What Employers Need to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) recently posted an updated and expanded technical assistance publication that provides information to employers and employees about how COVID-19 vaccination interacts with various legal requirements. The publication addresses issues pertaining to medical pre-screening questions and employer accommodations for those unable to receive a vaccination.
Will COVID-19 Toll the Statute of Limitations in Product Liability Actions?
As the COVID-19 pandemic stretches into 2021 with no clear end in sight, a good question for product liability defendants is whether the pandemic will have a tolling effect on the applicable statute of limitations. In product liability cases, state law provides a statute of limitations to bar untimely-filed claims against the product manufacturer, distributor, or retailer. The point is to provide a predictable time period for a plaintiff to investigate the claim, identify the proper parties, and file suit.
Joint Agency Cyber Alert Warns of Imminent and Credible Ransomware Threat Against U.S. Health Care and Public Health Sectors
A joint cybersecurity advisory alert issued October 28, 2020, warns of an imminent cybercrime threat to the U.S. health care sector.
Revised FFCRA Regulations from DOL Set to Become Effective Today, September 16, 2020
On September 11, 2020, the United States Department of Labor (“DOL”), citing the “pressing need for clarity,” issued revised Family First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”) regulations following the August 3, 2020 New York Federal District Court decision that struck provisions interpreting the FFCRA. The regulations will be published and take effect on today, September 16, 2020.
The Tennessee COVID-19 Recovery Act
On August 12, 2020, the Tennessee General Assembly passed the COVID-19 Recovery Act (the “Act”), which was enacted into law by Governor Bill Lee’s signature on August 17, 2020.
GSEs Announce New Fee for Consumer Residential Loan Refinances: Lenders Brace for Added Costs and Potential Compliance Concerns
On August 12, 2020, the Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) delivered a harsh blow to lenders and consumers in the residential mortgage market when they announced they would impose a .5% fee (i.e., a 1/2 “point” in mortgage finance parlance) on refinance mortgages purchased by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac after September 1, 2020.
Retirement Plan Excessive Fee Litigation is on the Rise
Retirement plan sponsors and other fiduciaries are required by ERISA to discharge their duties with the “care, skill, prudence, and diligence” under the circumstances as would a prudent man. This means, among other things, fiduciaries should ensure that all fees paid by the plan for recordkeeping and investment management services are competitive and reasonable.
When Furloughs Become Permanent Layoffs: An Employer’s Ongoing Obligations Under the WARN Act in the Time of COVID-19
At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, many employers implemented what they hoped would be temporary furloughs. However, as the pandemic has progressed, employers may now realize that the furloughs will last longer than expected or become permanent layoffs.