The chemical industry is subject to complex and ever-evolving laws and regulations. New standards governing the production and use of chemicals are implemented every year worldwide, and existing laws and regulations are constantly changing to keep pace with new information and scientific advancements. Chemical Industry Regulatory Update provides a monthly digest of recent legislative and regulatory developments and related industry news.
2024 ASC Annual Convention to Feature Dedicated Regulatory & Government Policy Track
ASC will host the industry’s official Annual Convention & EXPO in Louisville, Kentucky, April 15-17, 2024. The preliminary program has been released featuring scheduled keynotes, educational tracks, technical short courses, EXPO tradeshow exhibitors and details on the dedicated “Regulatory & Government Policy” track. The track features topics such as:
- Federal and State Chemical Policy Expectations
- Business Implications of Evolving Regulations
- European Regulatory Environment & Outlook
View the complete program and conference details here.
Cannabis and Employment Laws: Navigating Compliance and Drug Testing in the Workplace
As the legal landscape surrounding marijuana and cannabis continues to evolve with increased momentum and regulation, employers struggle to stay one step ahead of ever-changing laws and compliance guidelines. Join us as Thompson Hine lawyers Matthew Kissling and Hannah Caldwell provide an overview of current state and federal guidelines regarding cannabis and the workplace, including drug testing developments and trends, accommodation requirements, best practices for crafting and implementing employment policies, and compliance with federal contracts and drug-free workplace requirements. Click here to learn more and register.
DOL Independent Contractor Final Rule: Implications for Employers and the Transportation Industry
Matthew R. Kissling, Richard M. Couch
On January 10, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) issued its long-anticipated final rule formally revising its guidelines for classifying workers as employees or independent contractors under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The final rule, which takes effect on March 11, comes nearly a year and a half after the DOL originally proposed to revise its independent contractor classification guidelines in October 2022. Continue reading.
New Jersey Enacts Consumer Data Privacy Law
Steven G. Stransky, Thomas F. Zych, Thora Knight
New Jersey is the latest to join the list of states with comprehensive privacy laws, adding to the patchwork of laws governing personal information. On January 16, Governor Phil Murphy signed into law Bill 332 (NJ Act), which affords New Jersey residents data protection rights and requires covered businesses to comply with new data privacy and information security requirements. While the law imposes new compliance obligations on covered businesses, it notably does not create a private right of action and has a limited “cure period” allowing covered entities to remedy their noncompliance. The law assigns enforcement and rulemaking authority to the New Jersey Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. The NJ Act will enter into force in January 2025. Read more.
How Misaligned Commitments on Social Issues Create Risks for Your Company
The “S” in “ESG” (environmental, social, and governance) includes an extensive list of factors like workplace culture; environmental justice; health and safety; policies on diversity, equity, and inclusion; labor standards; data privacy; human rights; racial justice; and product safety. In the past several years, consumers and shareholders have become increasingly focused on company performance in these areas and any perceived disconnects between a company’s stated commitments to social action and its actions. The failure to follow through on stated social commitments, even if negligent, can create valuation risk for a company and mislead investors who prioritize this non-financial factor in investment decisions. These perceived disconnects can also capture the attention of plaintiffs and regulators who seek legal remedies to align company practices with stated goals. Continue reading.
This newsletter may be reproduced, in whole or in part, with the prior permission of Thompson Hine LLP and acknowledgment of its source and copyright. This publication is intended to inform clients about legal matters of current interest. It is not intended as legal advice. Readers should not act upon the information contained in it without professional counsel.
This document may be considered attorney advertising in some jurisdictions.
© 2024 THOMPSON HINE LLP. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.