Title VII of the Civil Rights Act: Federal law prohibiting employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. Must be considered when writing reference letters to avoid discriminatory language.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Federal law protecting individuals with disabilities from discrimination. Reference letters should not disclose disability information without explicit consent.

Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA): Federal law protecting workers 40 and older from age discrimination. References should avoid age-related comments or implications.

State Defamation Laws: State-specific laws protecting against false statements that harm reputation. Reference letters must contain truthful, verifiable information to avoid defamation claims.

Fair Credit Reporting Act: Federal law regulating the collection and use of consumer information, including employment references when provided through third-party agencies.

State Privacy Laws: State-specific regulations governing the sharing of personal and employment information. May require written consent for sharing employment details.

Food Safety Certifications: Industry-specific certifications related to food handling and safety. Can be mentioned in reference letters for relevant hospitality positions.

Alcohol Service Certifications: Industry-specific certifications for serving alcohol (e.g., ServSafe). Relevant for hospitality workers in establishments serving alcohol.

Health Department Regulations: Local and state health department requirements affecting hospitality workers. May be relevant when discussing compliance and certifications.