United States

Fifth Circuit Court Opinion on Mississippi Vapor Law

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals denied a motion for an injunction pending appeal in a case challenging Mississippi House Bill 916. The court found that the plaintiffs, including vapor retailers and trade associations, failed to establish Article III standing to challenge the law, which restricts the sale of electronic nicotine devices to those approved by the FDA.

Fifth Circuit Certifies Texas LLC Exemption Question to State Supreme Court

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has certified a question to the Supreme Court of Texas regarding whether a Texas LLC membership interest is an exempt asset in federal bankruptcy proceedings. The court is seeking clarification on Texas state law to resolve a dispute between a debtor and the bankruptcy trustee.

Cox v. Gritman Medical Center - Personal Jurisdiction Ruling

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a district court's dismissal in Cox v. Gritman Medical Center, finding personal jurisdiction over Idaho-based defendants in a wrongful death action brought by Washington residents. The court held that defendants cultivated treatment relationships with Washington residents and transmitted prescriptions to Washington pharmacies, satisfying the long-arm statute and Due Process Clause.

Geo Group v. Inslee - Ninth Circuit Denies Rehearing

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals denied a petition for rehearing in the case of The GEO Group, Inc. v. Jay Inslee. The court's prior decision vacated a preliminary injunction against a Washington state law concerning civil detainees and remanded the case. The denial of rehearing means the prior ruling stands.

Indictments for Medicaid Fraud and Money Laundering by Transport Provider

The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office announced indictments against a non-emergency medical transportation provider and its former owner for Medicaid fraud and money laundering. The company allegedly billed MassHealth over $770,000 for unprovided services and laundered the proceeds.

CT Dept of Banking Administrative Orders Index Update

The Connecticut Department of Banking has removed several company entries from its administrative orders index. This update affects the visibility of past enforcement actions related to Castle Credit Co Holdings, LLC, Great American Finance Holdings, LLC, and others.

Texas AG Sues Snapchat for Deception and Child Endangerment

The Texas Attorney General has filed a lawsuit against Snap, Inc. (Snapchat) for allegedly deceiving parents and consumers about the app's safety and for exposing children to inappropriate content and addictive features. The lawsuit seeks to hold Snapchat accountable for these alleged harms.

Texas AG Secures 50-Year Sentence Against Human Trafficker

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a 50-year prison sentence for Robert Franklin for trafficking and sexually exploiting a child. The sentence includes a $50,000 fine and is connected to a multi-state prostitution scheme. This action highlights the state's commitment to prosecuting human trafficking offenses.

USITC Affirmative Determinations on Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Investigations for MAMMOs from Taiwan

The USITC has made affirmative determinations that a U.S. industry is materially injured by imports of multifunctional acrylate and methacrylate monomers and oligomers (MAMMOs) from Taiwan sold at less than fair value and subsidized by the government. As a result, the Department of Commerce will issue antidumping and countervailing duty orders.

OIG Audit: Medicaid Agencies Made $207M in Unallowable Payments for Deceased Enrollees

The HHS OIG has released an audit report finding that Medicaid agencies made an estimated $207.5 million in unallowable capitation payments to managed care organizations on behalf of deceased enrollees between July 2021 and June 2022. The report recommends CMS provide agencies with data to recover payments and explore OBBB Act implementation.