All throughout Pennsylvania, an increasingly common sight is emerging: backyard beekeepers tending to personal hives and enjoying fresh honey. As interest in sustainable living, organic foods, and environmental stewardship grows, so too does the fascination with beekeeping. This ancient practice is experiencing a modern resurgence across the Keystone State, where enthusiasts are not only drawn to the sweet rewards of honey but also to the critical role bees play in pollinating crops and preserving biodiversity. However, behind the scenes of this burgeoning hobby lies a complex regulatory framework designed to ensure the health and safety of both bees and communities…. read more »
Congratulations to Your Graduate! Now It Is Time to Protect Your Young Adult
The excitement of graduation is unparalleled. As you and your child embark on the journey of their future, it is crucial to be ready for surprises and adversity. Planning can help you and your graduate prepare for the substantial changes that come with early adulthood. While you and your child have many tasks to accomplish, there is one more thing to do—ask your child to sign both a Durable Power of Attorney and an Advance Healthcare Directive. Confidentiality laws—like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (more commonly known as “HIPAA”) and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (“FERPA”)… read more »
Webinar: Understanding the Corporate Transparency Act and Navigating the New PA Requirements
Exploring the Latest Regulations Impacting Your Business: A Webinar on New Reporting Obligations Join CGA Law Firms Business Law Chair, Margaret Driscoll, Jeffrey Rehmeyer and Beth Kern for an informative lunch-time webinar to learn about the new state and federal reporting obligations. Find out how these regulations affect your business, and discover what steps you need to take to ensure compliance. This is a free webinar but registration is required. Secure your spot by clicking here.
The Corporate Transparency Act and Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting
At the beginning of this year, the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”) became effective. The CTA is intended to aid law enforcement in combating illicit activity, such as money laundering and terrorist financing, conducted through anonymous shell companies. It does so by mandating certain entities, primarily small or medium size businesses, to report “beneficial owner” information to the Financial Crimes and Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”). The CTA authorizes FinCEN, a Bureau of the US Treasurer Department, to collect, protect and disclose this information to authorized governmental authorities and financial institutions in certain circumstances. Reporting companies under the CTA include corporations, limited liability companies… read more »
Business & Corporate Law Guidance: Caveat Emptor (Buyer Beware)
“Caveat emptor” was frequently applied to commercial transactions in the past. Caveat emptor is a Latin phrase that translates to “let the buyer beware”. It was a warning to those buying, primarily goods, that they should do their own research and ask pointed questions of a seller before making a purchase. Modern laws concerning the purchase and sale of goods often provide protection in that regard. However, investigating and asking questions remains valuable, even when obtaining services. These days, many legal services are available online. But they are not as helpful or inexpensive as they might seem. For example, you… read more »
Do Your Constituents have the Right-to-Know what You Post on Social Media?
Social media is a powerful tool for connecting with constituents. However, the expansion of public discussion through social media encourages an expanded application of the Right-To-Know Law. In an April 2023 case, Penncrest School District v. Cagle, the Commonwealth Court attempted to clarify when a public official’s social media activity would be subject to disclosure. The new test limits the applicability of the Law to social media activity but does not settle the matter, so future litigation will likely clarify the test. The Right-To-Know Law is “designed to promote access to official government information in order to prohibit secrets, scrutinize… read more »
New Appointments and Honors – Spring 2023
Taylor M. Baublitz has joined the Board of The Parliament Arts Organization. The Parliament Arts Organization is a non-profit arts collective in the Royal Square District of Downtown York focused on empowering artists and transforming York through its gallery shows, events, and workshops to support artists. Margaret “Mieke” Driscoll, Chair of the Firm’s Business Practice Group, has been named to the Powder Mill Foundation Board of Trustees. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the York Symphony Orchestra, the York County Community Foundation, and WITF, where she has been honored as an Emeritus. Beth J. Kern was recognized… read more »
Attorney Jeff Rehmeyer Named to UPMC Memorial Hospital Advisory Board
CGA Law Firm is pleased to announce Attorney Jeffrey L. Rehmeyer has been selected to join the UPMC Memorial Hospital Advisory Board in Central Pennsylvania. UPMC has seven acute care hospitals with 1,283 licensed beds, over 160 outpatient clinics and ancillary facilities, more than 2,900 physicians and allied health professionals, and approximately 13,000 employees in Central Pennsylvania. It is a health care hub serving Dauphin, Cumberland, Perry, York, Lancaster, Lebanon, Juniata, Franklin, Adams and parts of Snyder counties.
From Attorney Rehmeyer: 5 Changes to Make Before Your Child Goes to College
If your child becomes sick while away at college, a hospital or doctor’s office will not release any information to you over the phone. In the eyes of the law, your child is an adult, but as parents we care for them well beyond 18 years. Make sure your family has the proper documentation in place to avoid chaos and protect your newly-independent child. —– On this live workshop, you will discover how to: Set and plan goals for your children and yourselves Make sure you can access information and provide assistance to your adult child, when needed Absolve burdens… read more »
From Attorney Rehmeyer: 5 Changes to Make Before Your Child Goes to College
Last date of this series. If your child becomes sick while away at college, a hospital or doctor’s office will not release any information to you over the phone. In the eyes of the law, your child is an adult, but as parents we care for them well beyond 18 years. Make sure your family has the proper documentation in place to avoid chaos and protect your newly-independent child. —– On this live workshop, you will discover how to: Set and plan goals for your children and yourselves Make sure you can access information and provide assistance to your adult… read more »