laws
New laws hit the books across the nation in new year
New state laws taking effect on New Year's Day show legislators concerned about protecting consumers, children and state coffers. For instance, LA is increasing the supervised time a minor must spend behind the wheel before qualifying for a driver's license. Full Article.
Microsoft seeks privacy law to aid cloud computing
Microsoft Corp. is urging U.S. lawmakers to overhaul laws for electronic privacy to help new services such as cloud computing, a technology that may double sales in five years. Microsoft’s general counsel: “As more data is stored on remote servers and away from personal computers, a 1986 digital law needs to be updated to give consumers confidence their information is protected.” Full article.
New fishing, hunting regulations in effect
LA lawmakers now have the final say over the rule-making process that establishes hunting seasons, shrimping zones, fish quotas and other regulations. On August 15, a host of new hunting and fishing laws took effect. Info on new laws
Upheaval Sweeps Consumer Finance
Even before Congress unveils a consumer-protection agency, new state and federal laws are ushering in the most sweeping changes in consumer finance since the 1960s. On July 1, Arizona will force changes on the state's 595 payday-loan stores that could put them out of business. Other states are putting curbs on tax preparers who offer costly loans against expected tax refunds. The federal government will require lenders verify a borrower's income and assets before issuing a home loan, and issued broad new rules on credit-card issuers, limiting their ability to boost interest rates and charge certain fees. Full Article.
Upheaval Sweeps Consumer Finance
Even before Congress unveils a consumer-protection agency, new state and federal laws are ushering in the most sweeping changes in consumer finance since the 1960s. The federal government, meanwhile, is for the first time requiring that lenders verify a borrower's income and assets before issuing a home loan. It has also slapped broad new rules on credit-card issuers, limiting their ability to boost interest rates and charge certain fees. Full Article.
The Value of a Good Lawyer
Legal issues are some of the most complicated areas an entrepreneur will deal with, simply because there are so many pitfalls, rules, and regulations to worry about. Legal problems can paralyze a company; a good attorney can save you precious time and money, which allows you to focus on what you do best—running your businesses. Full Article.
Six New Credit Card Booby Traps on the Way
What Congress giveth, credit card companies are poised to take away. In six weeks, the final major provisions of the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure (CARD) Act will take effect. Issuers have, however, reacted to the sweeping new consumer protection law by quickly inventing new egregious tactics. Full Article.
How Foreign Growth Can Land You in Jail
With weak growth prospects at home, firms are increasingly looking to grow in developing markets. To get things done, companies sometimes find they are expected to pay off local officials. This is, by the way, a crime here in the U.S. Full Article.
