Recently, you may have received emails and alerts concerning proposed IRS regulations requiring charities to disclose donor Social Security Numbers (“SSN”). While donor privacy is a major concern, the proposed regulation should not be. The proposed rule does not require organizations to collect/report donor SSNs. Reporting donor SSNs would be optional, and the decision...
Client AlertsReal EstateAltera Leaves Treasury Regulations Open to APA-Based Challenges in Tax Court
December 1, 2015
As seen in the Journal of Taxation, Vol. 123, Number 6
Client AlertsEmployment & LaborOutsmart the Pending Changes to the Overtime Law with Advance Planning
November 15, 2015
By Alicia J. Samolis and Michael A. Gamboli In June we alerted you to the fact that the Department of Labor (“DOL”) was planning to increase the minimum weekly salary an employee must be paid in order to qualify for an exemption from overtime. Since that time, the DOL has published a proposed rule increasing the...
Client AlertsRecent Legislation Brings Rhode Island out of the Past and into the Present in the Area of Adult Guardianships
October 15, 2015
On July 10, 2015, Rhode Island enacted significant legislation to address the ever-growing reality of incapacitated adults (persons having attained age eighteen) who need a guardian but spend time in more than one state. Another key but unfortunate reason this legislation is important is the increase in family disputes resulting in the “snatching” of an...
Client AlertsReal EstateKeepin’ It Local: New Tax Credits Designed for Economic Growth in Rhode Island
September 19, 2015
The Rhode Island General Assembly and Governor Gina M. Raimondo recently enacted a collection of tax incentives meant to stimulate the development of local jobs, induce new industries and business to relocate to Rhode Island, and incentivize developers of local real estate projects. Whether you already operate a business in Rhode Island, or are considering...
Client AlertsTime to Revisit Your UST Protocols!
August 16, 2015
On July 15, the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) published final revisions to its Underground Storage Tank (“UST”) regulations. This publication represents the first time in 27 years that the EPA has significantly revised these rules. The changes reflect improved technologies, address outdated requirements, and place a stronger emphasis on UST operations and maintenance. For example, the regulations require...
Howard Merten was re-elected Senior Director and appointed to the Executive Committee of The Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel (FDCC) at its annual meeting last month, which took place during the Annual Convention. Howard was Chair of the Convention held in Banff, Canada from July 25 – August 1, 2015. The meeting was attended...
Client AlertsEmployment & LaborRI Employers (Large and Small) Required to Accommodate Healthy Pregnant Workers and New Moms. No, FMLA Leave is Not Enough.
August 15, 2015
By Alicia J. Samolis Last month, the Rhode Island Fair Employment Practices Act was amended to require employers with 4 or more employees to provide reasonable accommodations to employees and prospective employees with a “condition”. Such accommodations include, but are not limited to, more frequent or longer breaks, time off to recover from childbirth, acquisition or...
Across New England, armchair attorneys and quarterbacks alike are talking spoliation, discovery, and cell phones. With National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell’s announcement of his decision on New England Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady’s appeal comes news that Mr. Brady destroyed his cell phone at almost the same time that he met with league investigators. This has...
Client AlertsRhode Island General Assembly Clarifies Intent of Foreclosure Mediation Law
July 21, 2015
In what can only be perceived as a response to a recent Superior Court decision, the Rhode Island General Assembly amended the applicability of the Foreclosure Mediation Law, R.I. Gen. Laws § 34-27-3.2, for the third time in as many years. Among other amendments to this statute, the General Assembly fortified an exemption for certain loans. Specifically,...
