Federal Judge Strikes Down CFPB’s $8 Credit Card Late Fee Rule, Upholding Higher Charges as Per CARD Act

FORT WORTH, Texas — A federal judge in Texas has handed a significant setback to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) by ruling against its recent regulation that would drastically lower credit card late fees to $8, describing the move as an overreach of the bureau’s authority. The decision emerged from U.S. District Judge Mark T. Pittman, who is predicting a likely failure for the CFPB’s initiative based on his assessment. Judge Pittman, appointed under the Trump administration, articulated that the rule contradicted the provisions of the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of … Read more

Judge to Rule on Expanding Georgia Legislature’s Subpoena Authority

Atlanta, Georgia — A significant legal debate over the extent of subpoena power held by legislators in Georgia is now pending a decision from a Fulton County Superior Court judge. The crux of this legal battle revolves around whether state lawmakers should possess the authority to compel evidence and testimony through subpoenas during legislative sessions. This legal issue surged to prominence following a controversy involving a Republican-led legislative study committee, which had been actively using its subpoena power to conduct investigations. Critics argue that such powers should be curbed, fearing potential overreach, while supporters believe … Read more

Federal Judge Upholds Monitoring Rule for Maine Lobstermen, Rejects Privacy Concerns

A federal judge in Maine has ruled in favor of a state regulation that mandates monitoring devices on the boats of federally permitted lobster fishermen, rejecting a lawsuit from a group of lobstermen who claimed the rule infringed their constitutional rights. The regulation, which has been in effect for over a year, aims to track the location of lobster boats at sea. The lawsuit was initiated by five lobstermen who argued that the requirement for monitors was a violation of their rights to privacy, equal protection, and due process. They contended that the installation of … Read more

Federal Judge Blocks Biden’s Expanded Overtime Rule, Impacting Thousands in Academia and Beyond

WASHINGTON — A recent federal court decision in Texas has nullified a Biden administration regulation intended to broaden overtime pay for approximately four million salaried employees, including numerous workers at higher education institutions. The rule, which was struck down just weeks before its second phase was poised to be enacted, had sought to increase the salary threshold for overtime eligibility, sparking a heated debate over its potential impacts on jobs and educational costs. District Judge Sean D. Jordan, a Trump appointee, ruled against the regulation, thereby reverting the overtime salary threshold to $35,568, down from … Read more