New Requirements in Criminal History Considerations for Employers under Modified Fair Employment and Housing Act

As of October 1, 2023, significant changes are taking effect in how employers can utilize information regarding criminal history in employment decisions, under new adjustments made to the Fair Employment and Housing Act. The legislation, modifying California Code of Regulations Title 2, Section 11017.1, will serve to systematize the processes by which organizations deal with…

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Hargreaves Property Case: Tribunal Ruling Ignites Uncertainty in UK Withholding Tax Exemptions

The Upper Tribunal’s recent decision has led to several questions and uncertainties around some fundamental concepts in UK withholding tax, as outlined by the case involving Hargreaves Property. In many respects, the tribunal’s ruling reflects best practice considerations consistently adhered to by tax practitioners across the country. As reported on JD Supra, this ruling is…

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Supreme Court’s New Term Brings Climactic Battle Against Administrative State

It appears the ever-evolving battle against the “administrative state” powers in United States legalism is charting an unprecedented course with a series of critical victories in the U.S. Supreme Court against agency enforcers and regulators. This crusade, which formerly triumphed through isolated victories, looks to consolidate its won rounds into a seminal triumph with the…

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High Court Set to Redefine Administrative Law Amid Rising Anti-Regulation Crusade

Recent successful challenges against “administrative state” powers at the U.S. Supreme Court hint toward an imminent crescendo in the high court’s new term. A legal crusade, which has been systematically collecting victories against agency enforcers and regulators, is primed to convert these piecemeal wins into a defining triumph, particularly in a term already filled with…

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Navigating Real Property Issues Amid the Rise of Commercial EV Charging Stations

Legal professionals increasingly need to keep abreast of issues surrounding the rapidly proliferating electric vehicle (EV) charging stations on commercial properties. These infrastructures are appearing not only at dedicated charging facilities and automotive dealers but also at diverse places like apartment complexes, offices, hotels, shopping centers, entertainment venues, recreational sites, public parking lots, and even…

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Massachusetts Estate Tax Threshold Increase: Implications and Effects on Inheritance Planning

In a significant legislative action, the Massachusetts House of Representatives approved an increase to the Massachusetts estate tax filing threshold to $2,000,000 on September 27, 2023, marking an important first step towards implementing the new exemption benchmark. Courtesy of the legal analysts over at Burns & Levinson LLP, the noteworthy decision promises to usher in…

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Mobilizing $600 Billion by 2027: US Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment Targets Developing Economies

On September 21, the Inaugural U.S. Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) Investor Forum took place, as co-hosted by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen. This significant meeting comes in the wake of President Joe Biden’s formal launch of the PGII during the 2022 G7 Leaders’ Summit. The…

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Navigating H-1B Visa Challenges: Strategies for Global Employers and Legal Professionals

Within the complexity of the H-1B visa situation, employers worldwide encounter significant obstacles. Mainly, the root issue stems from the limited number of these visas approved annually by Congress, a situation that directly impacts many profit-driven entities. However, it is crucial to note that some non-profit employers might not be significantly burdened by the number…

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China-Linked BlackTech Cyber Group Targets US and Japan: Governments Issue Joint Advisory

The People’s Republic of China (PRC), known for its controversial use of TikTok, has been identified as a supporter of threat actors that have relentlessly targeted U.S. based companies and government bodies, as well the governments of Japan. These revelations communicated in a Joint Advisory published on September 27, 2023, by the National Security Agency,…

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Weight-Loss Drugs Ozempic and Wegovy Linked to Severe Gastroparesis Cases

In a troubling disclosure, it has emerged that patients have reported suffering from stomach paralysis and other gravely adverse effects after the consumption of widely utilized weight-loss medications Ozempic and Wegovy. These alarming reports of severe gastrointestinal issues have largely originated from individuals diagnosed with diabetes and those consuming these drugs for the purpose of…

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Energy Sector Braces for UK Arbitration Act Reform Impact on Cross-Border Disputes

In an evolving arbitration landscape, law professionals globally are focusing their attention on the upcoming reforms to the UK Arbitration Act. Notably, the energy sector is bracing itself for these changes, as arbitration remains the default method for resolving cross-border energy and natural resources disputes. With London regularly serving as the seat of such arbitration…

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Ashland University Disputes $6 Million Fine Over Second Chance Pell Grant Program Administration

Ohio-based Ashland University is claiming that a $6 million fine imposed by the Department of Education is unjust. The disagreement centers around the administration of the Second Chance Pell Grant Program. The suit, unveiled via Law.com Radar, is part of an ongoing disagreement between institutions and federal authorities regarding implementation of academic programs. The Second…

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Iowa BCRC Submits Final Report: Potential Impact on Legal Sector and State Governance

In the latest development from the legal sector, the Iowa Boards and Commissions Review Committee (BCRC), after conducting their concluding meeting this week, unanimously approved their final recommendations. These significant recommendations have taken the form of a Final Report with Findings & Recommendations, which has been subsequently submitted to the Governor and the General Assembly….

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Navigating the Legal Landscape: Key Considerations for AI Developers

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer merely a technological novelty—it is a transformative force that has permeated various sectors, spanning healthcare to finance. As AI startups and companies generating AI tools, herein referred to as ‘AI Developers’, continue to multiply, they find themselves navigating a complex, often ambiguous, legal landscape. AI developers must be aware…

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FERC Affirms Compliance with Collateral Requirements in Major Independent System Operators’ Tariffs

On September 21, 2023, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) concluded investigations related to credit risk show cause proceedings initiated the previous year. The commission issued separate orders affirming that the existing tariffs of three significant Independent System Operators – the California Independent System Operator Corporation (CAISO), ISO New England Inc. (ISO-NE), and the New…

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Navigating the ‘8 and 80’ Overtime System in Healthcare: Implications for FLSA Compliance

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is an essential piece of legislation for any legal professional working in corporate or labor law, particularly in the healthcare sector. One provision of the FLSA that is less commonly known, but critically important to healthcare establishments is the ‘8 and 80’ overtime system. Knowing how this system operates…

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CPSC Seeks Insight on PFAS Exposure and Health Risks in Consumer Products

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has recently announced a request for information (RFI) in relation to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as they pertain to commercial products or potential consumer products. The directive pertains specifically to gaining further insight into potential exposure from usage of PFAS in consumer products, as well as possible health…

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Evolving Climate Policy Landscape: Key Developments and Implications for Legal and Corporate Sectors

Welcome, esteemed readers. This week, we delve into the intricate and ever-evolving landscape of climate policy. Our insights are inspired by the most recent update brought to our attention by Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP. This insightful review sheds light on the substantial developments in climate change policy and regulatory mechanisms of the…

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GOP House Bill Seeks to Repeal FDA Rule, Limiting Mifepristone Access at Retail Pharmacies

Republicans have proposed in the House of Representatives a new Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 (H.R. 4368). This act seeks to rescind changes set forth by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s January 2023 amendments pertaining to the Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program. The contested…

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