On Tuesday, November 22, Judge Amos Mazzant of Sherman, Texas granted a preliminary injunction delaying the implementation of the regulation that would extend overtime eligibility to over 4 million workers, which was set to take effect on December 1 of this year.
As finalized in May by the Labor Department, the overtime rule doubled the salary threshold (to $47,476) under which nearly all workers receive time-and-a-half pay whenever they work more than 40 hours in a given week.
Judge Mazzant agreed with 21 states and a coalition of business groups, including the US Chamber of Commerce, that the rule is unlawful and granted their motion for a nationwide injunction.
The House may adjourn a week or more earlier than planned so it may block the rule after January 20 under the Congressional Review Act. Meanwhile, the Justice Department is reviewing the court’s opinion and considering next steps.
You may view the official court order here.