News from May 2016
FanDuel, DraftKings to stop offering paid daily fantasy sports contests in Idaho
BOISE, Idaho (Legal Newsline) – Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden announced that executives at FanDuel Inc. and DraftKings Inc., two companies offering paid daily fantasy sports contests, agreed to stop providing those contests to consumers in Idaho.
Kentucky to be a part of $39 million multi-state settlement with Endo Health Solutions
FRANKFURT, Ky. (Legal Newsline) – Kentucky joined in a $39 million multi-state settlement with Endo Health Solutions and its wholly owned subsidiary Qualitest, Attorney General Andy Beshear announced.
Connecticut to receive a share of the global $784.6 million settlement with Wyeth
HARTFORD, Conn. (Legal Newsline) – Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen, Chief State’s Attorney Kevin T. Kane and Department of Social Services (DSS) Commissioner Roderick L Bremby announced that the state will be a part of a global $784.6 million settlement with Wyeth over allegations the drug maker knowingly underpaid rebates owed under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program.
Maryland attorney general takes action against Mitchell & Best Homebuilders
BALTIMORE (Legal Newsline) – Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh announced a lawsuit against Mitchell & Best Homebuilders LLC of Rockville and other entities for allegedly violating the Home Builder Registration Act, the Maryland Express and Implied Warranties Act and the Consumer Protection Act.
Court says CFPB didn't have authority to issue Civil Investigative Demand
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - A federal appeals court has ruled that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau overstepped its bounds when issuing a Civil Investigation Demand to the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS).
Second Circuit tells debt collectors to notify debtors of interest, late fees
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) - The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit updated a section of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act in a March ruling, prohibiting debt collectors from misleading consumers as it pertains to their debt and interest.
SEC whistleblower award recipient came forward for company's reputation
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) — On Jan. 15, the Securities and Exchange Commission issued a press release saying that the agency had awarded a whistleblower $750,000. Later, the recipient, Eric Hunsader - founder and CEO of Nanex, LLC - identified himself to the press.
Attorney to colleagues: Don't Facebook friend your opponent
Whether it’s called mining or spying, becoming an adversary’s Facebook friend to obtain detrimental information that could be used in court crosses ethical boundaries, an attorney specializing in digital discovery says.
Calif. SC found middle ground in suitable seating case, attorney says
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) – The California Supreme Court was looking for a middle way when it handed down its recent decision that said employers must provide employees with suitable seating when it is reasonable to do so, a labor attorney, a San Jose attorney says.
Kansas receives $59.1 million annual tobacco settlement payment
TOPEKA, Kan. (Legal Newsline) — Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt has announced the state has received its annual tobacco settlement payment of $59,124,916.31.
Charleston asks judge to reconsider historic preservation ruling
CHARLESTON, S.C. (Legal Newsline) — On May 2, Charleston, S.C., city attorney Francis Cantwell submitted two motions in the Sergeant Jasper zoning case requesting Circuit Judge J.C. Nicholson Jr. delay the certificate of appropriateness and to reconsider, alter and amend his decision.
Customers accuse General Motors of airbag defect
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) - Three customers are suing General Motors, alleging certain of its vehicles contain an airbag defect.
Kentucky attorney general warns small businesses about potential mail scam
FRANKFURT, Ky. (Legal Newsline) — Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear has released an announcement warning Kentucky small business owners about a potential mail scam asking to purchase a bogus labor law poster.
Arkansas attorney general announces state's role in national settlement with Wyeth
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Legal Newsline) — Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge has announced her state’s involvement in the $784.6 million settlement between the federal government, several state governments and Wyeth over allegations the company knowingly underpaid rebates owed to the Medicaid drug rebate program.
N.Y. attorney general comments on NRC decision to re-analyze Indian Point nuclear facility
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman has released comments on the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) decision to require its staff to conduct a re-analysis of the impacts caused by accidents at the Indian Point nuclear power facility.
Colorado Supreme Court invalidates local hydraulic fracturing bans
DENVER (Legal Newsline) — Colorado Attorney General Cynthia Coffman has commented on a recent state Supreme Court decision to invalidate two voter-approved hydraulic fracturing bans enacted by Longmont and Fort Collins.
Florida to receive $1.6 million in multistate settlement with Olympus America
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Legal Newsline) — Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi has announced Florida will participate in a multistate and federal settlement with Olympus America Inc. that resolves allegations the company committed anti-kickback violations.
Discount Auto Sales to pay $125,000 for allegedly selling previously wrecked vehicles
PHOENIX (Legal Newsline) — Discount Auto Sales LLC and owner Eivan Shahara will pay $125,000 in restitution and attorney fees after allegations of selling consumers cars that had been previously wrecked and declared total losses, Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich has announced.
Justice Department settles with Texas city over alleged disability discrimination
BEAUMONT, Texas (Legal Newsline) – The Justice Department announced a settlement with the city of Beaumont, Texas, for $475,000 over allegations the city discriminated against persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities trying to live in small group homes in residential districts. The city has also agreed to make changes to its zoning and land use practices.
Missouri AG takes action against 5 Star Paving over allegations of violating consumer laws
ST. LOUIS (Legal Newsline) – Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster filed a civil lawsuit against 5 Star Paving, Christopher Haynes, Charles Haynes, Nancy Haynes and Randy Williams over allegations of violating state consumer laws by taking money for asphalt jobs and then failing to complete promised work.