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Congress Expands Federal Protections for Pregnant Workers

The United States Congress recently passed the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), a new federal law that requires covered employers to provide "reasonable accommodations" for a worker's known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, unless the accommodation will cause the employer "undue hardship."

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U.S. Supreme Court Clarifies the Standard for "True Threats"

In Counterman v. Colorado (June 27, 2023, No. 22-138) 600 U.S. __, the United States Supreme Court analyzed the First Amendment’s free speech protections in the context of “true threats.”

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Approval of Nation's First Religious Based Charter School Opens Door to Contentious Constitutional Question

On June 5, 2023, an Oklahoma charter school authorizer approved the nation’s first religious charter school. The decision is certain to ignite litigation and open the possibility that higher courts may explore whether religious schools may be state sanctioned and publicly funded.

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California Supreme Court Holds Public Health Service Plans Not Immune from Reimbursement Actions

In a recent opinion, the California Supreme Court held that medical providers are entitled to receive reimbursement for emergency medical services at rates based on the reasonable and customary value for such services, even where a contract does not exist between the provider and the operator of a public health care service plan.

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U.S. DOE Releases Updated Federal Guidance Regarding Religious Expression in Public Schools in Light of Kennedy

On May 15, 2023, the U.S. Department of Education (U.S. DOE) updated its Guidance on Constitutionally Protected Prayer and Religious Expression in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools (Guidance).

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Ninth Circuit Confirms Title IX Protections for Perceived Sexual Orientation

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit recently held that Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 prohibits discrimination on the basis of perceived sexual orientation.

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SB 114: New Laws Impacting Charter Schools - More Extensions and Clarification on Application of Standard of Review for Charter Petition Appeals

On July 10, 2023, Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Education Omnibus Budget Trailer Bill, Senate Bill (SB) 114 (Trailer Bill), which, among other things, clarifies and revises provisions of the Charter Schools Act (Act).

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Legislature Launches Pilot Program Allowing CMAS Contracts for Installation of Certain Materials SB 1422

Senate Bill (SB) 1422, signed by the Governor in September 2022, permits State and local agencies, including school districts and community college districts, to use State-approved California Multiple Award Schedule (CMAS) contracts for the installation, or purchase and installation, of resilient flooring, carpet, lighting fixtures, and synthetic turfs, which have limitations that are different fr

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Superior Court Reverses State Board of Education's Action Overturning Charter Denials; Clarifies Review Standard for Appeals

A recent California Superior Court ruling reinforces the deference granted to local educational agencies under Assembly Bill (AB) 1505 in determining whether to grant or deny charter petitions.

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