In the News

Across the nation there are currently 24 states that have legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes. Medicinal marijuana can be used as a treatment for multiple conditions ranging from chronic pain to epilepsy to cancer. But, while many states have legalized medicinal marijuana, individuals using marijuana in compliance with state law are concurrently violating federal laws prohibiting the use of marijuana. Discussion and guidance follows.

The 2017 legal environment was active for school bus contractors in Pennsylvania but the two cases discussed in this article are notable because they demonstrate the wide range of results that can occur when courts review termination of employment due to a driver’s positive drug test. Contact our office to obtain a copy of the full article discussing the cases, as well as considerations for school bus contractors.

The legal environment for the school bus industry was active in 2016. For a summary of the most talked about legal topics of the past year, contact RC Kelly Law Associates for our article titled "Legal Updates for School Bus Contractors The 2016 Year in Review"

Recently, Pennsylvania state authorities have provided conflicting direction on whether school bus videos must be produced when a copy is requested by a parent or other third party. This article will discuss the conflicting positions and provide practical guidance for contractors.

On August 2, 2016, the Treasury Department released a proposal to modify the tax regulations for transferring interests in family owned corporations, partnerships, LLCs and family farms. If the proposed regulations are approved in their current form, the transfer tax cost of transferring interests in a corporation to family members will increase significantly.

In August 2016, House Bill (HB) 2274 was introduced into the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The proposed legislation would require school districts to utilize a Request for Proposal (RFP) process when awarding transportation contracts and the contracts would automatically expire every 2-3 years.

The General Duties Clause of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), says that “[e]ach employer shall furnish … employees … a place of employment … free from recognized hazards that are … likely to cause … serious physical harm to … employees”, 29 U.S.C. § 654, 5(a). Recently, OSHA fined a York, PA healthcare provider $98,000 because OSHA found that the employer did not properly respond to an employee’s request for help with treating violent patients. This article will discuss wh...