With more workers getting laid off or forced into furloughs -- to say nothing of the stress from home over unpaid bills and rising health care -- it's no wonder that workplace violence is a growing concern of employers. Many are offering more counseling and at a minimum, they want workers to leave their guns at home. Too bad that in several states, that rule is against the law (opens in new tab).
Businesses are increasingly alarmed at a growing trend: State lawmakers are prohibiting employers from banning guns (opens in new tab) in the workplace, putting concerns over the Second Amendment right to bear arms ahead of the fears of company executives. Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky. Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi and Oklahoma have all enacted laws that tie employers' hands. Similar bills are pending in Alabama, Arizona, Idaho, Indiana, Missouri, Montana, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. A big supporter, of course, is the National Rifle Association.
The laws differ in how far they go, but at a minimum they allow workers to keep guns locked up in their cars, even in company parking lots, as long as they are legally owned. Never mind that a study published in the American Journal of Public Health (opens in new tab) in 2005 found that homicides were five times more likely at workplaces when guns are allowed in the vicinity.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
On top of the fear of violence, employers also have to worry about lawsuits. Most of the laws include provisions to give gun owners the right to sue if they feel they've been discriminated against in hiring or firing. If a worker walks into a job interview with a gun on his hip, employers will have to be careful in more ways than one.
-
-
Is Retirement in 2023 Still Possible?
Yes, it is, if you have a customized plan specific to your retirement. If you do, you’re in the minority, though, so here are some ways to develop that plan.
-
Top Money Market Accounts 2023
Money market accounts are interest-bearing accounts at a bank or credit union, typically paying high interest rates. Here are the best right now.
-
The Biden Tax Plan: How the Build Back Better Act Could Affect Your Tax Bill
Politics Depending on your income, the Build Back Better Act recently passed by the House could boost or cut your future tax bills.
-
Kiplinger's 2020 Election Forecast
Politics For nearly a century, The Kiplinger Letter has forecasted the outcome of presidential elections to keep readers informed of what's coming and what it means for them. Here's our call for 2020.
-
The 2020 Election and Your Money
Politics We’ve assessed how the presidential candidates’ stances on financial issues will affect your wallet.
-
5 HEROES Act Provisions with a Good Chance of Becoming Law
Politics The massive federal stimulus bill just passed by the House of Representatives is "dead on arrival" in the Senate. But a few proposals in the bill have enough bipartisan support to eventually become law.
-
Vote by Mail: A State-by-State Guide to Absentee Ballot Voting
Politics With health authorities recommending people continue to social distance, the idea of voting by mail is becoming an increasingly hot topic.
-
9 Ways COVID-19 Will Change the 2020 Elections
Politics The 2020 election will be like no other in history, as the COVID-19 pandemic will upend the business of politics as usual.
-
How to Run for Local Office
Politics If you’ve ever thought that you could do a better job than the elected officials currently in office, here’s how to launch a campaign—and win.
-
Ranking the Top Democratic Presidential Candidates for 2020
Politics The 2020 Democratic presidential nominating contest has attracted unprecedented interest.
