Big SCOTUS decisions this term reshaped how employers operate. Here’s your fast-track guide to the top two rulings—and how fpSOLUTIONS products empower you to stay compliant and proactive.
1. Limits on Universal Injunctions — Trump v CASA (June 27, 2025)
-
What happened: The Supreme Court ruled that district judges cannot issue ultra‑broad injunctions that block federal policies nationwide. These so‑called universal injunctions are now off the table.
-
Why it matters for you: Employers won’t get caught in the tides of sweeping court orders that previously froze policies coast to coast. You’ll only be affected by injunctions tailored to specific parties.
Our All Access Pass with Handbook help you build defensible investigation protocols, hiring and termination documentation kits, and training that protects against all forms of bias, not just minority‑based claims.
2. Equal Burden in Title VII Cases
- What happened: The Court held that majority-group plaintiffs face the same evidentiary burden as minority plaintiffs when filing discrimination claims.
Why it matters for you: Expect more reverse discrimination claims; HR teams must document all decisions consistently.
3. ADA Protections for Former Employees
- What happened: Former employees must show they could perform the essential functions of their job at the time of the alleged violation to bring ADA claims.
- Why it matters for you: The ruling reduces retroactive exposure but makes thorough documentation critical.
How fpSOLUTIONS can help: Compliance Products include accommodation and eligibility documentation kits to build a clear record.
4. Defending FLSA Exempt Classifications
- What happened: Employers need only meet the “preponderance of the evidence” standard not a higher one to prove exempt status.
- Why it matters for you: Wage and hour litigation defenses are stronger, but only if evidence is well organized.
5. Higher ERISA Fiduciary Risk
- What happened: Plan participants can plausibly allege fiduciary breaches with less detail, making lawsuits easier to launch.
- Why it matters for you: Sponsors of retirement plans face more litigation risk and need airtight fiduciary oversight.
6. ACA Preventive Services Upheld
- What happened: The Court preserved the constitutionality of the Preventive Services Task Force, keeping ACA preventive care mandates in place.
- Why it matters for you: Employers must continue covering preventive services in health plans.
7. Tougher Standard for Attorney Fee Awards
- What happened: Plaintiffs can only recover attorney fees if they win enduring relief in their cases.
- Why it matters for you: Employers may face fewer large fee awards, but still must prepare for cases that meet the standard.
8. Reopening Voluntarily Dismissed Cases
- What happened: Courts can reopen cases that were voluntarily dismissed under specific conditions.
- Why it matters for you: Even cases thought resolved could return—creating surprise litigation.
9. Workers Can Skip Slow State Processes
- What happened: The Court allowed workers to bypass delayed state administrative procedures and proceed directly to court.
- Why it matters for you: Employers may face faster-moving lawsuits with less warning.
10. Religious Exemptions for Taxes
- What happened: The Court struck down state favoritism, holding that religious organizations must be treated neutrally for unemployment tax exemptions.
- Why it matters for you: Religious institutions and charities gain stronger protection in exemption claims.
How fpSOLUTIONS can help: Compliance Products include templates and compliance kits for nonprofit and religious entities to secure tax exemptions properly.
11. E-Rate Program Preserved
- What happened: The Court upheld Congress’s authority to fund the FCC’s E-Rate program, keeping broadband subsidies intact.
- Why it matters for you: Schools and tech-dependent employers retain federal support for connectivity costs.
12. Expanded RICO Liability
- What happened: The Court ruled RICO allows triple damages for personal injury-based business or property losses.
- Why it matters for you: Employers—especially in industries like cannabis—face heightened litigation and financial exposure.
How fpSOLUTIONS can help: All Access Products Pass Without Handbook provides frameworks for risk assessments, documentation, and policy design to limit exposure.
What’s Next from SCOTUS?
The new 2025‑2026 term starts October 6, and SCOTUS will continue to influence employment law via rulings on injunctions, Title VII, and more. Stay alert through legal insights systems.
SCOTUS doesn’t pause and neither should your compliance strategy. From narrowing injunction powers to leveling evidentiary burdens, these rulings shift liability and landscape. fpSOLUTIONS equips you with the policies, training, and compliance tools to respond fast and smart.