United States

Fisher v. Fisher - Wrongful Death Appeal

The California Court of Appeal affirmed a judgment in a wrongful death case. The court found that the defendants' tortious conduct was the legal cause of the decedent's relapse and subsequent death, upholding jury awards totaling approximately $9.4 million plus punitive damages.

People v. Sheed - Motion to Vacate Conviction

The California Court of Appeal reversed an order denying Donny Kay Sheed's motion to vacate his 1989 conviction based on newly discovered evidence of factual innocence. The court found Sheed was entitled to a hearing on his motion.

Villa v. Modica - Appeal of Employment Discharge

The California Court of Appeal reversed a trial court's decision regarding the discharge of a police detective, Salvador Villa. The appellate court directed the trial court to order the Civil Service Commission to reconsider the penalty for Villa's employment discharge based on remaining charges.

People v. Acosta - Criminal Conviction Appeal

The California Court of Appeal affirmed a judgment against Marlon Acosta, who was found guilty of multiple sexual offenses and kidnapping. Acosta appealed, raising issues of insufficient evidence, witness impeachment, admission of uncharged acts, and prosecutorial misconduct. The court found no merit in his contentions.

S.O. v. Bonita Unified School District - Childhood Sexual Assault Claims

The California Court of Appeal reversed a lower court's decision, holding that Assembly Bill No. 218's retroactive waiver of the claim presentation requirement for childhood sexual assault claims does not violate the California Constitution. This ruling allows plaintiffs to bring claims that would otherwise be time-barred.

S.2651 ROAD to Housing Act of 2025 Introduced

Senator Tim Scott introduced the ROAD to Housing Act of 2025 (S.2651) in the 119th Congress. The bill has been placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Further details on the bill's content and potential impact are pending.

Housing for the 21st Century Act - H.R.6644

The House of Representatives passed the Housing for the 21st Century Act (H.R.6644), which revises federal housing programs. Key provisions include expanding financing for affordable housing, modifying HUD's HOME Investment Partnerships Program, and excluding veterans' disability benefits from VASH program income calculations. The bill has moved to the Senate for consideration.

Samsung Agrees to Data Privacy Deal with Texas AG

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has secured an agreement with Samsung Electronics America, Inc. requiring express consumer consent before collecting Automated Content Recognition (ACR) data from smart TVs. Samsung must update its smart TVs with clear disclosures and consent screens for Texans.

Paxton Secures $29.5M Vanguard Settlement for Coal Industry

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a $29.5 million settlement with The Vanguard Group, Inc. to resolve claims of coordinated ESG-driven market manipulation. Vanguard will implement strong passivity commitments and offer proxy voting to investors, a first for the industry. This action is part of a larger multistate lawsuit against asset managers.

California AG Settles with Property Manager for Tenant Protection Violations

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a settlement with Redding property management company Property Upsurge for violating tenant protection laws. The company will pay $750,000 in tenant relief and debt relief, plus $50,000 in civil penalties, and must implement compliance measures.