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FLSA Injunction on Salary Threshold for Exempt Employees

Client Alert

A November decision issued by the Eastern District of Texas officially “vacated” the Department of Labor’s Final Rule, nationwide, raising the salary threshold for exempt employees. Interestingly, the Court decided to vacate the rule and “set it aside,” rather than issue an injunction based on a directive from the Fifth Circuit that calls for “illegal agency action” to be nullified and revoked, rather than stayed. The decision can be located here: https://www.cupahr.org/wp-content/uploads/OT-SJ-Decision.pdf

What does this mean for employers?

  1. January 1st salary increase requirement for exempt employees will no longer be required, and employers will not be required to raise salaries to maintain the exemption status.
  2. The Court also held that the July 1st increase requirement was similarly unlawful and; therefore, employers who did raise employees’ salaries could theoretically drop them back to, at or above, $35,568 and still maintain the exemption.

Although the Department of Labor could appeal this decision to the Fifth Circuit, such appeal would not conclude by January 20th when it is expected that Trump’s AG/DOL would drop the appeal.

If your clients would like to further discuss how this ruling impacts them or how to unwind previous changes, please do not hesitate to contact Bryan Meek at 330.253.5586 or bmeek@bmdllc.com.


Pre and Postnuptial Agreements | Necessary, Maybe, What Happened to Forever?

Both Florida and Ohio now allow clients to enter into a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement prior to marriage or after marriage (Ohio previously did not allow postnuptial agreements). Both documents have statutory guidelines that must be followed in terms of execution and financial disclosure.

DHS Ends All Employment Authorization Auto-Extensions

Effective October 30, 2025, DHS ends all automatic work authorization renewals. The 540-day extension applies only to renewals filed before this date, and there is no grace period for expired EADs filed on or after October 30. Employers must audit EADs, train staff, ensure I-9 compliance, and plan for work authorization gaps. Penalties for noncompliance can be severe.

CMS’s Rural Health Funding Announcement

CMS has announced a $50 billion Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program to improve healthcare access, quality, and outcomes in rural communities. All states are eligible to apply for funding by November 5, 2025. Half of the funds will be distributed equally, with the remainder based on state-specific factors. The program supports evidence-based initiatives, workforce recruitment, and access to treatment services, with awards assessed annually

Expanding Access to Care: Ohio’s Effort to Modernize APRN Practice Through Ohio SB 258 and HB 508

Ohio is moving to expand access to healthcare through Senate Bill 258 and House Bill 508, which would modernize APRN practice by removing the outdated requirement for a physician contract. This change would allow nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and clinical nurse specialists to provide care more efficiently, especially in underserved areas, while maintaining high-quality, cost-effective care.

Cleveland Joins the Pay Transparency Movement: What Employers Need to Know

Beginning October 27, 2025, all Cleveland employers with 15 or more employees will be prohibited from asking applicants about their pay history and will be required to include reasonable pay ranges in all job postings where the position will be performed, solicited, considered, or processed in Cleveland. The ordinance is intended to help close the gender wage gap and promote greater pay equity across the city.