New Legislation Limits How Health Insurers Can Employ Artificial Intelligence

A new state law in California is setting the stage for stricter regulation on how health insurers can utilize artificial intelligence, aiming to shield consumers from potentially biased decisions based solely on AI. This pioneering legislative move underscores a growing concern over the ethical implications of AI in critical sectors like health insurance, where decisions can significantly affect lives. Under this new statute, effective next month, health insurers will be required to be more transparent about the AI models they employ to make decisions about coverage and rates. The law mandates that these companies disclose … Read more

Federal Judge Limits Jurors’ Consideration of Licensing Deals in Western Digital Patent Case

San Francisco, CA – In a significant legal ruling, a federal judge in California decided on Wednesday that in the patent infringement case against Western Digital, the jury will not be allowed to consider a 2009 licensing agreement that Spex Technologies had with Kingston Technology when determining potential damages. This decision complicates how damages could be assessed in the lawsuit alleging that Western Digital violated Spex Technologies’ data security patent. The court determined the licensing agreement’s details were too intertwined with other elements to isolate the value of the specific patent in question. This ruling … Read more

Cheers to More Cheers: Pennsylvania Extends Happy Hour Limits Starting This Weekend

HARRISBURG, Pa. — A new law in Pennsylvania is set to change the dynamic of happy hours, offering bars and restaurants the ability to hold longer promotional drink specials each week. The legislation, which becomes effective this weekend, increases the permissible duration of happy hours from 14 to 24 hours per week. Under the newly adopted regulation, establishments can now extend their happy hour promotions beyond the previously mandated two hours per day, providing them with more flexibility. Businesses are strategizing on how best to utilize the additional time to attract more patrons, especially during … Read more

Alabama Judge Considers Easing Licensing Limits for Medical Marijuana

Montgomery, Ala. – An Alabama judge is currently contemplating the possible removal of some restrictions concerning medical marijuana licensing in the state, potentially paving the way for a broader approval and distribution of the substance for medicinal purposes. This development comes several months after the Alabama Legislature approved the creation of a commission to oversee the production, sales, and prescription of medical marijuana, marking a significant step in the state’s shifting attitude towards cannabis. The current situation was prompted by a lawsuit alleging that the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission’s initial selection process for growers and … Read more