News from 2017
Missouri Congresswoman’s bill would kill DOL’s fiduciary rule, create best interest standard for broker-dealers
U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner, a Republican, introduced The Protecting Advice for Small Savers, or PASS, Act of 2017 last week.
Arbitration ban would boost credit costs 25 percent, federal analysis finds
A rule banning mandatory arbitration in consumer financial agreements would raise the cost of consumer credit by nearly 3.5 percent annually, a newly released federal analysis says.
FTC settles with company that allegedly falsely said baby mattresses were 'organic'
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced Sept. 28 that Moonlight Slumber LLC, an Illinois company that markets baby mattresses, will settle allegations that it misrepresented its products to consumers.
EEOC: Whataburger management in Florida allegedly sought to only hire white applicants
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission announced a lawsuit Sept. 25 against Whataburger Restaurants LLC, a national fast food chain, for allegedly retaliating against a white restaurant manager who opposed an upper management directive to hire only white applicants.
Rhode Island settles with U.S. after 2014 suit regarding Department of Corrections entrance exams
Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Kilmartin and A.T. Wall, director of the Rhode Island Department of Corrections (DOC), announced Sept. 19 that the state has settled with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) over a 2014 Justice Department lawsuit regarding DOC entrance exams.
Abbott Labs, Alere to divest rights to 2 product lines, continue $8.3 billion acquisition
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced Sept. 28 that Abbott Laboratories and Alere Inc. will divest two point-of-care medical device product lines after allegations Abbott’s proposed $8.3 billion acquisition of Alere could harm competition.
EEOC secures $25,000 for applicant allegedly denied job because of diabetes
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission announced Sept. 26 that Aldonsa Inc., doing business as Oilfield Instrumentation USA Inc., will pay $25,000 after allegations of disability discrimination.
Maryland courts honored for innovative electronic land records system
The Maryland Judiciary has been recognized by the Mid-Atlantic Association for Court Management (MAACM) for its advancements in modernizing the land records recording process.
EEOC accuses Dollar General Stores of discriminatory hiring practices
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission announced a lawsuit Sept. 25 against Dolgencorp LLC, doing business as Dollar General Stores Inc., for allegations of rescinding job offers from applicants after learning they had disabilities.
Massachusetts helps draft legislation to better protect consumers from data breaches
Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced Sept. 25 that her office has updated legislation to better protect consumers from data breaches like the recent one at Equifax.
California attorney general leads coalition against Trump's bid to repeal 2015 Clean Water Rule
California Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced Sept. 28 that he and eight other attorneys general submitted comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers opposing the Trump administration’s attempt to repeal the 2015 Clean Water Rule.
Buffalo waste management workers to receive $69,000 for alleged living wage violations
New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced Sept. 27 that Allied Waste Services of North America LLC (Allied), a company that provides commercial waste management services, will pay $69,000 after allegations of failing to pay the city’s living wage to employees.
Justice Department: Parker-Hannafin acquisition of Clarcor could be anti-competitive
The U.S. Department of Justice announced Sept. 26 it has filed a civil antitrust lawsuit against Parker-Hannifin Corporation, alleging its $4.3 billion acquisition of Clarcor Inc. could harm competition in markets for aviation fuel filtration products.
FTC secures $7 million from operators who allegedly defrauded schools, child care centers
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced Sept. 25 that Telestar Consulting Inc. and owner Karl Wesley Angel will pay $7 million to settle allegations of tricking child care centers, schools, and police and fire departments into buying products that were not ordered.
Washington state attorney general alleges Purdue Pharma fueled opioid epidemic
Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced a lawsuit Sept. 28 against Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, for allegations of fueling the opioid epidemic through a deceptive marketing campaign.
EEOC: North Dakota health care company allegedly fired employee because of pregnancy-related disability
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission announced a lawsuit Sept. 25 against Trinity Health in North Dakota for alleged pregnancy discrimination.
EEOC: BlueCross/Blue Shield of Texas allegedly discriminated against deaf job applicant
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission announced a lawsuit Sept. 26 against BlueCross/Blue Shield of Texas for allegations of disability discrimination.
EEOC: Mississippi restaurant chain allegedly rescinded job offer over religious belief accommodations
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission announced a lawsuit Sept. 25 against the restaurant chain Georgia Blue LLC for allegations of rescinding a job offer over an applicant’s religious beliefs.
EEOC: Gulf Logistics allegedly fired employee because of perceptions about disability
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission announced a lawsuit Sept. 21 against Gulf Logistics, an oil and gas vessel company, for allegations of firing an employee because of perceptions about his disability.
Alabama Supreme Court upholds summary judgment rejection in wrongful death lawsuit
The Alabama Supreme Court concluded the Dallas Circuit Court was correct when it denied a motion for summary judgment in a wrongful death lawsuit against Terrence Venter and the city of Selma.