Ohio Parents Sue Over State Rule on Caregiver Eligibility, Claiming Lack of Transparency and Public Input

Columbus, Ohio — A group of Ohio parents have brought a lawsuit against the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD), alleging the agency implemented policy changes concerning parental care providers without adhering to statutory rulemaking procedures. Lindsay Sodano, a resident of Mason and mother of a child with a rare neurodevelopmental disorder, is at the forefront of this legal challenge. Sodano, who has been a direct caregiver for her daughter Mimi since 2022, is contesting DODD’s requirements surrounding the appointment of parents as paid caregivers under Medicaid waivers. Her role as caregiver is supported by … Read more

New York DEC Proposes Key Updates to Forest Tax Law, Seeks Public Input on Sustainable Forestry Initiatives

ALBANY, N.Y. – The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has proposed updates to the state’s forestry regulations aimed at simplifying the management and sustainability of private woodlands. Sean Mahar, the interim commissioner of the DEC, announced these proposed changes on Friday that aim to update the existing Real Property Tax Law Section 480a, often referred to as the Forest Tax Law. The DEC will host two virtual public comment hearings on January 21 and has set a deadline for public input by January 27. The DEC’s revisions are designed to make it easier … Read more

Malaysia Enhances Personal Data Protection Laws, Seeks Public Input on Key Updates

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — In a decisive move to fortify the privacy of personal data, Malaysia is undertaking significant amendments to its Personal Data Protection Act, initially established in 2010. This revamp aims to harmonize the nation’s regulations with international standards, reflecting global trends toward tightening data security and enhancing user autonomy over personal information. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the Malaysian Personal Data Protection Department (PDPD) has actively sought public and expert feedback on key aspects of the proposed law changes. This participation underscores a broader commitment to ensure that the regulations … Read more