On May 7th, 2021, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a law banning COVID-19 “vaccine passports” effective immediately. So, what does SB 968 mean for employers? Does SB 968 prevent an employer from requiring employees to show proof of vaccination […]
Much has been written recently about the “new look” Supreme Court. On the heels of four 9-0 decisions favoring different sides of partisan divide, today we got Van Buren, a 6-3 decision delivered by Justice Amy Coney Barrett, joined by Breyer […]
A general contractor owes a duty of care to its independent contractor's employees only if the general contractor retains actual or contractual control over the means and methods of the independent contractor's work according to the Texas Supreme […]
In a big win for the energy industry, and in particular the energy-service industry, Judge Morales of the Southern District of Texas—Corpus Christi Division—recently dismissed an overtime lawsuit brought by Plaintiff Marcus Hargrave, ultimately […]
Although many employers provide paid sick leave as a benefit for their employees, no federal law currently requires private employers to provide paid sick leave. Last year, Congress passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act ("FFCRA" […]
This COVID year plus has been a time of lockdowns and social distancing. However, along the way, people have been out in public, without necessarily social distancing, and protesting—vociferously and publicly, and, in some instances, as a […]
The need to conduct internal investigations has continued, even in a COVID and remote environment. In Part I of this post, we discussed important decisions to make prior to the investigation, ensuring that the witness' interview area maintains […]
Despite COVID-19, the need to conduct internal investigations persists. Indeed, employers have seen an increase in whistleblower and similar complaints that require employer investigation. Due to COVID-related restrictions, an increasing number […]
On December 1, 2020, Nasdaq introduced new listing rules aimed at increasing diversity among directors at companies listed on its exchange. In particular, under its proposal, companies listed on the Nasdaq would be required to either have, or explain […]
On December 16, 2020, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) issued further guidance about the employment rules applicable during the COVID-19 pandemic—this time focusing on employer-mandated vaccinations. The latest […]
Leading up to the 2020 general election, thirty-four states (34) had legalized marijuana for medical use and an additional ten (10) states had legalized the drug for recreational use. While the federal government has chosen not to enforce federal […]
In the last two months, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York has ruled against the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) twice, most recently on September 8, 2020. In both cases, the court sided with states challenging rules […]