On February 8, 2024, the Supreme Court of the United States rendered its decision for Murray v. UBS Sec., LLC, No. 22-660 (U.S. Feb. 8, 2024). 

The Court held that "[a] whistleblower who invokes [Sarbanes-Oxley] must prove that his protected activity was a contributing factor in the employer’s unfavorable personnel action, but need not prove that his employer acted with 'retaliatory intent.'”

As such, whistleblowers now have a much lower burden when they are retaliated against for reporting to supervisors or the government their reasonable belief of financial crimes, like wire fraud, securities fraud, violating the SEC, or federal law. 

New York has made a significant advancement in healthcare decision-making with the signing of Assembly Bill A8521, allowing for the remote witnessing of health care proxies. This amendment to the state technology law acknowledges the importance of accessibility and safety in legal processes, particularly in times when in-person witnessing is not feasible. Health care proxies, vital for appointing a trusted individual to make health care decisions on one's behalf if incapacitated, can now be witnessed remotely, ensuring individuals' health care wishes are respected even in challenging circumstances.

On January 26, 2024, Governor Hochul signed Bill No. S8036, which goes into effect immediately. This bill amends NYS's general business law, prohibiting the installation of certain security devices used to control access to common areas of a residential buildings without proper authorization and notice. 

This bill requires:  

1. The written permission of the owners, board of managers, board of directors, or authorized party of residential buildings for the installation of certain security devices. 
2. If written permission is given, then occupants of a residential building must be given 30 days notice prior to the installation of keyless security devices.
3. The written notice must be either delivered to each individual unit or be posted in a conspicuous location in each common area accessible to residents for 30 days.

Further, the bill provides that under no circumstances may the installation of keyless security devices obstruct or adversely impact the manner in which residents of the residential building access it. 

To learn more about Bill No. S8036 click here. How do you see the balance being struck between security regulations and residents' rights? We want to know—comment below!

An updated version of the Suffolk County Human Rights Law was just released. It has an amended section 528-10(A) as to credit discrimination - mortgage lending, which states as follows:

Unlawful discriminatory practices in relation to credit.

A. 

It shall be an unlawful discriminatory practice for any creditor or any officer, agent or employee thereof:

(1) 

In the case of applications for credit with respect to the purchase, acquisition, construction, rehabilitation, repair or maintenance of any housing accommodation, land or commercial space, to discriminate against such applicant because of the group identity of such applicant or applicants, or any member, stockholder, director, officer, or employee of such applicant or applicants, or of the prospective occupants or tenants of such housing accommodation, land or commercial space, or because of the lawful source of income of such individual or individuals, in the granting, withholding, extending, renewing, or in the fixing of the rates, terms or conditions of any such financial assistance or credit; or

[Amended 11-21-2023 by L.L. No. 35-2023]

(2) 

To use any form of application for credit or make any record or inquiry in connection with applications for financial assistance or credit which expresses, directly or indirectly, limitations, specifications, preferences, or discrimination because of the group identity or lawful source if income of the applicant or the applicants; or

[Amended 11-21-2023 by L.L. No. 35-2023]

(3) 

To discriminate in the granting, withholding, extending or renewing, or in the fixing of the rates, terms or conditions of any form of credit, on the basis of an applicant's or applicants' group identity or lawful source of income; or

[Amended 11-21-2023 by L.L. No. 35-2023]

(4) 

To refuse to consider sources of an applicant's income or to subject an applicant's income to discounting, in whole or in part, because of an applicant's group identity.

On January 26, 2024, Governor Hochul signed Bill No. A08494 to amend the multiple residence and dwelling law in New York State. Now, owners and agents of multiple residences and multiple dwellings need to provide emergency personnel a list of names and contact information of residents on lease execution, lease renewal, lease amendment, and now, on annual recertification if an owner is a public corporation regulated by the public housing law. 

The underlying law is important so first responders know that everyone is safe that should be in the housing in events like fires. However, the most vulnerable residents in these situations are often the ones without voices for themselves who are relegated to living in public housing. This new amendment is specific to them and applies the law of providing occupant lists to first responders for residents in housing owned by a public corporation under the public housing law. 

The amendment to the multiple residence and dwelling laws goes into effect on February 15, 2024. To learn more and read bill A08494, click here. How do you envision this impacting community safety? Let us know your thoughts below.

There is a NEW reporting requirement for business owners in 2024. 

Beneficial Ownership Information Filings

The landscape of corporate transparency in the United States has undergone significant changes with the introduction of the federal Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) in 2021, which will go hand-in-hand with specific reporting requirements set forth by New York State (NYS).  Lieb at Law is committed to guiding your business through both these mandates, ensuring full compliance without the hassle.

Federal Reporting Requirements: The Corporate Transparency Act

The CTA, a bipartisan effort aimed at combating financial crimes, mandates certain businesses to report beneficial ownership information to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).

Who Must Comply?

• Domestic Reporting Companies: Corporations, LLCs, or similar entities formed by filing with a secretary of state or comparable office within any U.S. state or tribal jurisdiction.
• Foreign Reporting Companies: Entities formed under foreign laws but registered to do business in the U.S. through a similar filing process.

Key Deadlines:

• Pre-2024 Entities: Companies established or registered before January 1, 2024, must submit their initial report by January 1, 2025.
• Entities Formed or Registered in 2024: Must file within 90 days of registration or official notification.
• Post-2024 Entities: Have 30 days from notification to file their initial report.

New York State Reporting Requirements

In addition to federal mandates, NYS has set its own reporting requirements for corporate entities to further enhance transparency and combat illicit financial activities within the state. NYS's reporting requirements go into effect at the end of 2024. To learn more click here to read our blog post. 

Who Is Affected?

• All entities required to comply with the federal CTA. 
• In December of 2024, entities operating within NYS must also adhere to state-specific reporting requirements.

State-Specific Mandates Will Include:

• Additional details on beneficial ownership might be required, aligning with or expanding upon federal mandates.
• Reporting frequencies, deadlines, and procedures specific to NYS, which may differ from federal requirements.

How Lieb at Law Can Assist:

The intricacies of adhering to both federal and state reporting mandates can be daunting. The team at Lieb at Law understands the nuances of both federal and NYS mandates. We will help your business submit reports accurately to both FinCEN and NYS authorities. Reach out today to secure your peace of mind in this new era of corporate transparency. Click here for more information or email info@liebatlaw.com

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Connetquot's targeting LGBTQ+ teachers and students in creating a hostile environment must end, but even worse, Connetquot, as a part of the government, must respect its teacher's freedom of symbolic speech by letting them personalize the walls and doors of their classrooms, as SCOTUS recognized emphatically in Tinker v. Des Moines. We cannot let government intrude on our Bill of Rights by engaging in viewpoint discrimination. Full article about the case Lieb at Law is representing featured in Newsday https://www.newsday.com/long-island/education/connetquot-schools-pride-flag-lawsuit-h4xq59ol