The Pennsylvania General Assembly passed Senate Bill No. 84 this past week. This action eliminates the law that penalizes public school teachers for wearing religious garb while in the performance of their duties. What led to the passage of SB 84 and what impact it will have on Pennsylvania public schools? Amendment to the Public School Code SB 84 repeals Section 1112 of the Pennsylvania … [Read more...] about Pennsylvania Teachers’ Right to Religious Expression Enhanced With Passage of Senate Bill 84
The NLRB Expands its Joint-Employer Definition Under its 2023 Final Rule
On October 26, 2023, the National Labor Relations Board released a final rule, which sets forth its revised standard for joint-employer status. The new rule repeals and replaces the Board’s 2020 regulations and allows the Board to consider broader evidence when determining joint-employer Status. KingSpry’s Employment Law Chair, Attorney Avery E. Smith, details this new standard and what … [Read more...] about The NLRB Expands its Joint-Employer Definition Under its 2023 Final Rule
PDE’s Bureau of Special Education Revises Recommended Prior Written Notice Forms, Intended for Use by November 1
In order to start that process, LEAs must issue a Prior Written Notice/Request for Consent form to the parents of the student. On May 1st, 2023, PDE’s Bureau of Special Education (BSE) announced that it had revised the recommended PWN/RFC form. It is important for LEAs to understand the developments that have taken place with these revisions. The new forms, intended for use … [Read more...] about PDE’s Bureau of Special Education Revises Recommended Prior Written Notice Forms, Intended for Use by November 1
Guidance for Employers on Drafting Legally Enforceable & Amicable Severance Agreements
In a time of uncertainty regarding the status of noncompete agreements and confidentiality provisions, employers and employees alike may face confusion and concern when it comes to employment separation. In her latest blog, KingSpry’s Employment Law Chair, Avery E. Smith outlines must-have provisions and discusses how employers can offer mutually-agreeable and legally-enforceable … [Read more...] about Guidance for Employers on Drafting Legally Enforceable & Amicable Severance Agreements
The United States Securities and Exchange Commission Disapproves Stifling Non-Disclosure Agreements
In September 2023, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) charged two companies for their violation of the SEC’s whistleblower protection rule. These charges follow months of state and federal action to uphold employees’ rights where they may be violated in employment agreements. KingSpry’s Employment Law Chair, Avery E. Smith, details the SEC’s recent actions and provides guidance … [Read more...] about The United States Securities and Exchange Commission Disapproves Stifling Non-Disclosure Agreements
Polishing Your District Policies: A Review of Professional Boundaries and Other Related Policies
As the new school year begins, School Districts should review their policies to ensure they fit contemporary standards, specifically, policies regarding professional boundaries. This topic covers not only student/teacher relationships, but social media and electronic communications as well. It is imperative that Districts implement policies on professional boundaries in order to create safe … [Read more...] about Polishing Your District Policies: A Review of Professional Boundaries and Other Related Policies
