Verdict . News

•OSHA issued directive CSP-03-02-004 updating Strategic Partnership Program guidelines for enhanced workplace safety collaboration

May 13, 2025•4 min read

OSHA Issues Updated Strategic Partnership Directive for Workplace Safety

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued directive CSP-03-02-004 on May 13, 2025, updating its Strategic Partnership Program guidelines. The national directive aims to strengthen collaborative efforts between OSHA and employers to improve workplace safety standards.

•The national directive establishes framework for cooperative relationships between OSHA and employers beyond traditional enforcement

•Court defined 'substantial' mitigating factors as real and of substance, not imagined or ephemeral

May 9, 2025•4 min read

Supreme Court of Kansas

Kansas Supreme Court Clarifies Standards for Murder Sentence Reductions

The Kansas Supreme Court ruled in State v. Young, defining legal standards judges must apply when considering whether to reduce minimum sentences for first-degree murder convictions from 50 years to 25 years. The court established clear definitions for substantial and compelling mitigating factors while affirming the abuse of discretion standard for reviewing such decisions.

•Established that 'compelling' reasons must be based on case facts that justify departing from 50-year minimum

•CFPB will not prioritize enforcement actions under Regulation Z's digital user account provisions for BNPL loans

May 6, 2025•4 min read

CFPB Will Not Prioritize Enforcement Actions Against BNPL Providers

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced it will not prioritize enforcement actions against Buy Now, Pay Later providers based on Truth in Lending Act regulations regarding digital user accounts. This policy shift represents a significant change in the CFPB's enforcement approach toward the rapidly growing BNPL industry.

•Policy relates to May 2024 federal register rule on Truth in Lending requirements for BNPL services

•CFPB voluntarily reducing enforcement actions beyond what court stay requires

Apr 30, 2025•4 min read

CFPB Scales Back Enforcement Actions Following Texas Court Stay

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced it will not prioritize enforcement or supervision actions against entities currently outside the scope of a court-imposed stay in *Texas Bankers Association v. CFPB*. This strategic decision represents a significant shift in the agency's regulatory approach as it navigates ongoing legal challenges to its authority.

•Decision affects entities not directly covered by the Texas Bankers Association case

•Kansas Supreme Court upheld summary judgment protecting Bass Pro and Beretta under federal firearms immunity law

Apr 25, 2025•4 min read

Supreme Court of Kansas

Kansas Supreme Court Clarifies Gun Manufacturer Immunity Under Federal Law

The Kansas Supreme Court ruled on the scope of firearm manufacturer immunity under the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act in Johnson v. Bass Pro Outdoor World. The court distinguished between product liability claims involving criminal misuse versus defective products.

•Court distinguished product liability claims involving criminal misuse (protected) versus defective products (potentially allowed)

•OSHA San Francisco office issued Regional Emphasis Program directive SFO-CPL-05-00-001 targeting gambling and hotel industries

Apr 23, 2025•4 min read

OSHA Launches Regional Safety Program for Gambling and Hotel Industries

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration's San Francisco regional office announced a new Regional Emphasis Program targeting workplace safety in gambling establishments and hotels/motels. The directive, issued April 23, aims to address safety concerns in these high-traffic hospitality sectors through focused enforcement efforts.

•Program focuses enforcement resources on workplace safety hazards common in casinos, hotels, and motels

•Michigan Supreme Court decided case involving 911 center employee who reported supervisor's improper emergency call coding

Apr 14, 2025•4 min read

Michigan Supreme Court

Michigan Supreme Court Rules on 911 Center Whistleblower Case

The Michigan Supreme Court decided Stefanski v. Saginaw County 911 Communications Center Authority, a case involving alleged retaliation against an employee who reported supervisor misconduct in handling a fatal shooting emergency call.

•Employee claimed constructive discharge in retaliation for reporting that supervisor failed to dispatch EMS to shooting scene

•DHHS filed petition to take jurisdiction of minor DVL from his mother under Michigan's Child Protection Act

Apr 14, 2025•4 min read

Michigan Supreme Court

Michigan Supreme Court Rules on Child Welfare Case Involving Mental Health Crisis

The Michigan Supreme Court decided a child welfare case involving the Department of Health and Human Services' petition to take jurisdiction of a minor with mental health issues from his mother after she refused to pick him up from a hospital stay.

•Case stemmed from June 2021 incident where child with mental health history attempted arson and threatened suicide

•CFPB will not prioritize enforcement actions for missed registration deadlines under nonbank registry requirements

Apr 11, 2025•4 min read

CFPB Grants Relief to Small Loan Providers Missing Registration Deadlines

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau announced it will not prioritize enforcement or supervision actions against entities that miss future registration deadlines under its nonbank registry requirements. This regulatory relief specifically targets small loan providers struggling to comply with registration mandates.

•Relief specifically targets small loan providers struggling with compliance under the Registry of Nonbank Covered Persons regulation