Programs

Philadelphia’s Complex Litigation Center Undergoes Leadership Changes Amidst Surge in Mass Tort Programs

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Philadelphia, PA – The First Judicial District’s Complex Litigation Center is undergoing leadership changes as multiple mass tort programs approach trial. Last week, Philadelphia Administrative Judge Lisette Shirdan-Harris promoted Judge Joshua Roberts to team leader of the center, replacing Judge Abbe Fletman who was appointed the supervising judge of the Commerce Court. These changes were prompted by the election of Judge Nina Wright Padilla as president judge, which created a vacancy on the Commerce Court bench she previously oversaw. Judge Joshua Roberts joined the Philadelphia bench in 2019 after working at the firm Datz & … Read more

Texas Schools Crack Down on Youth Vaping with Disciplinary Alternative Education Programs

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HOUSTON, TX – Since the implementation of a new Texas law aimed at curbing youth vaping, hundreds of students in Houston-area school districts have been sent to disciplinary alternative education programs, a move that some school administrators and advocates are questioning as too harsh. House Bill 114, which went into effect on September 1, requires public schools to remove any student caught with an e-cigarette and send them to a separate center designated for students in serious trouble. According to data collected by the Chronicle, in the largest five school districts in the Houston region, … Read more

Pennsylvania Passes New Laws: Stricter Penalties for Package Theft and Organized Retail Theft, Expanded Access to Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Programs, and More

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Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – While Pennsylvania politicians face challenges in passing certain laws, they have had no trouble enacting legislation to recognize unique observances such as Certified Public Accountant Week and William Penn Landing Site in Chester Month. However, beyond these seemingly trivial proclamations, a slate of recently passed laws will have a significant impact on millions of Pennsylvanians this year. From cracking down on porch pirates to expanding access to specialized healthcare programs, here are some noteworthy laws that will come into effect in Pennsylvania. One law, known as Senate Bill 527, aims to address … Read more