The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Dec. 17 published a final rule announcing that employers must begin using the updated Employment Eligibility Verification Form, also known as Form I-9, by Feb. 2 to avoid fines and penalties. The new I-9 form can be downloaded at
www.uscis.gov/i-9.
All employers are required to complete a Form I-9 for each employee hired in the United States and to re-verify any employee with expiring employment authorization. The new form is revised to mandate that all documents presented during the I-9 completion process must not be expired.
In addition, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) poster has been revised to reflect the recently published Department of Labor (DOL) final rule that provides additional leave for military families and further guidance for both employees and employers. Every employer covered by the FMLA is required to keep a notice explaining the FMLA posted in a conspicuous place where employees can see it. The updated poster (which becomes effective Jan. 16) and additional compliance assistance materials are available at
www.dol.gov/esa/whd/fmla/finalrule.htm.
For more information about the Form I-9 or FMLA, including helpful links and copies of the final rules, visit
www.abc.org/finalregulations, or contact Bob Hirsch at ABC,
hirsch@abc.org.