As of July 2020, thirty-three states and the District of Columbia have in some manner legalized cannabis for medical purposes. Other states have passed more limited laws and regulations allowing the medical use of only certain low-THC cannabis extracts. In these “legalizing” states – where patients, obeying state law, are being treated with cannabis –...
Previously set to expire August 18, 2020, Governor Baker has extended Chapter 65 of the Acts of 2020, An Act Providing for a Moratorium on Evictions and Foreclosures During the COVID-19 Emergency (the “Act”), by 60 days through October 17, 2020. The provisions as they relate to small businesses remain in effect and unchanged, as such: A...
By Eugene G. Bernardo II and David M. DiSegna Two bills have recently been introduced in the U.S. Senate to help state and local bond issuers deal with the financial hardships caused by COVID-19. The Lifting Our Communities through Advance Liquidity for Infrastructure Act (S.4129) (the “LOCAL Infrastructure Act”) would reinstate tax-exempt advance refunding bonds,...
The Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR) has opened the application period for businesses that would like to obtain a license to operate one of 6 new medical marijuana dispensaries. Rhode Island has been limited to only 3 state-licensed medical marijuana dispensaries (known as “compassion centers”) since 2009. In 2019, the Rhode Island General...
By David M. DiSegna On July 15, 2020, Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo announced a new small business grant program to be administered through Rhode Island Commerce. The “Restore RI” grant program will initially be funded with $50 million, and grants will be available for up to $15,000 for eligible Rhode Island businesses impacted by...
By John Ottaviani The current COVID-19 pandemic has forced many businesses online in order to survive. In many cases, businesses had no plans to be online. Others were forced to move online more quickly than planned. In order to assist these businesses, we have prepared a series of articles discussing some of the more important...
By John Ottaviani The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many businesses online in order to survive. In many cases, businesses had no plans to be online. Others were forced to move online more quickly than planned. In order to assist these businesses, we have prepared a series of articles discussing some of the more important legal...
In a much-anticipated decision, earlier this month, in Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia, the U.S. Supreme Court (“Court”) held that an employer who fires an individual merely for being gay or transgender violates Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act (“Title VII”). While Bostock will not have as much of an impact in states that already have...
By John Ottaviani The current COVID-19 pandemic has forced many businesses online in order to survive. In many cases, businesses had no plans to be online. Others were forced to move online more quickly than planned. In order to assist these businesses, we have prepared a series of articles discussing some of the more important...
In March, Congress enacted the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“FFCRA”) to provide employees with paid sick leave (collectively, “FFCRA leave”) if they are unable to work (or telework) because they need to care for their son or daughter if (a) such son or daughter’s school or place of care is closed, or (b) the...
