EPA Suspends Enforcement Activities at Regulated Entities Impacted by COVID-19
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) announced on March 26, 2020 that it is temporarily suspending its enforcement of environmental legal obligations during the COVID-19 pandemic. EPA’s temporary enforcement discretion policy applies to civil violations during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Tax Provisions of the CARES Act – What You Need to Know
Late in the evening on Wednesday, March 25, 2020, the United States Senate unanimously passed H.R. 748, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or the “CARES Act”. The CARES Act is expected to be approved by a vote in the House and be signed by President Trump on Friday, March 27, 2020.
Department of Labor to Employers: You Must Notify Your Employees of New Paid Leave Laws by April 1, 2020
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act, effective April 1, 2020, requires certain public employers and private employers with fewer than 500 employees to provide E-FMLA and Emergency Paid Sick Leave to eligible employees. Employers must notify current employees of these benefits by circulating the official Notice of Employee Rights published by the Department of Labor.
Shiver Me Timbers! States Can’t be Sued for Copyright Infringement
Ahoy, Mateys! Earlier this week, in Allen v. Cooper, Case No. 18-877, 589 U.S. ___ (Mar. 23, 2020), the United States Supreme Court held that the Copyright Remedy Clarification Act of 1990, a federal statute stripping states of their sovereign immunity from copyright infringement suits, lacked a valid constitutional basis. Thus, states cannot be sued for copyright infringement.
COVID-19: Focus on the Impact on Commercial Leases
The outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has and will continue to significantly disrupt commercial tenants and landlords, especially in the retail, restaurant and hospitality industries. As COVID-19 continues to spread, commercial tenants and landlords will encounter challenges in meeting contractual obligations due to the fluid nature of the outbreak and government responses to the same.
Coronavirus and Force Majeure Provisions In Construction Contracts: May I Be Excused?
The World Health Organization (WHO) officially declared COVID-19 a pandemic on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. While we have all experienced the effects the spread of the novel coronavirus has had on our daily lives, the total impact the virus will have is still unclear. As the virus continues to run its course, contractors and owners must begin to address concerns with project delays, liquidated damages clauses, and cost overruns on projects—to name a few.
COVID-19 Ushers in Mandatory Paid Leave – What Employers Need to Know
On March 18, 2020, Congress passed the Families First Corona Virus Response Act. This broad-reaching legislation addresses several workplace issues related to the emergency circumstances brought about by COVID-19.
Contracts Being Tested by COVID-19
As the country takes action to slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus, sporting events, concerts, and business conferences are being cancelled at an astounding rate. Each day that passes since the outbreak brings new cancellations, government containment efforts, and complex legal questions. The initial visible impact in the United States has been predominantly to the hospitality and entertainment industries, with cancellations significantly affecting venues, attendees, hotels, and caterers; however, the impact of the coronavirus is sure to touch contractual agreements across all industries moving forward. How exactly will the coronavirus affect contracts? The answer: it’s complicated.