This week on Ground Rules, Pam, Doug, and Jen welcome back former Idaho Employment Lawyers attorney Ben Cramer, now serving as a civil deputy prosecuting attorney for Canyon County. Ben shares what employment law looks like from the public employer side and why those cases often come with added layers of complexity.

The conversation focuses on whistleblower claims under the Idaho Protection of Public Employees Act (IPPEA), including why these claims can be difficult to evaluate and how the lack of clear case law leaves employers making tough judgment calls. The team also discusses the critical role of documentation, the challenges created by public records requests, and why government employers must think carefully about what gets written down — and where it is kept.

The episode also explores broader trends affecting both public and private employers, including the rise in employment claims, increased disability-related issues, and the growing overlap between laws like the ADA, FMLA, and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act.

*Ground Rules hosts and guests are not providing legal advice in this podcast. Do not act upon any of the information discussed in this podcast without first consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.*

📖 Available now on Amazon! Law for Leaders: The Roadmap Every Leader Needs to Know to Avoid Workplace Claims and Lawsuits

Written for busy leaders who need straightforward answers, this guide cuts through legal complexity to deliver fundamental knowledge that can help protect your business. Don't risk a preventable lawsuit - arm yourself with the practical wisdom that only comes from decades of courtroom experience. Purchase your copy here!

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In this episode, we are joined by IEL attorney and Idaho State Representative Megan Egbert to discuss proposed legislation from the 2026 session that could impact employers across the state. We cover bills involving public accommodation liability, independent contractor benefits, e-Verify requirements, nondiscrimination ordinances, and other trends Megan is seeing this year.

Although these bills are not final yet, the direction of the legislation raises important compliance questions—especially for small and mid-size employers. Staying informed now can help employers avoid surprises later.

*Ground Rules hosts and guests are not providing legal advice in this podcast. Do not act upon any of the information discussed in this podcast without first consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.*

📖 Available now on Amazon! Law for Leaders: The Roadmap Every Leader Needs to Know to Avoid Workplace Claims and Lawsuits

Written for busy leaders who need straightforward answers, this guide cuts through legal complexity to deliver fundamental knowledge that can help protect your business. Don't risk a preventable lawsuit - arm yourself with the practical wisdom that only comes from decades of courtroom experience. Purchase your copy here!

Don't miss out!
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📚 Learn more about our Law for Leaders Training Program
👥 Learn more about your Hosts and Idaho Employment Lawyers

When an employee complaint comes in, the first 24 hours can shape everything that follows. In this episode, Pam Howland, Doug Plass, and Jennifer Walrath walk through the critical early steps employers should take—from acknowledging the complaint and reviewing policies to preserving evidence and planning an investigation. They also discuss common mistakes that can create additional legal risk and why a prompt, organized response is essential.

*Ground Rules hosts and guests are not providing legal advice in this podcast. Do not act upon any of the information discussed in this podcast without first consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.*

📖 Available now on Amazon! Law for Leaders: The Roadmap Every Leader Needs to Know to Avoid Workplace Claims and Lawsuits

Written for busy leaders who need straightforward answers, this guide cuts through legal complexity to deliver fundamental knowledge that can help protect your business. Don't risk a preventable lawsuit - arm yourself with the practical wisdom that only comes from decades of courtroom experience. Purchase your copy here!

Don't miss out!
🔗 Connect with us on LinkedIn
📧 Sign up for our email blast
📚 Learn more about our Law for Leaders Training Program
👥 Learn more about your Hosts and Idaho Employment Lawyers