Short-Term Solutions, Long Term Impact: The Fluidity of Federal Hours of Service in the Time of COVID-19
One of the few constants during this period of unprecedented turmoil and economic uncertainty in America has been the steady and unwavering dependability of truck drivers, who continue to transport crucial goods and products across a country that needs them more than ever. Recognizing the indispensable role that truck drivers play in ensuring that all...
Washington State Issues New Guidance on Corona Virus and High Risk Employees:
On July 29, 2020 , Governor Jay Inslee issued new guidance based on recommendations from the CDC regarding employees at risk for contracting Covid-19. The governor’s proclamation extends indefinitely, or until otherwise amended, protections provided to employees who are at high risk. High risk employees are defined as employees age 65 or older, employees who...
Summer 2020 Northwest Insurance Law Quarterly Newsletter
Please find the Summer 2020 edition of the Williams Kastner Northwest Insurance Law Newsletter. Our newsletter features articles regarding some of the most important decisions and developments in insurance law over the past few months. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Eliot Harris.
9 Williams Kastner Attorneys Named to 2020 Super Lawyers & Rising Stars Lists
Williams Kastner is pleased to announce that 9 attorneys have been named to Super Lawyers and Rising Stars for 2020. Receiving recognition are: Super Lawyers Seattle Daniel A. Brown, Member Jessie L. Harris, Managing Director Douglas A. Hofmann, Member Rodney L. Umberger, Member Sheryl J. Willert, Member Douglas J. Green, Of Counsel Portland S. Ward...
Juneteenth: Freedom Day
Williams Kastner will close its offices on June 19th in celebration and remembrance of, “Juneteenth.” On June 19, 1865, about two months after the Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox, Va., Union Gen. Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform enslaved African-Americans of their freedom and that the Civil War had ended....
EEOC SAYS, “ANTIBODY TESTING NOT PERMITTED”
On June 17, 2020, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) updated the “Disability-Related Inquiries and Medical Exams” portion of its COVID related guidance, What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws, to make clear that employers cannot require employees to undergo antibody testing before returning to the...
Together We Stand: Black Lives Matter Silent March
Williams Kastner continues to stand in support and unity with the Black Lives Matter movement. Consistent with our commitment to diversity and racial equality, we will be closing our Seattle and Portland offices today at 12 p.m. in support of the Black Lives Matter Silent March planned on Capitol Hill in Seattle on June 12th...
EEOC COMMISSION ISSUES UPDATE TO COVID-19 TECHNICAL GUIDANCE
On June 11, 2020, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) updated its technical guidance, “What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, the Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws.” The Guidance is designed help employers navigate the unique employment issues raised by COVID-19. Below is a summary of the updated guidance: No Required Accommodation...
New PPP Legislation —Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (H.R. 7010)
In the midst of national and global turmoil, President Trump signed into law new legislation on the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The new law makes significant changes to the original provisions of the law. Employee Compensation and Business Expenses: Originally, any employer who obtained a PPP loan was required to use 75% of the funds...
Employee Retention Tax Credits in the Age of Coronavirus
On Sunday, May 17, in a previous client update note on the Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) loan forgiveness, we informed you that the Department of Treasury (USDT) had provided an alternative time frame for consideration of what would be forgiven. That change permitted both paid and incurred eligible expenses as part of what could be...
More News on the PPP Loan Forgiveness
On Sunday, May 17, we issued an update on PPP loans which discussed the change in time frame which would be considered for loan forgiveness. At the same time that this new guidance was issued, the United States Department of the Treasury (USDT) issued additional guidance which clarifies under what circumstances loan forgiveness can be...
Governor Inslee Walks Back Contact Tracing Requirement for Restaurants
On May 15, 2020, within days of announcing a requirement that all restaurants would be required to obtain and maintain contact tracing information for patrons, Governor Inslee quickly withdrew this mandate after widespread concerns that such a requirement would violate patron’s privacy rights. Now, the Governor has indicated that it is only a recommendation that...