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- Legal Topics
- October 3, 2024
- 29 views
White House OSTP Releases PFAS Federal R&D Strategic Plan
The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) announced on September 3, 2024, the release of its Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Federal Research and Development Strategic Plan (Strategic Plan). Prepared by the Joint Subcommittee on Environment, Innovation, and Public Health PFAS Strategy Team (PFAS ST) of the National Science and Technology Council, the Strategic Plan provides a federal strategy and implementation plan for addressing the strategic areas…
- Legal Topics
- October 3, 2024
- 35 views
Application of New Mental Health Parity Rules to Provider Network Composition and Reimbursement: Perspective and Analysis
On September 23, 2024, the U.S. Departments of Labor, the Treasury, and Health and Human Services (collectively, the “Departments”) released final rules (the “Final Rules”) that implement requirements under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). The primary focus of the Final Rules is to implement new statutory requirements under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which amended MHPAEA to require health plans and issuers to develop…
- Legal Topics
- September 11, 2024
- 386 views
Supreme Court Holds Life Insurance Proceeds Paid to Closely-Held Corporation to Fund Buy-Sell Agreement Increases Estate Tax on Deceased Shareholder’s Estate
In Connelly v. U.S., 144 S.Ct. 1406 (June 6, 2024), the United States Supreme Court upheld an estate tax deficiency of $889,914 in a decision that will impact many families and closely-held businesses. A Buy-Sell Agreement is often used to ensure that a closely-held company will remain within the family after the deaths of its owners or otherwise ensure the continuity of the business after an owner’s…
- Legal Topics
- September 11, 2024
- 54 views
BIOSECURE Act: Anticipated Movement, Key Provisions, and Likely Impact
Last night, the House of Representatives passed the BIOSECURE Act (BIOSECURE or the Act) by a bipartisan vote of 306 to 81. The BIOSECURE Act prohibits federal agencies from procuring or obtaining any biotechnology equipment or service produced or provided by a biotechnology company of concern. Subject to some exceptions, it also prohibits federal agencies from contracting with a company that uses equipment or services produced…
- Legal Topics
- August 23, 2024
- 49 views
United States | DHS Keeping Families Together Reduces Barriers for Noncitizen Spouses
The Department of Homeland Security today announced implementation of the Keeping Families Together process, which grants parole in place on a case-by-case basis to certain noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens. Key Points: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will begin accepting requests from eligible individuals for this process starting today, Aug. 19. Eligibility requirements for noncitizen spouses and noncitizen stepchildren of U.S. citizens can be found here. DHS estimates…
- Legal Topics
- August 23, 2024
- 53 views
Deep in the Heart of Texas: Court Blocks FTC Non-Compete Rule
On August 20, 2024, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas invalidated the FTC’s rule banning most non-compete agreements. Ryan LLC et al v. Federal Trade Commission, WL 3297524 (08/20/2024). In its highly anticipated opinion, the Court determined the FTC exceeded its authority in promulgating the rule and that the rule is arbitrary and capricious. This decision was not limited to the parties before…
- Legal Topics
- August 23, 2024
- 57 views
US District Court Sets Aside the FTC’s Noncompete Ban on a Nationwide Basis
On August 20, the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas held that the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) final rule banning noncompetes is unlawful and “set aside” the rule. “The Rule shall not be enforced or otherwise take effect on its effective date of September 4, 2024, or thereafter.” The district court’s decision has a nationwide effect. The FTC is very likely to appeal…
- Legal Topics
- August 23, 2024
- 55 views
The Administration Creates New Pathways for DACA Recipients to Obtain Legal Status
Among the multiple executive actions the White House announced on June 18, 2024, was one stating it was taking steps to facilitate the process for certain Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients to obtain work visas/status. DACA was created in 2012 by President Barack Obama as a means for immigrant youth who met certain eligibility requirements to qualify for work authorizations and obtain “deferred action.”…
