Compliance Stuff

On January 2, 2025, then-President Biden signed into law the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act (Dole Act) , a bipartisan bill that expands healthcare and other benefits for veterans . Among its various pro-veteran measures, the Dole Act introduced noteworthy amendments to the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). USERRA, enacted in 1994, prohibits employers from discriminating and retaliating against veterans and service members because of their military status or service. USERRA also provides reemployment rights and other rights and benefits to workers whose civilian jobs are voluntarily or involuntarily interrupted by military obligations. The Dole Act is the first amendment to USERRA since the 2022 Civilian Reservist Emergency Workforce Act (CREW Act) , which extended its coverage to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reservists. The Dole Act further enhances job protections for military member...

Hurricane Helene made landfall late in the evening on Thursday, September 26, 2024, as a Category 4 storm. The Hurricane’s “largest impacts were across the southern Appalachians where widespread severe and unprecedented flooding occurred with hundreds of fatalities and billions in property damage.”   https://www.weather.gov/ilm/Helene2024 . For the many businesses engaged in recovery, this client alert provides recommended steps with associated resources. F or individuals and community organizers addressing more immediate survival and wellbeing needs, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) makes location-specific information available at their website here:   https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ . North Carolina’s Division of Emergency Management also regularly updates information on FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers, open shelters, unemployment assistance, and other response efforts here:   https://www.ncdps.gov/our-organization/emergency-management/hurricane-helen...

Hurricane Francine proved to be a true reminder that hurricane preparedness is critically important. With this unique weather event, Hurricane Francine formed in the southern Gulf and within 48 hours was knocking on the Louisiana coastline as a Category 2 hurricane. As seen below, once Hurricane Francine came ashore, she proved to be unpredictable and turned a primary wind event into a historic rain event for Southeast Louisiana and Mississippi. Hurricane Francine is a stark reminder of the importance of preparation and vigilance during the hurricane season. While the storm did not experience rapid intensification into a major hurricane, it caused significant damage, disruption and inconvenience to the effected communities. Now with her passage, many individuals and businesses are faced with the familiar post-storm recovery process. We take this opportunity to remind you of some key checklist items to consider as you turn your attention to restoring your property and businesses. FEMA ...