Missouri Enacts Suite of New Laws: Enhancements in Education Funding, Virtual Schooling, and Stiffer Penalties for Crimes Against Police Animals Take Effect

Jefferson City, MO — A raft of new laws ushered in by Missouri legislators came into effect on Wednesday, having been previously signed by Governor Mike Parson. Among the significant legislative changes are new regulations regarding celebratory gunfire, better support for students, and enhanced protections for police animals. These laws reflect the state’s ongoing efforts to adjust to citizens’ needs and address public safety concerns. One notable legislative change is Senate Bill 727, which revises the Missouri Empowerment Scholarship Accounts Program by increasing the maximum allowable credits from $50 million to $75 million annually. This … Read more

Mark Your Calendars: Essential 2024 Labor & Employment Law Insights at the Upcoming Virtual Seminar

As industries continually evolve in the face of new regulations and shifting labor landscapes, professionals across various sectors are looking ahead to the challenges and developments expected in 2024. A virtual event scheduled for September 18 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. ET will offer crucial insights into upcoming trends in labor and employment law, catering to employers, HR professionals, and attorneys. This comprehensive webinar, dedicated to the latest in labor and employment law, promises to provide attendees with actionable information to navigate the complexities of workplace regulations. The session will focus on anticipated changes … Read more

Class Action Lawsuit Against Estee Lauder’s Virtual “Try-On” Tool Dismissed, Raises Questions on Biometric Privacy Protection

Chicago, Illinois – A proposed class action lawsuit against Estee Lauder, accusing the beauty company of violating Illinois’ biometric privacy law with its virtual “try-on” tool, has been dismissed by U.S. District Judge Lindsay Jenkins. The lawsuit alleged that Estee Lauder, along with its subsidiary brands like Bobbi Brown, Smashbox, and Too Faced, collected facial scans without obtaining proper consent. The legal action also involved Perfect Corp, the Taiwanese company responsible for developing the technology behind the virtual try-on tool. Judge Jenkins ruled that the plaintiffs failed to provide evidence that Estee Lauder could link … Read more

Federal Judge Delivers Stinging Rebuke to Florida Virtual School in Landmark Trademark Ruling

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A federal judge in Florida has issued a scathing ruling against the state-run Florida Virtual School (FLVS). U.S. District Court Judge Gregory A. Presnell criticized FLVS for pursuing a lawsuit against its private competitor, K12 Inc., calling the school a “trademark bully.” The judge deemed FLVS’s trademark infringement claims as “feeble” and lacking credible evidence. In addition, the judge accused FLVS of making misrepresentations to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. FLVS had argued that it held exclusive rights to the phrase “Florida online school” when used to describe schooling options in … Read more