HR Watchdog

San Francisco Healthcare Ordinance - Compliance Help

The city of San Francisco has its own Web site to assist employers with compliance.

New I-9 Form - Again?

The United States Customs and Immigration Service (USCIS) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have issued an interim rule revising the list of acceptable documents on the I-9 form. They expect to issue a revised I-9 form on February 2, 2009, which will be required for use by all employers at that time.

The USCIS/DHS are accepting comments on the interim rule as it prepares the final rule, but has waived the formal notice and comment period typical prior to the issuance of final regulations. If you wish to submit comments, all submissions received must include your organization's name and DHS Docket No. USCIS–2008–0001 for this rulemaking. All comments received will be posted without change to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided.

Some of the changes in this regulation and the pending new form:

• Expired documents are no longer acceptable, including U.S. Passports;
• The Passport Card has been added as an acceptable List A document; and
• Form I–688, ‘‘Temporary Resident Card,’’ and Forms I–688A and I–688B, ‘‘Employment
  Authorization Cards,’’ are no longer issued and the agencies have determined that any
  such documents that were previously issued have expired. As such, these documents are removed from List A as acceptable documents.

We are tracking these regulations and will provide an update when a final rule is on the horizon and the issue date for the new form is confirmed.

Child Support Processing

The California Department of Child Support Services has issued the following update:

Are you aware of the latest info on wage withholding requirements for child support?  Are you doing more work than you have to?

Employers can save time and receive notifications on the latest developments in child support wage withholding processing by signing up for E-Update — a free, e-mail newsletter for California employers.

California employers process more than 65 percent of all child support payments collected in California.  Employer wage withholding is a vital link in the child support process, helping families to be economically self-sufficient and improving the well-being of children.

E-Update provides employers with news on electronic payment procedures, law changes, quick tips, time-saving strategies, and frequently asked questions. This information is bundled in brief quarterly dispatches, keeping California businesses up-to-date and on target.

To take advantage of this valuable new tool, sign up now.

IRS Mileage Rate for 2009 Announced

Beginning January 1, 2009, the IRS mileage reimbursement rate will be 55 cents per mile. For additional details, read the IRS news release. Keep in mind that most California state enforcement agencies consider the IRS rate the most reasonable.