News from April 2017
California joins coalition to oppose Trump's potential rollback of Clean Power Plan
California Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced March 28 that he has joined a multistate coalition in opposing President Donald Trump’s executive order rolling back the country’s Clean Power Plan rule.
Massachusetts to receive $20 million of multistate settlement with Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche
Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey said Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche, as well as their American subsidiaries, will pay $157 million after allegations of violating environmental laws in Massachusetts and nine other states. Massachusetts will receive $20 million.
N.J. AG: state Bureau of Securities orders man to pay $1 million for alleged fraud
New Jersey Attorney General Christopher Porrino announced March 28 that the state’s Bureau of Securities has ordered Edge Trading LLC and its president, Mark J. Moskowitz, to pay $1 million in penalties after allegations of selling unregistered fraudulent securities.
Calif. appeals court decides property owner is not an affiliate of lessee in spine injury case
The question of whether a property owner and business lessee are “affiliated” has been decided by the state's 3rd District Court of Appeal.
Calif. appeals court rules employees paid a commission must be paid separate wage for rest periods
The state's 2nd District Court of Appeal has ruled that employers who pay workers a commission must pay a separate minimum wage during rest periods.
FTC approves final order settling Enbridge, Spectra Energy merger case
The Federal Trade Commission announced March 24 that, following a public comment period, it has approved a final order settling charges that the proposed merger of Enbridge Inc. and Spectra Energy Corp. would harm competition.
FCN Corporation to pay nearly $155,000 to car wash employees after allegations of improper wages
New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced March 23 that FCN, a company that operated 5 Star Car Wash in Elmont, N.Y., and manager Christopher Conte will pay $154,951 in restitution after allegations of underpaying employees.
Rhode Island settles in principle with tobacco companies in MSA dispute
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin said his office has reached a settlement with various tobacco companies.
Alabama federal court dismisses CSX's lawsuit over diesel fuel sales taxes
Alabama Attorney General Steven T. Marshall and Revenue Commissioner Julie P. Magee recently announced that a federal court has dismissed CSX Transportation’s lawsuit against the state, which had challenged Alabama’s 4 percent sales tax to CSX’s purchase of diesel fuel.
Massachusetts AG urges DPU to reject Eversource rate increase request
Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey said she has delivered testimony to the Department of Public Utilities on behalf of 1.4 million Eversource customers.
Arizona SC overturns ‘prevailing party’ definition in contract case
The state's highest court has redefined the term, altering a lower court's decision and allowing for attorney fees to be awarded.
Consumer accuses California grower of false advertising
A California consumer has filed a class action lawsuit against Blue Diamond Growers, alleging fraud and negligent misrepresentation.
Qualcomm will seek dismissal of FTC lawsuit, company VP says
Qualcomm will seek dismissal of FTC suit
Santander settles with Massachusetts, will pay $22 million for unfair loans allegations
Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey recently announced that Santander Consumer USA Holdings Inc. will pay $22 million after allegations it was involved in facilitating unfair, high-rate auto loans for thousands of car buyers in the state.
FTC targets online marketers for allegedly duping consumers
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently announced it has charged a group of online marketers with allegations of deceptively luring consumers into unknowingly paying for cooking gadgets, golf equipment and access to related online subscription services.
DaVita to divest 7 clinics to complete acquisition of competitor Renal Ventures Management
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently announced that DaVita Inc., a national outpatient kidney-dialysis chain, will divest ownership interest in seven clinics in order to complete its $358 million acquisition of competitor Renal Ventures Management LLC.
Arizona files sanction-related motions against Advocates for Individuals with Disabilities
Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich recently announced that his office has filed a series of sanction-related motions against Advocates for Individuals with Disabilities (AID).
Fifth Circuit dismisses class member’s duplicative individual claim against USPS
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit recently upheld a lower court’s ruling to dismiss an individual claim brought by a U.S. Postal Service worker, saying the case was already subsumed in another pending class action administrative complaint.
Court rules that late response to homeowner's letter allowed Right to Repair Act case to proceed
A recent case in the 4th District Court of Appeals in California has possibly set the precedent for the legal relationship between homeowners and builders.
Kansas SC affirms decision awarding employee injury benefits despite fraudulent application
The Kansas Supreme Court has upheld a state Court of Appeals decision that a fraudulent employment application does not preclude a person from being considered an employee under the Kansas Workers Compensation Act.