In March 2020, Congress passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020 (FFCRA), which mandated that employers with fewer than 500 employees provide paid sick and FMLA leave to eligible employees for specified COVID-related reasons. According to its terms, the FFCRA expired on December Continue Reading
Department of Labor Issues New Rule on Independent Contractors
By William H. Pickering The United States Department of Labor (DOL) has issued a final rule for determining whether someone is an independent contractor for purposes of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The rule will be published in the Federal Register on January 7, 2021, and will become Continue Reading
What Landlords and Tenants Can Expect From Congress’ Extended Eviction Moratorium and Emergency Rental Assistance Fund
In the latest COVID-19 relief act, Congress extended the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) imposed eviction moratorium through January 31, 2021, and established a $25 billion fund to assist those who have missed rent or utility payments due to the pandemic. The grants for rental Continue Reading
Risk of Preference Action Lowered for Commercial Landlords and Suppliers Facing COVID-19 Collection Challenges
Congress provides flexibility for negotiations without worry of preference action in bankruptcy. The new COVID-19 relief act includes an important but temporary change to bankruptcy preference actions. The change should allow commercial landlords and suppliers of struggling businesses to arrange Continue Reading
New Forum for Determining Small Claim Copyright Disputes
On December 27, 2020, President Trump signed the bipartisan COVID-19 relief and government funding bill. This bill incorporates the Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement (CASE) Act, which establishes the Copyright Claims Board (CCB) and a new avenue for copyright owners to enforce Continue Reading
Changes to Trademark Act Include New Procedure to Challenge Applications
On December 27, 2020, President Trump signed the bipartisan COVID-19 relief and government funding bill which includes the Trademark Modernization Act of 2020 (TMA). The TMA, which will become effective in one year, introduces significant amendments to the Lanham Act. These amendments are intended Continue Reading
$900 Billion Stimulus Package Provides Critical Tax Guidance and Support for Employers
On December 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the $900 billion stimulus package passed by Congress on December 21. This package contained some much needed tax guidance and support for many employers across the country. Here are some of the most salient provisions related to PPP loans, Continue Reading
COVID-19 Vaccines for Hamilton Co. Residents 75 Years and Older and for Certain Persons With Special Needs
The Hamilton County Health Department will begin offering COVID-19 vaccines to Hamilton County residents who are 75 years of age or older, and persons with special needs who have difficulties living independently have been added to the Phase 1a1 group. The Hamilton County Health Department Continue Reading
HCHD Confirms More Shipments of COVID-19 Vaccine
The Hamilton County Health Department announced it has received more shipments of the COVID-19 vaccine. As a result, persons living or working in Hamilton County with Phase 1a1 or Phase 1a2 status can now receive the vaccine. The system no longer requires that the individual bring a Vaccine Continue Reading
Health Care Providers: The $900 Billion COVID-19 Stimulus Package Impacts You
Congress voted last night to approve a $900 billion COVID-19 stimulus package that includes key measures for health care providers. President Trump has indicated he will sign the new legislation once it reaches his desk. We will provide a targeted, in-depth analysis of the new law in the coming Continue Reading