As 2026 progresses, employers are operating in a legal environment shaped by federal agency realignment, significant court decisions, and rapid state-level legislative activity. Compliance is no longer static. The decisions organizations make now will directly influence risk exposure, workforce practices, and operational stability.

In this focused legal update, Burt Garland of Ogletree Deakins will analyze current developments at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and Department of Labor (DOL), along with key federal legislation including the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and recent Supreme Court rulings such as Muldrow v. City of St. Louis. Multi-state updates across Missouri, Illinois, Florida, and Indiana will also be addressed, including wage changes, leave requirements, noncompete developments, AI-related regulation, and data protection laws.