.
New Compliance Requirements
More than 145 federal, state and local employment law requirements take effect on or around January 1, 2026.
Our annual round-up, New Year, New Compliance Requirements: See What's in Store for Employers in 2026, lists all the developments state by state and indexed by Topic. It links to the Legal Timetable, which provides a helpful synopsis of each development and in turn links to the Employment Law Guide for further details. This asset will be updated through early January with any late-breaking additions.
January 1 developments are taking effect in a wide variety of states:
January 1 developments involve leave, payroll, wage and hour, benefits, EEO and other topics:
Now is the time to review these developments and ensure your organization is ready to comply.
Webinar: Top 5 Compliance Issues for HR in 2026
As this year ends, HR leaders must start planning now for the shifting compliance landscape coming in 2026. From evolving legal standards to heightened employee expectations, the need to proactively manage risk while supporting organizational values has never been more complex or more critical.
In this 60-minute webinar, attorneys Adam Brown and Elisabeth Bassani of Duane Morris LLP will spotlight the top five compliance challenges that demand strategic attention from HR leaders.
Employee Handbooks Checklist
Coming soon!
Top 2026 Compliance Issues for HR
Coming soon!
HR KPIs to Prioritize for Success in 2026
Coming soon!