Laws

South Dakota City Council Called Out for Voting in Secret, Defying Open Meeting Laws

by

Watertown, SD — Local governance and transparency are under scrutiny in Watertown as allegations surface regarding the City Council’s practices of casting votes behind closed doors, raising concerns about the violation of open meeting laws. This issue isn’t isolated but reflective of a broader pattern observed in various municipal governments, where decisions meant to be public are made in private, escaping the eyes of the citizenry. In a notable case, the South Dakota Citizens for Liberty initiated legal action against the Rapid City Area School District (RCAS) in November 2021, citing breaches of mandated transparency. … Read more

Documentary ‘The Perfect Neighbor’ Explores Stand Your Ground Law’s Impact Through Tragic Florida Incident

by

Ocala, Fla. – In a telling scene from the documentary “The Perfect Neighbor” directed by Geeta Gandbhir, a police officer in Marion County questions Susan Lorincz, a white Floridian resident, about her use of a racial slur toward her Black neighbors. Initially denying the allegation, Lorincz admits the possibility that the term might have “slipped out,” explaining it as a term taught to her for describing those she saw as “unlawful, dirty and generally unpleasant.” This exchange lays the groundwork for a documentary that delves deep into the heart of racial tensions and the perils … Read more

Craft Brewers and Wineries Could See Relief with Proposed Exemption from Franchise Laws

by

Columbus, Ohio — In a notable legislative development, Ohio craft brewers and wineries are close to obtaining reprieve from restrictive franchise laws that have long governed their distribution agreements. A new bill proposed in the state legislature aims to carve out exemptions for these small beverage producers, potentially altering the landscape of the state’s alcohol industry. Under current Ohio law, once a brewer or winemaker selects a distributor, switching to another is fraught with difficulties. These laws, designed to prevent large manufacturers from exploiting distributors, inadvertently ensnare smaller enterprises, limiting their flexibility and growth. The … Read more

Shifting Landscapes: New Pay Transparency Laws Revolutionize Employment Practices Across the U.S.

by

As societal norms continue to evolve, the practice of discussing wages, once considered taboo, has now moved into the spotlight, influenced heavily by new pay transparency laws across the United States. These laws, which vary significantly from state to state, aim to shed light on employers’ compensation strategies and facilitate a more open dialogue about wage practices. Historically, employees had the right to discuss their salaries amongst themselves, yet many were unaware of how their pay compared to their peers or the benchmarks set by their employers. This environment is changing as states implement laws … Read more