PLDO Law Blog
IS 2021 THE YEAR FOR RHODE ISLAND? SMOKE SIGNALS POINT TO CANNABIS ADULT USE LICENSING
In 2017, the State of Rhode Island expanded its medical marijuana program by creating a licensing process for the cultivation and manufacturing of cannabis and cannabis products for sale at the State’s three sanctioned compassion centers. By all accounts – industry...
Cyber Security in a COVID-19 World
A recently published article by the Harvard Law School Forum provides valuable insight to the multiple challenges being faced due to the pandemic. Although businesses have readily discussed the actions to be taken in the event of a pandemic, the scope of challenges...
Recent ADA Decision Likely to Spur Employee Lawsuits
Employers in the four easternmost New England states should be aware of recent case law that may radically impact their obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”). Federal courts in those states are subject to the guidance of the U.S. Circuit Court...
SEC Adopts a New Definition of “Accredited Investor”
On August 26, 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) adopted amendments to the definition of “accredited investor.” The amendments permit investors to qualify as accredited investors based upon additional criteria focused on financial sophistication,...
Employee’s “Odd” Behavior Justified Mandatory Drug Test
Most employers know that they cannot insist that an employee take a drug test unless the employer has “reasonable grounds” to believe that an employee’s job performance is impaired by drug use. Also, the employer must observe contemporaneous evidence of impairment...
Influencer Marketing Expansion Attracts Federal Regulators
The “influencer” marketing industry, which is predicted to become a $15 billion industry by 2022, is rapidly expanding, and with COVID-19 ramping up e-commerce, brands are increasingly turning to this marketing strategy. Influencers are people with varying amounts of...
How Will COVID-19 Tracking Apps Affect Privacy?
America is grappling with a compelling question during the coronavirus pandemic: should we allow Big Tech and the government to use our smartphones to track our movements, body temperature, and activities to slow the infection rate? As explained by the wonderful...
Navigating Mortgage Relief Options Under The CARES Act
Homeowners challenged to stay current with their mortgage payments due to the COVID-19 crisis are finding relief in several federal emergency measures provided in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or the CARES Act. Two provisions include a 60-day...
Remote Notarization Has Arrived in Rhode Island (Temporarily)
On Friday, April 3, 2020, Rhode Island Secretary of State issued revised Standards of Conduct for Notary Publics in the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, adding Section 8, which authorizes Remote Online Notarization (RON) of legal documents during the...
