California Legislates Safety for Electric Bikes: New Laws Aim to Enhance Visibility and Regulation Amid Rising Usage

SACRAMENTO, California — Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed two new laws aimed at enhancing the safety of the rapidly growing electric bike fleet in the state. These measures, spearheaded by Assemblywoman Laurie Davies, address concerns over the visibility and speed of e-bikes, which have become increasingly popular among California commuters and cyclists. The first piece of legislation, Assembly Bill 544, mandates that e-bikes must be equipped with either a red reflector or a flashing red light on the rear when used at night. The intent behind this requirement is to improve visibility for drivers and … Read more

Texas Takes Aim at Online Safety: New Law Mandates Age Verification for App Marketplaces Amid Legal Concerns

Austin, Texas — A new law in Texas, known as the App Store Accountability Act, mandates that operators of mobile app marketplaces, such as Apple and Google, must verify the ages of their users. The law aims to restrict minors from accessing app downloads without parental consent, thereby protecting children from potentially harmful online content. While the intention behind the legislation is clear, implementing it may face significant challenges. Various states across the country have enacted similar laws, but many have encountered legal hurdles, with some being deemed unconstitutional. Notably, states like Arkansas and California … Read more

Nebraska Attorney General Takes Aim at GM and OnStar in Data Privacy Lawsuit for Unlawful Collection of Driving Data

LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska’s Attorney General Mike Hilgers has announced a lawsuit against General Motors LLC and OnStar LLC, accusing the companies of illegally collecting and selling sensitive driving data from Nebraskans without their consent. The lawsuit, submitted to the Lancaster County District Court, claims GM’s actions violate the Nebraska Consumer Protection Act and the Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act. The legal filing asserts that GM incorporated telematics systems into its vehicles to monitor various data, including speed, seatbelt usage, driving behaviors, and geographic locations. The collected data was packaged and sold to third-party brokers, … Read more

Bridging the Legal Divide: Innovative Programs Aim to Make Law School Accessible for Rural and Low-Income Students

Rural communities and low-income individuals often face significant obstacles in pursuing a legal education, as rising tuition costs and changes to admission testing compound existing disparities. The question remains: What does it take today to become a lawyer in the United States, and who can access that opportunity? With tuition at law schools surging, the American Bar Association (ABA) reports that graduates often exit with an average debt exceeding $145,000. For many aspiring lawyers from rural or economically challenged backgrounds, such financial burdens can be disqualifying. Bill Adams, managing director of ABA accreditation and legal … Read more