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The U.S. Department of Labor Proposes FLSA Changes to Give Millions of Workers Overtime Pay Protection

Client Alert
September 18, 2023

On August 30th, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) proposing new regulations to guarantee overtime pay protection for millions of employees. Specifically, the NPRM proposes to change the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) regulations with the following:

  • Increase the salary threshold for bona fide executive, administrative, and professional (EAP) employees from $35,668 annually to $55,068,
  • Increase the salary threshold for highly compensated employees (HCE) from $107,432 annually to $143,988,
  • Apply these salary changes to U.S. territories and to employees in the motion picture industry, and
  • Automatically update these earning thresholds every three years with current wage data.

The FLSA establishes minimum wage and overtime pay for employees in the private sector and in federal, state, and local governments. Non-exempt workers are guaranteed a federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour and overtime pay of not less than one and one-half times their regular pay rate after 40 hours of work in a week.

Current FLSA regulations provide that EAP employees who earn a salary of $35,668 annually and perform duties within the EAP description (e.g., management, directing the work of others, performance of work requiring advanced knowledge, etc.) are exempt from FLSA protection. Similarly, current FLSA regulations exempt HCEs who earn a salary of $107,432.

EAP regulations were last updated in 2019. The DOL noted that keeping the earnings threshold up to date would benefit both workers and employers. Further, the DOL hopes FLSA thresholds reflect current economic conditions. In the first year, the DOL has estimated that 3.4 million workers exempt under current regulations will become newly entitled to overtime protection if the NPRM goes into effect.

The NPRM will be open for public comment for 60 days to consider comments before issuing a final rule. While it is uncertain when the NPRM could be finalized or whether it would be upheld by courts, employers should start to prepare for its potential issuance by re-considering exemptions in their current workforce.

Should you have any questions concerning the NPRM, please contact BMD Member John Childs at jnchilds@bmdllc.com or BMD Labor & Employment Partner and Co-Chair of its Labor & Employment Division, Bryan Meek, at bmeek@bmdllc.com.

DOLU.S. Department of LaborovertimeJohn ChildsBryan Meek
Client Alert

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February 20, 2026The U.S. Department of Education has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would redefine “professional degree” programs under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The proposal excludes nursing from the recognized list and would impose new borrowing limits for graduate students while eliminating the Grad PLUS program. Public comments are due by March 2, 2026.Client Alert

First-of-Its-Kind Federal Ruling Finds Use of Consumer AI Tool May Destroy Attorney-Client Privilege

February 17, 2026On February 10, 2026, Judge Jed Rakoff of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York issued a first-of-its-kind ruling finding that documents generated by a criminal defendant using a consumer AI platform were not protected by attorney-client privilege after being shared with counsel. The court treated the AI tool as a third party, concluding that entering sensitive information into a publicly available platform may waive confidentiality. The ruling also suggests that the work product doctrine may not apply where AI-generated materials are created independently by a client rather than at counsel’s direction. The decision signals that parties should exercise caution when using consumer AI tools in connection with legal matters.Client Alert

Your Golden Chance for H-1B Lottery Registration - March 2026

February 16, 2026USCIS H-1B registration opens March 4–19, 2026. U.S.-based employees on valid nonimmigrant status are exempt from the $100,000 fee for change of status petitions. The new weighted lottery favors higher-skilled and higher-paid employees, improving odds for advanced degree holders and Wage Level 3 or 4 workers.Client Alert

Invisible Algorithms: The Hidden Role of Artificial Intelligence in USCIS Immigration Processing

February 10, 2026The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that artificial intelligence and machine learning tools are now integrated into numerous operational functions within U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These tools are described as mechanisms to improve efficiency, reduce backlogs, and assist officers in managing an unprecedented volume of applications. DHS emphasizes that human adjudicators retain decision-making authority and that AI systems do not independently grant or deny immigration benefits. Find out how AI affects the U.S. immigration process.Client Alert

OAAPN | Year In Review: 2026 Ohio Board of Nursing and Ohio Law Rules

February 9, 2026Find out key changes to Ohio law and the Ohio Board of Nursing rules that have directly impacted APRN practice over the past year, including Psychiatric Inpatient Documents, Intimate Examinations, Signature Authority, Duties Related to Fetal Death, Retail IV Therapy Clinics, Release from Permanent Restrictions, Disciplinary Action, Course on Drugs and Prescriptive Authority, Overdose Reversal Drugs, Office Based Opioid Treatment, Withdrawal Management for Substance Use Disorder, Safe Haven Program, and more.
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