State

Washington State Levies Over Half a Million in Fines Against Insurance Violators

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Olympia, Washington — The Washington state insurance commissioner, Mike Kreidler, has imposed fines totaling $576,500 on various insurance entities for breaches of state insurance regulations during the months of October and November 2024. These fines were targeted at insurance companies, agents, brokers, and unlicensed groups who failed to adhere to legal standards. In significant penal actions, PacificSource Health Plans received a fine of $100,000 for errors in processing insurance claims related to mental health and dietary consultations. The insurer was found to have wrongly charged co-pays, despite the policies explicitly stating that such services would … Read more

State Officials Increase Enforcement of Lead Inspection Laws Amid Growing Concerns Over Child Safety

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In response to increasing concerns over lead exposure in older buildings, Rhode Island is stepping up enforcement of lead inspection laws for rental properties, while landlords of short-term rentals remain exempt. This enforcement is part of a broader state strategy to link property registration requirements with mandatory lead checks. Many real estate professionals and property owners are currently grappling with how to comply with these new regulations, which were implemented in September. The laws require that all landlords not only register their rental properties but also conduct lead inspections if their buildings were constructed with … Read more

Vermont’s Land Posting Laws Spark Debate Amidst Growing Concerns of State Becoming Wealthy Enclave

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Weston, VT — In the picturesque state of Vermont, a debate over land posting laws has sparked discussions among residents, reflecting broader concerns about property rights and the changing demographic landscape due to affluent out-of-state buyers. The existing laws, which govern how landowners can restrict access to their properties, are seen by some as necessary to maintain longstanding traditions in Vermont where open land has been a hallmark. Land posting in Vermont, according to a local resident Dan Diaz of Weston, should be viewed as more than a legal requirement; it’s a community-building tool. He … Read more

Federal Judge Greenlights Lawsuit from Dismissed Emporia State University Tenured Professors

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Emporia, KS — A federal judge has ruled that a lawsuit filed by a former tenured faculty member of Emporia State University can proceed, setting the stage for a legal showdown that could influence tenure policies at educational institutions across the nation. The lawsuit stems from the university’s decision to terminate the employment of the plaintiff, Max McCoy, a seasoned journalism professor, amid drastic budget cuts and controversial restructuring efforts by the university administration. McCoy, who had served at Emporia State University for over a decade, alleges his dismissal was both wrongful and a violation … Read more