State Issues and Trends
Current trends include:
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Equipment Bans – Several states and municipalities are considering banning the sale of and/or use of gas-powered landscaping equipment (mowers, leaf blowers, etc.). California was the first state to pass such a requirement which will become effective in 2024.
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Paid Leave Requirements – Many states are looking to add requirements for private employers on paid, sick, and family leave. Proposals of varying degree have shown up in state legislatures all over the country.
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Predictive Scheduling – States across the country are considering what are commonly identified as "just-in-time," "call-in," or "on-call" scheduling. These regulations are designed to create more “predictive” schedules for hourly employees but generally create additional cost for employers who make last minute scheduling changes. Many of the regulations have targeted larger retail and fast-food employers specifically. For clubs and other hospitality businesses reliant on the weather, these regulations could create additional economic burdens as they struggle to cope with fluctuating staffing needs.
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Pesticide Bans and Preemption Laws – Local and state bans on pesticides and agents used commonly in golf course maintenance have been seen across the country, including chlorpyrifos, neonicotinoids, and glyphosate.
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Property Taxes – Many states and municipalities are reassessing the ways clubs are taxed. By taxing as “highest and best use” vs. “open space” or other specially negotiated rates, clubs and courses could be facing five and six figure increases.
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Wage Increases – Thirty states, the District of Columbia, and countless municipalities have minimum wage rates that exceed the federal minimum wage.