News from 2016
18 state attorneys general support rule to limit mandatory pre-dispute arbitration clauses
BOSTON (Legal Newsline) — Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey has announced she is leading a coalition of 17 states and the District of Columbia in supporting the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) proposed rule to limit the use of mandatory pre-dispute arbitration clauses in contracts for financial products and services.
Luxury Haus of New Jersey settles case involving deceptive practices allegations
NEWARK, N.J. (Legal Newsline) — New Jersey Attorney General Chistopher S. Porrino has announced the Division of Consumer Affairs has reached an agreement with the Luxury Haus Inc. over allegations of defrauding customers. Luxury Haus will pay $20,000 and update its business practices.
Justice Department targets United Airlines for alleged USERRA violations
CHICAGO (Legal Newsline) — The Department of Justice has announced it has filed a complaint against United Airlines Inc., charging the company with alleged violations of the United Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).
Attorneys general coalition urges congressman to drop inquiry into Exxon probe
BALTIMORE (Legal Newsline) — Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh, in conjunction with a coalition of state attorneys general, has drafted a letter to Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas), chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, to drop his inquiry into their cases against ExxonMobil Corporation.
Health Net to pay $340,000 to resolve alleged whistleblower violations
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — Health Net Inc. will pay $340,000 to resolve allegations of illegally using severance agreements requiring outgoing employees to waive their ability to obtain monetary awards for whistleblowing, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced.
EEOC reaches $10,000 deal with GACHI over retaliation allegations
ATLANTA (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced that the Georgia Council for the Hearing-Impaired Inc. (GACHI) will pay $10,000 after allegations of retaliation against a former employee.
Simmons is big Koster contributor; Firm led class against Bridgeton landfill owner alongside AG
John Simmons of Alton, who made more than $1 million suing a business that Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster sued at the same time, has contributed $275,000 to Koster’s campaign for governor.
Judge rules Arkansas political robocall ban unconstitutional
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Legal Newsline) - A federal judge for the Eastern District of Arkansas has declared an Arkansas state law prohibiting political robocalls unconstitutional.
Pokémon Go lawsuit filed shortly after attorney's 'any day now' prediction
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) – The labor and employment attorney who said to expect a Pokémon Go lawsuit "any day now" did not have to wait long to see her prediction play out.
Conn. court rules against volunteer's discrimination lawsuit
HARTFORD, Conn. (Legal Newsline) – The Connecticut Supreme Court has ruled that there is a clear delineation between an employee and a volunteer in an organization, drawing the line between who can claim discrimination.
Sharp again defeats New Jersey class action over flat screens
CAMDEN, N.J. (Legal Newsline) - Sharp Electronics, for a second time, has defeated class action claims over its flat screen televisions brought before Judge William Martini of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
Department of Justice targets New Mexico State over sex discrimination allegations
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Department of Justice has announced a lawsuit against New Mexico State University (NMSU), alleging the college discriminated against a female former assistant track coach on the basis of sex by paying her less than similarly-situated men.
Lincoln Military Housing will pay $200,000 to resolve allegations of violating SCRA
SAN DIEGO (Legal Newsline) — Lincoln Military Housing will pay $200,000 to resolve allegations it unlawfully evicted active-duty servicemembers and their families in violation of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA),the U.S. Department of Justice has announced.
Connecticut dentist to pay $717,046 for alleged scheme to improperly bill Medicaid
HARTFORD, Conn. (Legal Newsline) — Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen has announced Dr. Douglas Macko and his dental practice have been ordered by a superior court judge to pay $717,046 in restitution after allegations of violating the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act (CUPTA).
Total Tan settles allegations of making misleading health claims
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — Total Tan Inc. has agreed to settle allegations of making misleading health claims about its products and services, New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman has announced.
New York reaches settlements with nine Synergy Fitness Clubs over allegations of violating law
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) — New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman has announced settlements with nine Synergy Fitness health clubs in New York City and Nassau County after allegations of failing to comply with the state’s Health Club Services Law.
DOJ revises ADA rules to help protect broader range of persons with disabilities
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — The Justice Department has announced a final rule revising the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Title II an Title III regulations to implement the requirements of the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA). The rule is to be published in the Federal Register, going into full effect on Oct. 11.
Justice Department OKs $40,000 fine for agent who submitted false claims
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) — The Department of Justice has announced Douglas daCosta of Livermore, California, will pay $40,000 after allegations he submitted false claims to the government for paid sick live during his time with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
California ruling over fake social security number prompts immigration attorney to warn businesses
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) -- An increasing number of formerly undocumented immigrants are now obtaining legal status, prompting a warning to employers to beware of potentially discriminating against them as job applicants.
FCC partially relieves state, local agencies from federal regulations for inmate calling systems
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) — Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt has announced the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), in response to his lawsuit, has issued an order that will save the state millions of dollars by partially relieving state and local agencies from federal regulations that Pruitt believes are unlawful.