News Digest 7-26-2021

 

Arizona, other states braced for wave of COVID lawsuits that never arrived

Thirty states instituted liability protections in late 2020 and early 2021 designed to protect businesses from COVID-19 lawsuits, out of fear that companies would be sued for exposing workers, clients or vendors to the swiftly spreading, deadly disease; but those lawsuits haven’t materialized. Proponents of the new laws say that’s because the statutes have scared off potential litigation. Tucson Sentinel

 

Formaldehyde lurks in hair products despite FDA warning

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration published a warning earlier this spring aimed at hair smoothing and straightening products that have been on the market for over a decade. Even though FDA scientists have urged the agency to ban formaldehyde in hair-smoothing products for years, the agency has yet to take action. FDA claims it does not have the power under federal law to regulate the beauty industry. The Regulatory Review

 

Colorado’s confusing pay disclosure law leaves remote employees out of a job

Colorado’s Equal Pay for Equal Work act, which went into effect of January this year, has had some unforeseen consequences. According to the bill, employers must disclose hourly or salary compensation plus a general description of benefits for each listing. As a result, businesses with Colorado ties have to follow those guidelines when posting job listings for remote work. Denverite

 

Michigan scientist’s six-year fight for justice

A scientist who came to Michigan State University in 2012 from Germany to study photosynthesis, and was struck by a university vehicle while walking from her laboratory, causing multiple injuries including a traumatic brain injury, had to fight a six-year legal battle for compensation. WLNS