In a case that could have national ramifications, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit reversed a district court ruling and opened the door to Rhode Island reimplementing a controversial tolling system that levies fees against tractor-trailers and larger trucks.

There have been several major developments in Minnesota employment law resulting from yet another eventful legislative session in 2024.

On January 16, 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (“BIS”) published a final rule (the “Final Rule”) that will prohibit the import and sale of certain connected vehicle technologies with a sufficient nexus to the People’s Republic of China or the Russian Federation, on the grounds that they pose a risk to national security by potentially enabling data extraction or remote manipulation of vehicles.

The year 2024 proved to be a quiet year for Indiana when it came to developments in labor and employment law. The Hoosier state saw one significant piece of legislation, while the remainder of developments brought about only minor changes.

On December 18, 2024, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced an enforcement action against Córdoba Music Group LLC (Córdoba), a manufacturer of musical instruments based in California, to settle its potential civil liability for apparent violations of sanctions on Iran. Córdoba shipped instruments that it knew were destined for Iran in an apparent violation of sanctions on Iran. OFAC assessed a fine against Córdoba of $41,591.

On January 16, 2025, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) issued its final rule amending the Children’s Online Privacy Protection (“COPPA”) Rule by a unanimous vote. The amendment to the COPPA Rule addresses changes that will enhance protections for children under the age of 13 in areas such as the advancement in technology, online practices, and the evolving digital landscape to ensure children’s online privacy remains a top priority.

On December 11, 2024, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the Securities Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) approval of Nasdaq’s board diversity rules, finding the SEC lacked statutory authority to approve the rules.

The California Court of Appeal recently reversed a judgment entered in favor of real estate brokers who were sued for breaching their fiduciary duties in connection with the sale of residential real estate in Malibu. The Court of Appeal found the trial court erred when it rendered judgment in favor of the brokers on the basis that the plaintiff lacked standing to pursue claims that had been assigned to her. The trial court reasoned that claims for breach of fiduciary duty against real estate brokers are highly personalized tort causes of action, which cannot be assigned. The Court of Appeal disagreed. In a case of first impression, it held that a cause of action for breach of a real estate broker’s fiduciary duties, which seeks damages related to property rights and pecuniary interests, is assignable.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) recently issued a series of General Licenses, including Russia-related GL 53A, Russia-related GL 55C, Russia-related GL 113, and Russia-related GL 114.