Rhode Island's Public Finance Management Board (PFMB), the agency tasked with overseeing public debt in the State, approved amendments to its rules and regulations in response to recent statutory changes that will impact future borrowing by state agencies and local...
PLDO Law Blog
Firm News
Are you Covered by a “Sufficiently Specific” Indemnity Clause?
In a recent Rhode Island Superior Court case, the court once again addressed the question of whether a contractual indemnity clause was "sufficiently specific" to be enforceable. The case arose out of a situation wherein a nursing home had contracted for a landscaping...
RI Superior Court Reverses Zoning Board Decision that Licensed Growing of Medical Marijuana Violated Local Zoning Ordinances
The Rhode Island Superior Court recently reversed a South Kingstown Zoning Board decision after the Board erroneously found that a licensed medical marijuana grow operation constituted "agricultural products manufacturing" and was not allowed in the Town's commercial...
Proposed 2704 Regulations May Have Substantial Impact on Estate Planning
Proposed 2704 Regulations, as they are now drafted, would make vast and substantial changes to the valuation of interests in many family-controlled entities, such as a Family Limited Partnership (FLP) or Limited Liability Company (LLC), for purposes of estate, gift,...
CONSIDERATIONS FOR NEGOTIATING COMMERCIAL LEASES
While some of the provisions contained in commercial lease agreements may be considered commonplace or “boilerplate” language, there are certain issues that require specific attention, depending upon your position in such transactions as the landlord/lessor or the...
PLANNING FOR THE MORTALITY OF A CLOSELY-HELD BUSINESS
When launching a new business venture, it is likely (and more fun) to focus on strategic planning, growth and implementation. However, it is vital in the early stages to give serious consideration to an exit strategy and business succession plan. Business structures...
PERSPECTIVE – CONTINUING VIABILITY OF SINGLE-MEMBER LLCS IN FLORIDA
The use of Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) is very popular in Florida. Most people assume LLCs offer sufficient protection from claims by judgment creditors against a member’s ownership interest. However, for the past decade, I have expressed concern regarding the...
CANNABIS ADVERTISING IN THE AGE OF REGIONAL COMPETITION
Long gone are the days of a state-sanctioned marijuana program standing in isolation in a sea of neighboring prohibitionist states. Presently, over 35 states have legalized medical marijuana, and more than 15 have legalized recreational cannabis. With increased...
IMPORTANT MA DECISION ON SOFTWARE SALES TAX APPORTIONMENT
The case of Oracle USA, Inc. v. Commissioner of Revenue was recently decided by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court in favor of the taxpayer. The case is important for at least two reasons: First, the Court found that Massachusetts taxpayers have a statutory...
