White House OSTP Releases PFAS Federal R&D Strategic Plan
The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) announced on September 3, 2024, the release of its Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Federal Research and Development Strategic Plan (Strategic Plan). Prepared by…
Application of New Mental Health Parity Rules to Provider Network Composition and Reimbursement: Perspective and Analysis
On September 23, 2024, the U.S. Departments of Labor, the Treasury, and Health and Human Services (collectively, the “Departments”) released final rules (the “Final Rules”) that implement requirements under the Mental Health Parity…
Supreme Court Holds Life Insurance Proceeds Paid to Closely-Held Corporation to Fund Buy-Sell Agreement Increases Estate Tax on Deceased Shareholder’s Estate
In Connelly v. U.S., 144 S.Ct. 1406 (June 6, 2024), the United States Supreme Court upheld an estate tax deficiency of $889,914 in a decision that will impact many families and…
BIOSECURE Act: Anticipated Movement, Key Provisions, and Likely Impact
Last night, the House of Representatives passed the BIOSECURE Act (BIOSECURE or the Act) by a bipartisan vote of 306 to 81. The BIOSECURE Act prohibits federal agencies from procuring…
United States | DHS Keeping Families Together Reduces Barriers for Noncitizen Spouses
The Department of Homeland Security today announced implementation of the Keeping Families Together process, which grants parole in place on a case-by-case basis to certain noncitizen spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens.…
Deep in the Heart of Texas: Court Blocks FTC Non-Compete Rule
On August 20, 2024, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas invalidated the FTC’s rule banning most non-compete agreements. Ryan LLC et al v. Federal Trade Commission, WL…
US District Court Sets Aside the FTC’s Noncompete Ban on a Nationwide Basis
On August 20, the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas held that the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) final rule banning noncompetes is unlawful and “set aside” the…
The Administration Creates New Pathways for DACA Recipients to Obtain Legal Status
Among the multiple executive actions the White House announced on June 18, 2024, was one stating it was taking steps to facilitate the process for certain Deferred Action for Childhood…