BW INSIGHTS

Celebrating Sam Long: #1 Professional Triathlete in the World

The BrownWinick Law Firm is delighted to celebrate client and professional triathlete, Sam Long, who achieved the remarkable feat of attaining the #1 world ranking according to the Professional Triathletes Organisation. His dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence have cemented his place as a global leader in triathlon, and... Read More

Final DOL Fiduciary Rule

On April 23, 2024, the Department of Labor (“DOL”) released its new fiduciary investment advice rule titled the “Retirement Security Rule” (the “Fiduciary Rule”). The Final Rule is scheduled to take effect September 22, 2024. The changes to exemptions PTE 2020-02 and PTE 84-24 will have an additional one-year transition period where exemptive... Read More

The FTC Votes to Ban Non-Compete Agreements

In a 3-2 vote, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) issued a new rule (the “Final Rule”) on April 23, 2024, banning virtually all post-employment non-competes in employee-employer contracts. In a highly anticipated decision, the FTC found that non-compete agreements between an employer and employee are unfair competition violating section 5 of the... Read More

EEOC Adopts Expansive Final PWFA Rule

At the end of 2022, President Biden signed the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) into law. The Act, among other things, requires employers to offer reasonable workplace accommodations to workers who are pregnant, or have a condition related to pregnancy or childbirth, unless the accommodation would cause the business an undue hardship. The law... Read More

Examining OSHA's Walkaround Rule

In a recent development, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has finalized a contentious proposed rule regarding the Worker Walkaround Representative Designation Process. Set to take effect on May 31, 2024, this rule has sparked considerable debate, particularly within the manufacturing sector and among legal experts. What is... Read More

Major Economic Growth Attraction (MEGA) Program Passes Iowa Legislation

Businesses are invited to invest in Iowa by Iowa Legislators. The Major Economic Growth Attraction program (MEGA program) passed yesterday (4/16) with a vote of 47 yeas and 0 nays . The program offers tax incentives for businesses making capital investments and creating jobs in Iowa. Qualified businesses may receive a tax credit for withholding... Read More

Government Relations Legislative Update - Week Fourteen

On Thursday, the first appropriations bill of the year passed one chamber. Kind of like seeing a robin in winter…you know that sine die (spring) is getting closer. This week also saw a lot of action in subcommittees and Appropriations Committees. Although the Senate and House have agreed within their Chambers on targeted amounts for the various... Read More

Friend or Foe? Beware of Invention Promotion Companies and Their Many Promises

If you watch TV, listen to the radio, or read magazines, chances are you have seen advertising for companies offering to help first time inventors take their products to market. Often, these advertising materials promise patent protection, manufacturing assistance, and effective promotion in the relevant market for an invention. In many... Read More

Government Relations Legislative Update - Week Thirteen

The Senate was busy this week confirming Governor’s Appointees. Confirmations require a two-thirds vote of all Senators. This means that 34 of the 50 must vote to confirm. With 34 Republicans in the Chamber, confirmations were less contentious than they have been in the past. Senators vote to confirm either En Bloc or on an Individual basis. Some... Read More

Government Relations Legislative Update - Week Twelve

State Budget. The final stages of the 2024 session took a big step forward on Thursday when House and Senate Leaders released budget targets. The Senate’s target is to limit expenditures to $8.872 billion for Fiscal Year 2025, the House has a higher budget number at $8.955 billion, and the Governor’s budget is at $8.919 billion. The next three... Read More