On November 20, 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) made a significant announcement regarding vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications. The organization has decided to withdraw a prior proposal that involved the creation of a new Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS). The purpose of this proposed standard was to mandate V2V communication technology in certain…
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has updated three of its cybersecurity directives that regulate freight and passenger railroad carriers, as stated in an October 2023 report. This move falls into a continuing effort to fortify the cybersecurity of surface transportation systems.Hogan Lovells reported the following three security directives have been renewed and updated: Enhancing…
The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced new inflation-adjusted amounts for 2024, according to an update provided via Revenue Procedure 2023-34 and an accompanying News Release. This annual adjustment, revealed on November 9, 2023, affects over 60 tax provisions. The announcement, which is a part of the IRS’s ongoing efforts to manage inflation, is expected…
In an evolving employment law landscape, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives have come under increasing scrutiny in the United States, with Ogletree Deakins launching a series, “DEI Under Scrutiny,” examining these shifts. The first part of the series specifically addresses the growing challenges to DEI programming, prompting employers to undertake risk assessments. DEI programs…
Just under two years since the UK National Security and Investment (NSI) Act was enforced, on 13th November 2023, the UK government issued a Call for Evidence regarding the regime’s execution, scope, and outcome. The request is aimed at gathering insights about the functioning of the NSI Act from stakeholders. Despitethe anticipation that no revisions…
In an increasing trend, corporations and firms are facing adversarial legal action characterized as ‘Do-Gooder’ litigation. This new wave of lawsuits is typically mounted under the auspices of environmental conservation, consumer protection, or animal rights. They are brought forth in an effort to promote the common good and are often framed as false-advertising class actions….
In overview of the 2023 search engine optimisation (SEO) scene, there’s a noticeable drive within the legal profession for law firms to stay current as the digital landscape evolves. Law firms are keenly trying to keep pace with the changing technological landscape, particularly with the rise in prominence of SEO. Fierce competition in the legal…
The United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit recently dismissed a racial bias claim by an executive who was terminated based on comments he made during an off-duty podcast. The case reaffirms the principle that employers do have grounds to respond to employee conduct outside of work hours and duties. It also emphasizes…
As the beginning of the new year unfolds, so too do changes in legal regulations. On November 17, 2023, the California Department of Justice (“Department”) initiated its third attempt at implementing new parameters for charitable fundraising platforms and platform charities within the state. This development is part of the execution process for Assembly Bill (AB)…
Despite a record-breaking year, improvements in the SEC Whistleblower Program are necessary to align with the White House anti-corruption initiative. As recently announced, Chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Gary Gensler, states that the Commission received an unprecedented 18,000 whistleblower tips for the fiscal year 2023. Since its launch in 2010, the SEC…
If you are a business owner preparing to franchise your brand or concept, you might be unsure about the next steps to take or when the ideal time to start franchising is. While there is no universal answer to these questions, there are some key steps that can help guide you on this new chapter…
On November 29, 2023, a significant moment unfolded in the realms of administrative and constitutional law when the U.S. Supreme Court listened to the oral argument in the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) v. Jarkesy case (No. 22-859). This case carries enormous potential implications not only for the SEC but for numerous other federal agencies….
In an historic move, Republican Liz Murrill emerged victorious in the runoff election for Louisiana Attorney General, defeating her Democratic rival, Lindsey Cheek. Murrill’s ascent to office marks a significant milestone, as she is the first woman to hold the state’s AG position. Murrill, an experienced litigator of nearly 25 years, formerly served as the…
On 10 November 2023, an important development occurred within the legal context of the EU Council. This event marked the publication of the final compromise text of the political agreement in a directive amending the Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive (AIFMD) and the UCITS Directive. The intent behind these amendments revolves around the aim of…
In a recent development, the newly established California Office of Health Care Affordability (OHCA) has made further revisions to the proposed regulations for pre-closing reviews of health care transactions. This is preparatory to commencing advanced regulatory reviews of certain health care transactions, effective from January 1, 2024. The information was made known by Mintz –…
On July 1, 2020, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) was implemented, marking a pivotal moment in North American trade. A significant objective of this agreement was to provide the North American vehicle and parts industries with a competitive edge in a rapidly expanding global marketplace. As we enter into the fourth year of the agreement,…
In a recent development from the legal sector, businesses operating in New York State will soon be obligated to provide written agreements to numerous “freelancers”, courtesy of a newly signed law by Governor Kathy Hochul. This law, known as the “Freelance Isn’t Free Act,” is slated for enforcement beginning May 20, 2024. With the addition…
The Corporate Transparency Act, enacted as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, serves as a vital piece of legislation that aims to prevent illicit activities like money laundering, financing terrorism, and tax fraud. It achieves this by augmenting the transparency concerning the ownership of corporations and other entities. Parties may…
As we round the corner into another festive season, health care providers prepare to traverse the familiar minefield of holiday gift-giving. The exchange of gifts is a longstanding tradition, one that can bolster relationships and foster goodwill. However, for health personnel, this can bring a unique set of compliance risks and potential regulatory quagmires. Gifts…
New York state has recently passed legislation, signed by Governor Kathy Hochul, aiming to bolster protections for freelance workers and those filing discrimination complaints, while modifying regulations surrounding settlement agreements in claims of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation. At the heart of this legislative evolution is the enactment of the Freelance Isn’t Free Act. The Act…
As reported by JD Supra, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced plans on September 20, 2023, to establish a specialized division with a sole focus on large or complex transfer entities. The overarching objective is to drive enhancements in high-income compliance efforts with the assistance of sophisticated technology inclusive of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Thanks to…
The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) has been a significant enactment in the field of corporate law and policy. Introduced as part of the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020, this statute has broad implications for corporate governance and the responsibility of companies. The act primarily targets smaller and unregulated companies, requiring them to file a report…
In a direct move to maintain transparency and honesty in marketing, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has sent firm warning letters to multiple stakeholders involved in social media influencing. These letters have been headed to two major trade associations and twelve health influencers who operate online, outlining that their recent behavior may be in violation…
In the wake of the 2022 baby formula shortage, which resulted from contamination issues, there has been a tremendous effort from both Congress and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to safeguard the integrity of infant formula supply chain and uplift product quality. This, undoubtedly, has a direct impact on corporations, particularly those operating in…
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has initiated efforts to thoroughly revise its Department of Energy Acquisition Regulation (DEAR). As conveyed via a notice of proposed rulemaking (NOPR) and requests for comments in the Federal Register, the comprehensive revision targets to update and streamline the regulation’s policies, procedures, provisions, and clauses. This move by the…