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.
SAFE TO WORK Act Would Provide Liability Protections for Coronavirus-Related Claims
On July 27, 2020, Senator John Cornyn, for himself and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, introduced the SAFE TO WORK Act (the “Act”) as part of the Senate’s new $1 trillion stimulus proposal. This bill would provide significant liability protection for claims related to the coronavirus brought against businesses, educational institutions, health care providers, non-profits and government agencies.
Supreme Court Rules That Generic Terms + .com May Be Capable of Federal Trademark Registration
On June 30, 2020, the Supreme Court decided United States Patent and Trademark Office v. Booking.com B.V., Case No. 19-46, 589 U.S. ____ (June 30, 2020) held, with only one dissent, that it is possible for a domain name comprised of a generic term appended by “.com” to qualify for federal trademark registration.