Compliance May 6, 2009

Maine Governor Passes Same-sex Marriage Bill

May 6, 2009 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - Maine Governor John Baldacci signed a bill Wednesday approving same-sex marriage, making the state the fifth to do so.
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The Associated Press reports that the Maine Senate voted 21-13, with one absent, for a bill that authorizes marriage between any two people rather than between one man and one woman, as state law currently allows. The House had passed the bill Tuesday.

Maine is now the fourth state in New England, to allow same-sex marriages. Connecticut enacted a bill after being ordered to allow gay marriages by the courts (see CT High Court Approves Gay Marriage), and Vermont passed a bill over the governor’s veto (see VT Is Fourth State to Legalize Same-sex Marriage).

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New Hampshire ‘s House was also expected to vote on a bill Wednesday and send it to Governor John Lynch, the AP said. Massachusetts’ high court has ordered the state to recognize gay marriages (see Massachusetts Court Says Gays Entitled to Marry).

In Rhode Island, a bill to legalize same-sex marriage has been introduced but is not expected to pass this year (see RI Governor Axes Domestic Partner Benefits Bill).

Outside New England, Iowa is recognizing gay marriages after a court ruling (see Iowa High Court Ruling Clears Path for Gay Marriages). The practice was briefly legal in California before voters banned it.

Products May 5, 2009

UBA Helps Companies Keep Up with Compliance Requirements

May 5, 2009 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - Member firms of United Benefit Advisors, LLC (UBA) introduced its new Compliance Solutions Program.
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According to a press release, the Compliance Solutions Program is designed to help owners, C-level management, HR officers and staff, benefits managers, compensation management and corporate health and wellness officers address the increasing challenges posed by more complex compliance regulations and rapidly shifting benefits programs. The UBA Employer Compliance Solution Program makes compliance information available through a Webinar series, compliance alerts, and a quarterly newsletter.

“Keeping on top of benefits and employment law is no easy task. Our goal is to help employers act in accordance with government regulations by summarizing key issues and presenting information on a timely and regular basis,” said Ron Dutton, UBA Board Member and President of RJ Dutton Inc., a UBA Member Benefits Advisory Firm headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, in the announcement.

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Webinars are generally scheduled for the second Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. Eastern time and have included topics such as “Administering the 65% COBRA Premium Subsidy,” “Requirements Under the 2009 Stimulus Package,” “Changes to ADA,” and FMLA regulation updates. “Effects of CHIP Expansion on Employer Health Plans” is scheduled for May 12, and “Expected Changes to the Employee Free Choice Act” is scheduled for June 9, the announcement said.

Dan Bacon , UBA Director, Analytics and Training said the Webinars will be submitted for HRCI (HR Certification Institute) recertification, and employers can obtain a 30% discounted price by contacting their local UBA Member Firm.

To participate in the UBA Employer Webinars or for more information about the UBA Compliance Solutions Program, visit www.benefits.com to find a local UBA Member Firm, or click on the “Resources” tab on the home page.

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