Breaking Employment Developments from D.C.

Election matters aside, October has been a busy month in Washington, especially with regard to employment law developments. Just today, President Bush signed into law a bill making it easier to settle employment discrimination cases — without substantively prejudicing either side. Earlier this month, the Supreme Court announced its docket for 2004-2005, including a case involving (in part) the settlement issue just addressed by Congress. The Court will also decide this term whether plaintiffs can pursue disparate impact claims under the Age Discrimination In Employment Act (ADEA) — an issue the Court had previously agreed to hear but then decided not to decide. The EEOC has likewise been busy this month, issuing a guidance “Fact Sheet” on October 20, 2004, which details Americans With Disabilities (ADA) requirements applicable to persons with intellectual disabilities.