Site Map - Legal Report

08/13/2007 - A bill (S. 544) introduced by Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS) would provide tax credits for retailers who sell agricultural products to implement security provisions.

08/13/2007 - A bill (H.R. 1401) that would enhance security requirements for public transit systems has been approved by the House of Representatives and has been referred to the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.

08/13/2007 - A bill (H.R. 1680) that would regulate the sale and purchase of ammonium nitrate has been approved by the House Homeland Security Committee's Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology. Ammonium nitrate is a critical ingredient used in making explosives.

08/13/2007 - A bill (S. 4) designed to implement the final recommendations of the 9-11 Commission has been approved by the Senate and has been received by the House of Representatives. [A companion bill (H.R. 1) has been approved by the House and is now pending in the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.]

08/13/2007 - Louis Cioffi worked as a part-time social studies teacher and athletic director for the Averill Park Central School District from 1981 to 1999. In June 1999, the school district promoted Cioffi to full-time athletic director. In his new position, Cioffi supervised Kevin Earl, the district's football coach. Over the three years Cioffi supervised Earl, he consistently complained about Earl's teaching methods. In early 2001, a parent complained about disturbing events that occurred in the boys football locker room, including the hazing and sexual assault of younger players by older students. The school district took steps to address the situation, including changing the policy of supervision in the locker room. However, the school failed to relate the hazing incidents to the other parents of the students who had been assaulted. The court noted that sexual assaults in a high school and the possible cover-up by school administrators are certainly within the scope of public interest. Further, while the school board planned to eliminate Cioffi's position before his press conference, the official decision was not made until after the press conference, making the retaliation claim valid. (Cioffi v. Averill Park Central School District, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, No. 04-5593-cv, 2006)

08/10/2007 - Lawmakers in the Missouri Senate have introduced a bill (S. 2) that would make it illegal to knowingly receive, sell, or obtain personal health information on anyone without their consent.

08/10/2007 - The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a proposed rule to increase security measures on trains and tracks that carry toxic substances. The rule would establish additional measures for those carrying such substances through urban areas.

08/10/2007 - The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has launched the first phase of its Secure Freight program.

08/10/2007 - Hotel owners' liability for third-party assaults on guests, a religious discrimination case stemming from office cubicle decorations, and proposed federal rules for port and rail security.

08/10/2007 - A security guard refused a date from a senior manager and sued the company for sexual harassment.

08/10/2007 - A company can be held liable for the discriminatory practices of a supervisor. In the case, an HR employee terminated an employee for missing work without permission.

08/10/2007 - A bill (H.B. 23) introduced in the Hawaii House of Representatives would require background checks on current and future public school teachers as well as subcontractors who work at public school facilities in any capacity.

08/10/2007 - A bill (H.B. 5678) pending in the Connecticut General Assembly would set aside $10 million to evaluate security in courthouses and courthouse parking lots. The remaining funds would be used to install necessary security systems.