The recent OPEC/COVID-19-related drop in energy prices may soon set off a tidal wave of energy-related bankruptcies. Funding for exploration and production (“E&P”) companies is much harder to find, and much more expensive, than it was just a few weeks ago. Reserve reports that might have been at “concern” status at year end will be
Louisiana
RMP Amendment Rule At Odds with OSHA Review Commission BP Husky Decision
Up-to-date Process Safety Information
When originally adopted in 1996, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) adopted
“the requirements of the OSHA PSM Standard, 29 CFR 1910.119(c) through (m) and (o), with minor changes to address statutory differences. This makes clear that one accident prevention program to protect workers, the general public, and the environment will satisfy …
Social Media and Employment Issues Intersect
As reported by national and local media outlets, two Gretna, Louisiana, police officers were fired for social media activity that targeted Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. In the case of one of the officers, he posted a message on his personal Facebook page regarding the Congresswoman that allegedly included threatening remarks directed toward her. The second officer…
Bill to Revise and Update the Louisiana Contractor’s Licensing Law moves through the Senate
On April 23, 2019, by a vote of 94-0, House Bill 273, which is an overall update and revision to Louisiana’s Contractor’s Licensing Law, passed out of the Louisiana House of Representatives. The reengrossed version of the bill, including amendments made in the House Committee on Commerce and those made on the House Floor is…
Class Actions for Data Security Breaches Are Just Across the Atlantic
By the Data Security & Privacy Team
Adding publicity to the recent string of security breaches, Gemalto’s Breach Level Index released information on October 9, 2018 stating that for the first half of 2018, approximately 291 records were stolen or exposed every single second.[1] Gemalto estimates that 945 data breaches led to the release…
Court Strikes Down Forum Selection Clause in Construction Contract for Work in Louisiana
The United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana recently relied on Louisiana Revised Statutes 9:2779 in holding unenforceable a mandatory forum selection clause in a construction contract.[1] Pittsburg Tank & Tower Maintenance Co., Inc. (“Pittsburg”) contracted with the Town of Jonesboro (the “Town”) to perform maintenance and repair work on an…
Louisiana and Parishes Considering How to Realize Benefit from Scotus’ Wayfair Decision – Working to Change Effective Date of Enabling Legislation
The Louisiana Legislature is considering last minute legislation to change the effective date of legislation allowing the State to tax remote sellers but has not acted to make other centralized collection legislation operative. It may not have to.
Today, in a 5-4 decision with far-reaching implications, the Supreme Court of the United States issued its…
Suddenly Everything Has Changed: United States Supreme Court Adopts an Undefined Uniform Substantial Nexus Standard, Overturns Quill, and Fundamentally Alters the State Tax Landscape in Historic Wayfair Decision
By the Kean Miller State and Local Tax Team
On June 21, 2018, the Supreme Court of the United States issued its opinion in South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc., Dkt. No, 17-494, 585 U.S. __ (June 21, 2018). In addition to overturning the physical presence substantial nexus standard applicable to use tax collection requirements articulated…
The NLRB’s Fluctuating Joint Employer Standard
In recent years, the National Labor Relations Board’s joint employer standard has been in a state of flux, making it hard (if not impossible) for employers to feel like they can get a handle on this important standard and plan/organize/prepare accordingly. This week, we have again seen movement from the NLRB on the issue.…
U.S. Supreme Court Overtime Ruling Signals Change
On April 2, 2018, the United States Supreme Court issued its opinion in Encino Motorcars, LLC v. Navarro. In a 5-4 decision, the Court ruled that automobile service advisors are not entitled to overtime under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”). In the Encino Motorcars case, the Court was asked to decide whether…