More Federal Red Tape: Disclosing Corporate Ownership Details Under the Corporate Transparency Act

More Federal Red Tape: Disclosing Corporate Ownership Details Under the Corporate Transparency Act

ByNellie Azimzadeh

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), recently passed by the U.S. Congress to combat money laundering and criminal activities, imposes stringent reporting—disclosure—requirements on certain businesses, termed “Reporting Companies.” Under the CTA, Reporting Companies must disclose details about their owners—formally known as  beneficial ownership information (BOI)— to FinCEN, a bureau of the United States Department of the Treasury. Non-compliance with the CTA can lead to severe civil and criminal penalties, including imprisonment for up to two years.

Snap Inc. Settlement: Potential Insights into Future Legislation for Fair Employment Practices and Pay Equity.

Snap Inc. Settlement: Potential Insights into Future Legislation for Fair Employment Practices and Pay Equity.

ByNellie Azimzadeh

Snapchat’s parent company, Snap Inc., (“Snap”) has agreed to pay $15 million and make significant changes to its employment practices following accusations of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation against women. The settlement with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) is significant because it required the company to go beyond what state laws currently mandate, potentially providing insight into future legislation

OSHA’S PROPOSES HEAT BAN: WHAT EMPLOYERS SHOULD KNOW

OSHA’S PROPOSES HEAT BAN: WHAT EMPLOYERS SHOULD KNOW

ByNellie Azimzadeh

On July 2, 2024, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) unveiled a significant proposed standard aimed at safeguarding workers from heat hazards across various industries, marking the first federal initiative of its kind. If finalized, the standard would apply broadly, requiring nearly all employers to implement a Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Plan (HIIPP).

Non-Competes and End Runs Around Non-Competes

Non-Competes and End Runs Around Non-Competes

ByNellie Azimzadeh

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a final rule barring most existing and future non-compete agreements. Traditionally businesses have tried to use non-compete agreements to prevent the unauthorized disclosure or misuse of proprietary business information (such as trade secrets). In light of these developments, businesses are encouraged to explore alternative ways of protecting their sensitive information, such as strengthening intellectual property rights through patents, trademarks, copyrights, and nondisclosure agreements (aka: NDA’s) as viable substitutes for traditional non-compete agreements

PAGA REFORMS

PAGA REFORMS

ByNellie Azimzadeh

In November 2024, Californians were scheduled to vote on a “PAGA Repeal Initiative,” which, if enacted, would replace the current Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA). Known colloquially as the “Sue Your Boss Law,” PAGA has incentivized employees to file lawsuits against employers on behalf of the State of California to seek “civil penalties.”