FCC Webinar on 96 Telecom Act Anniversary

The FCC's Office of Commissioner Gomez hosted a webinar to commemorate the anniversary of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The event focused on the Act's impact and legacy.

FCC Cuts Off Provider for Violating Robocall Rules

The FCC has issued an order to immediately cut off a provider for violating robocall rules. This action prevents the company from connecting with U.S. networks, impacting its ability to operate.

DOJ Opinion: 18 U.S.C. § 1715 Unconstitutional for Protected Firearms

The Department of Justice's Office of Legal Counsel has issued an opinion stating that 18 U.S.C. § 1715 is unconstitutional as applied to protected firearms, including handguns. The DOJ may no longer enforce this statute with respect to such firearms, and the Postal Service should modify its regulations accordingly.

DOJ OLC Opinion on Federal Housing Assistance and PRWORA

The DOJ Office of Legal Counsel has issued a memorandum opinion clarifying that federal housing assistance programs administered under Section 214 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980 are considered 'Federal means-tested public benefits' under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA). Alien applicants must now satisfy eligibility requirements under both statutes.

Reconsidering State Procedures for Competent Counsel in Capital Cases

The DOJ's Office of Legal Counsel has withdrawn its 2009 opinion regarding the Attorney General's authority to condition expedited habeas proceedings on state competency standards for capital case counsel. This reconsideration, prompted by the Supreme Court's decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, shifts the interpretation of 28 U.S.C. § 2265(a)(1).

DOJ Legal Opinion on Stock Units for Federal Employees

The DOJ's Office of Legal Counsel has issued a legal opinion clarifying that federal employees participating in the proposed "Tech Force" program may continue to receive previously awarded restricted stock units (RSUs) that vest during their government service. This opinion aims to facilitate the recruitment of skilled technologists into federal roles.

DOJ Opinion: Defense Production Act Orders Preempt State Law

The DOJ's Office of Legal Counsel issued a memorandum opinion concluding that Presidential orders under the Defense Production Act (DPA) have the force of federal law and can preempt contrary state laws. This opinion addresses a specific case involving Sable Offshore Corp. and the State of California's impediments to oil production.

DOJ: Former Commercial Roofing Executive Pleads Guilty to Bid Rigging

The Department of Justice announced that Gregg Wallick, former executive of a commercial roofing company, pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to rig bids on roofing projects in Florida. The scheme illegally obtained over $3.5 million and violated the Sherman Act.

DOJ and USPTO Statement of Interest on Innovation Incentives

The Department of Justice and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office filed a statement of interest in a patent infringement case, reaffirming the importance of preserving incentives to innovate. The filing supports the patent owner's ability to seek injunctive relief to prevent infringement, which is crucial for economic growth and competition.

DOJ: Texas Man Sentenced for Antitrust Conspiracy

The Department of Justice announced that Roberto Garcia Villarreal was sentenced to 30 months in prison and a $50,000 fine for his role in a conspiracy to monopolize the international transit industry. The scheme involved price fixing and extorting competitors.