The 2013 Washington State Legislature wrestled with an 800 pound gorilla – education funding – and adjourned without reaching consensus on that issue. But in the process, several new laws passed that are relevant to those who are in land use or real estate.
Blog
New Case Signals Return to "Buyer Beware"
A recent case from the Washington State Court of Appeals signals a strong return to the legal principle of caveat emptor – otherwise known as “buyer beware”. It’s important that real estate brokers understand the magnitude of the decision, whether they represent sellers or buyers.
Supreme Court Watch – Employment / Religion / Education
The US Supreme Court accepted for argument next term the age discrimination case Madigan v. Levin. This case considers the question of whether a plaintiff claiming age discrimination can proceed under section 1983 as an Equal Protection violation, or is restricted to proceeding under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA).
The NLRB Is Expanding Private-Sector Employee Rights By Declaring Common Workplace Rules Unlawful
Employers have long sought to present their public image in a positive light. Such policies typically prohibit employees from discussing corporate matters publicly or disparaging managers, co-workers, or the company itself on Facebook and other social media.
A Brief Review: Seattle's Sick and Safe Leave Policy
Are you aware that there is the recently added chapter 14.16 of the Seattle Municipal Code which mandates paid sick and safe leave for employees working, even occasionally or by telecommunication, within the city limits? As of September 1, 2012, employees accrue paid sick and safe time according to a schedule based on the number of workers employed.
Employers Required to Use Newly Published I-9 Forms
USCIS announces newly revised I-9 form for employers
Supreme Court Watch – March 2013
We continue to monitor Supreme Court cases that are impactful to our clients. At this point, twenty four opinions have been released; expect the pace to pick up dramatically in the next two months. We await the affirmative action and employment decisions that were argued a few months ago. Also, the two same sex marriage cases are set for argument on March 26 and 27.
FMLA 20 Years Later
It has been 20 years since the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) was enacted. The Department of Labor has released the findings of a survey it conducted entitled Family and Medical Leave Act in 2012: Final Report.
New Federal Policy Could Bring Substantial Changes for Students with Disabilities
On January 25, 2013, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights issued important guidance to schools receiving federal funding. This guidance clarifies schools’ existing legal obligations to provide equal opportunities in athletics to students with disabilities as part of the wider effort to avoid such discrimination.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Issues Strategic Enforcement Plan for 2013 – 2016
The EEOC’s Strategic Enforcement Plan for 2013 – 2016 provides guidance of how priorities will be approached. Employers should take note and review and update their handbooks and policies to ensure they are covered.