New information and legislation surrounding COVID-19 (the novel coronavirus) is coming out daily as the situation rapidly changes. PBPA, with our staff and network of dedicated volunteers, are working hard to keep you up-to-date on all the legal questions you might have for your nonprofit organization. There is a vast number of resources available online. Below is a short list of resources we would recommend to Georgia nonprofits and links that will lead you to more information.
Federal Vaccine Mandates Are All on Hold
December 16, 2021
This fall, the federal government announced rules and standards to minimize the spread of COVID-19 in certain workplaces, including workplaces employing over 100 individuals, federal contractors, and certain healthcare facilities. Due to legal challenges throughout the country, those federal measures are now on hold. Read this article from Venable to learn about the status of the three federal …
EEOC Issues Guidance on Religious Objections to COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements
November 30, 2021
Your nonprofit has a mandatory workplace vaccination requirement. You have an employee requesting an exemption based on a religious objection. How should you proceed with this request if you think that the objection may not be based on sincerely held religious beliefs? Read this article from Seyfarth Shaw with tips based on the …
Asking Job Applicants About Their Vaccination Status?
October 20, 2021
That may be a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Read this article from Constangy for tips on what to do if an applicant brings up their status themselves and recommendations on when it may be okay to collect this medical information.
SBA Enhancements to the COVID-19 EIDL Program
October 19, 2021
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced some changes to the COVID-19 EIDL (Emergency Injury Disaster Loan) Program. These enhancements include an increase in the EIDL cap, which expenses the loan funds can be applied towards, and an extended repayment period. Read this article from Taft to learn more details about these, and …
Vaccination Requirements in the Workplace: What Your Nonprofit Needs to Know about Testing, Vaccines & the Latest from OSHA
September 28, 2021
In early September, President Biden announced a federal rule that some employers will be required to ensure their employees are vaccinated or undergo weekly testing. Could this apply to your nonprofit? If it does not, what can and should your nonprofit do regarding vaccinations among your workforce? In this episode of the PBPA Podcast, Chris …
All Together Now: Practical Tips to Reduce Your Nonprofit’s Legal Risk for In-Person Events
September 16, 2021
Slowly but surely more in-person events are happening, whether they be client programming, outdoor festivals or indoor mini-fundraisers. As your organization contemplates how and when to recommence in-person gatherings, we offer a few practical tips to mitigate your legal risks associated with holding live events in this article. Tips to Reduce Legal Risks
OSHA Announces New COVID-19 Guidance to Protect Employees in the Workplace
August 30, 2021
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has aligned its COVID-19 guidance with the latest from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC). OSHA now suggests that employers adopt policies requiring workers to either get vaccinated or undergo regular testing. More general information on these recommendations are in this article by …
Recent Changes to the 2021 Employee Retention Credit
August 26, 2021
The Employee Retention Credit (“ERC”) was established in March 2020 to encourage employers, despite the challenges of COVID-19, to keep employees on their payroll. It has been amended, extended and expanded several times in the past 17 months. This summary outlines recent changes to the ERC relevant to small nonprofit employers.
Vaccine & Workplace Checklist – What Employers are Permitted to Do, and What Employers Should Consider
August 10, 2021
Nonprofits are trying to figure how to keep their employees and clients safe, but many questions remain around how to balance safety with employee privacy and choice. When and how can employers ask their workers about vaccines or masks and what should be considered as part of a COVID safety policy? This Checklist …
CDC Recommends and Atlanta Mayor Executive Order Requires Masks Indoors, Regardless of Vaccination Status
August 10, 2021
Georgia nonprofits may need to re-visit their indoor masking policies, regardless of the vaccination status of anyone in your space. On July 27, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revised its COVID-19 guidance, recommending that even individuals who have been fully vaccinated should resume wearing masks in public indoor settings in …
OSHA Issues Updated Guidance for Employers Regarding Vaccinated Employees
June 27, 2021
On June 10, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued new guidance for all workplaces, and a binding Emergency Temporary Standard for healthcare settings. For those workplaces outside of a healthcare setting, employers no longer need to take steps to protect their workers from COVID-19 exposure, “where all employees are fully vaccinated.” …
New Federal Law Provides Full COBRA Coverage
March 17, 2021
On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA). ARPA includes a 100% government subsidy of COBRA premiums for “assistance eligible individuals” through September. COBRA applies to health plans offered by nonprofit employers with more than 20 employees. Read this article to understand who is …
Vaccines: Incentives, Mandates and Interactions in the Workplace
March 15, 2021
As vaccines for COVID-19 become more readily available, employers are considering how they are going to address vaccines and those who have or have not been vaccinated in the workplace. Currently, there are more questions than answers about the legal implications of mandating vaccines or providing vaccine incentive programs. The resources listed below …
Employee Retention Credits for Small Nonprofits
February 24, 2021
The Employee Retention Credit (“ERC”) was established by the CARES Act last year to encourage eligible employers to keep employees on their payroll through the use of tax credits during the COVID-19 pandemic. On December 27, 2020, the Economic Aid Act (“EAA”) amended the ERC to make it a much more useful option …
How to Calculate Your Maximum PPP Loan Amount - First Draw and Second Draw Loans
January 28, 2021
So, how much money could your nonprofit receive in this latest round of the PPP? What documents need to be provided to support your request? Recently the Small Business Administration provided guidance on both first draw and second draw loans outlining how to calculate what your nonprofit’s maximum loan amount would be along …
New PPP Forgiveness Forms
January 28, 2021
On January 19, 2021, the Small Business Administration in conjunction with the Department of Treasury issued new PPP Forgiveness Application Forms to conform with the changes to the PPP program in the Consolidated Appropriations Act that became law on December 27, 2020. Read this article to find out which form you should use …
What Happens if You Accidentally Received Extra Money?
January 28, 2021
If you or your lender made an error, and you received more money than your nonprofit is actually eligible for, what happens to that portion of your PPP loan? The Small Business Administration issued guidance regarding when a borrower receives a higher loan amount than permitted under the CARES Act or the Consolidated …
Families First Coronavirus Response Act Resources
January 26, 2021
START HERE: FFCRA Obligations Become Voluntary Article Summarizing FFCRA FAQs by PBPA FIND MORE DETAILS HERE: Webcast: COVID 19 Navigating Changes for Employers in the Nonprofit Workplace FAQs by U.S. Department of Labor Employee Retention Credit & FFCRA IRS Flow Chart for ERC and FFCRA Employment Tax Credits COVID-19 Employment Law Update: New …
Taking Additional Money from a First Draw PPP Loan
January 21, 2021
Was your nonprofit approved for a Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan in 2020? The Small Business Administration has provided guidance regarding reapplication or requests for increases for First Draw PPP Loans approved on or before August 8, 2020. Lenders may approve increases on First Draw PPP Loans starting on January 25, 2021. Read …
Educational Assistance Program Expanded to Cover Loan Repayments though 2025
January 15, 2021
Nonprofit employers may provide educational assistance programs to their employees as a benefit, to cover certain qualifying education expenses. The CARES Act temporarily expanded the definition of “educational assistance” to include qualified student loans. This expansion has been extended by the to include student loans through December 31, 2025. Find out more in …