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Bot Army v1.01 - January, 2025

Legal Intelligence

"Precision Insights for Legal Updates"

Legal Intelligence Report

# Opening

Recent legal developments across various sectors highlight the evolving landscape of regulatory compliance and judicial scrutiny. With significant shifts in pay transparency requirements in Columbus, Ohio, and the ongoing complexities surrounding corporate climate risk disclosures in California, employers and legal professionals alike must adapt quickly to the changing legal environment. This summary provides an insightful analysis of key legal updates, regulatory changes, notable case outcomes, and industry-specific trends that are shaping today’s legal arena.

# Key Legal Developments

Employers in Columbus, Ohio, need to prepare for new pay transparency requirements set to take effect shortly. This move aims to promote workplace equity and provide job applicants with essential salary information, thereby fostering greater transparency in hiring practices. Organizations must be vigilant in updating their salary scales and ensuring compliance to avoid potential penalties or lawsuits related to hiring practices.

Meanwhile, the Ninth Circuit recently enjoined the enforcement of California's controversial Corporate Climate Risk Disclosure Law, adding another layer of uncertainty for businesses operating within the state. However, the court maintained the enforcement of SB 253, California's Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act, indicating a complex legal landscape where some climate-related regulations are upheld while others face setbacks. This dichotomy presents challenges for corporate compliance teams as they navigate the intricate regulatory framework governing climate-related disclosures.

# Regulatory Changes and Compliance Updates

In light of these legal developments, businesses across various sectors must proactively adjust their compliance strategies. The Ninth Circuit's actions underscore the need for companies to stay abreast of ongoing litigation regarding climate risk disclosures. As regulations evolve, businesses should prepare to revise internal policies and reporting requirements to align with new legal standards, particularly those pertaining to environmental disclosures and corporate accountability.

Additionally, healthcare organizations should note the latest updates focusing on IRS regulations affecting consumer protection settlements. These developments are poised to impact how healthcare entities approach consumer settlements, potentially reshaping their liability and payment strategies. Awareness of IRS guidelines will be crucial for healthcare providers looking to maintain compliance and protect their interests.

# Notable Case Outcomes and Implications

A significant outcome in the corporate acquisition landscape occurred when a judge cleared the $627 million acquisition of a medical device firm by a private equity firm, dealing a setback to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This outcome demonstrates the court's openness to large mergers and acquisitions, despite the ongoing scrutiny from regulatory bodies aimed at preventing antitrust violations. Businesses should take note of this trend as it may open doors for strategic mergers that were previously viewed with caution.

Conversely, the Ninth Circuit's ongoing battles regarding climate legislation signal that companies must prepare for both immediate and long-term regulatory compliance challenges. These outcomes indicate a judicial willingness to weigh in on corporate disclosures, which may affect investors’ decisions and corporate governance practices significantly.

# Industry-Specific Legal Trends

In terms of industry-specific trends, there is a noticeable upward movement in pay transparency legislation, particularly at the municipal level, such as in Columbus. Other jurisdictions may follow suit, compelling businesses nationwide to consider similar policies to remain competitive and compliant. Furthermore, the healthcare sector continues to grapple with evolving consumer protection regulations, which highlight the importance of maintaining transparency and fairness in settlements.

On the technology front, cases concerning the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) are increasingly significant, particularly concerning SMS messaging. As evidenced by the ongoing legal battles, companies must prepare for stringent regulations and potential penalties related to communications with consumers, underscoring the need for comprehensive compliance strategies.

# Action Steps

- Update internal policies and procedures to comply with the upcoming pay transparency requirements in Columbus, Ohio.

- Engage legal counsel to assess the implications of the Ninth Circuit’s rulings on climate-related financial disclosures and adapt corporate reporting practices accordingly.

- Conduct a thorough review of consumer protection settlement practices in the healthcare sector to align with recent IRS regulations.

- Monitor ongoing TCPA litigation regarding SMS communications and develop strategies to mitigate potential risks associated with compliance failure.

Key Developments

📝 Other
Columbus, Ohio Employers: Prepare for New Pay Transparency Requirements

Columbus is the most recent Ohio city to join the pay transparency wave. Effective January 1, 2027, employers will be required to disclose salary ranges in their job postings....By: Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP

Jurisdiction: Unknown
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📝 Other
SEESAW: The Battle Over SMS Messages and the TCPA Takes Another Turn

Well we have a true seesaw battle on our hands here. Courts continue to struggle with the issue of whether SMS Messages are covered by the TCPA’s DNC rules post-McKesson....By: Troutman Amin LLP

Jurisdiction: Unknown
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📝 Other
Ninth Circuit Enjoins California Corporate Climate Risk Disclosure Law, but the Waiting Game Continues

On November 18, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit granted an injunction pending appeal, which stays enforcement of California Senate Bill 261 (Greenhouse Gases: Climate-Related Financial Risk) (SB 261)....By: Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

Jurisdiction: Unknown
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📝 Other
Holiday Sales, Post-Holiday Lawsuits: How to Shield Your Business from Consumer Class Actions

Consumer-facing businesses often face a noticeable increase in litigation and class actions following Black Friday and the broader holiday shopping season due to the high-volume transaction, aggressive promotions and the handling of sensitive consumer data during peak e-commerce periods....By: Segal

Jurisdiction: Unknown
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📝 Other
From the Bench: A Roadmap for Navigating Preference Defenses

Port Elizabeth Terminal & Warehouse Corp., a major marine terminal and warehousing operator serving the Port of New York and New Jersey, filed for Chapter 11 on November 14, 2025, in the Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey against the backdrop of a continued freight recession....By: Offi

Jurisdiction: Unknown
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📝 Other
Judge Clears PE Firm’s $627M Acquisition of Medical Device Firm, a Setback for the FTC

Decision marks another in a string of cases in which courts dive into an issue before evidence is fully gathered. Private equity firm GTCR LLC is poised to complete its $627 million acquisition of Surmodics Inc., a leading supplier of medical device coatings, after a federal judge denied the Federal

Jurisdiction: FTC
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📝 Other
Healthcare Regulatory Check-Up | October 2025 Recap

This issue of McDermott’s Healthcare Regulatory Check-Up highlights regulatory activity for October 2025, which was relatively quiet due to the federal government shutdown....By: McDermott Will & Schulte

Jurisdiction: Unknown
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📝 Other
What We Learned from … South Carolina (Part Two): IRS Regulations Affecting Consumer Protection Settlements 

Jared Libet, Assistant Deputy Attorney General in the Consumer Protection Unit, recently joined a Kelley Drye webinar to discuss IRS regulations and their impact on consumer protection settlements....By: Kelley Drye & Warren LLP

Jurisdiction: IRS
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📝 Other
Ninth Circuit Stays Enforcement of SB 261, California’s Climate-Related Financial Risk Act but Refuses to Stay SB 253, the Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has stayed California SB 261 California’s Climate-Related Financial Risk Disclosure Act pending appeal of the district court’s denial of a preliminary injunction....By: Hanson Bridgett

Jurisdiction: Unknown
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📝 Other
California Public Utilities Commission Stretches Out the Reimbursement Period for Data Center’s Energization Costs to Reduce Ratepayer Risk

November 19, 2025 Energy Law The search for a reliable source of electricity to power data centers has led developers to explore self-generation options, virtual or real power purchase agreements, or the restart of long-shuttered nuclear power plants, in addition to the conventional reliance on reta

Jurisdiction: Unknown
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Last updated: November 21, 2025 at 02:51:10 PM

Key Developments