John McDonald

On May 5, 2026, the New Jersey Department of Labor (NJDOL) announced its adoption of regulations designed to “clarify the statutory ABC test for determining whether a worker is an independent contractor or employee.” The regulations will take effect October 1, 2026, and in the simplest terms, reiterate that New Jersey remains one of the toughest states in which to properly classify workers as independent contractors.

Courts across the country are increasingly scrutinizing restrictive covenants, with recent decisions signaling heightened risk for employers who rely upon restrictions contained in equity agreements and nonservice provisions. For companies managing restrictive covenants, especially across multiple portfolio companies, two developments stand out. Massachusetts Court Rules Parent Companies Are Not “Employers” In Anaplan Parent LP v. Brennan, Anaplan Parent LP and Anaplan Inc.

Florida has to stop hiding its COVID data, a court ruled this week. In a blow to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ coronavirus narrative, a Leon County circuit court ruled the state’s Department of Health must release its backlogged COVID-19 data and provide detailed figures going forward for the next three years. Announced by former representative Carlos Guillermo Smith, the settlement calls for DOH to release vaccine amounts, case counts and deaths.