By Robert Baker
Governor Nathan Deal signed HB 397 this week after two years of intensive negotiations and debate regarding Attorney General Sam Olen’s efforts to reform Georgia’s Open Meetings and Open Records Acts. The dramatic changes contained in HB 397 will clarify and enhance public access to government meetings and records, and create new obligations for state and local governments. (more…)
By Robert Baker
Georgia Power Files Fuel Case
Georgia Power Company filed a fuel cost case which will reduce fuel costs to all consumers. The average residential consumer’s bill will decrease by 6% or $8.00 a month. In its filing the Company stated that it expects the under recovered balance to be fully recovered by March 31, 2012. In August 2006 the under recovered fuel balance peaked at $995 million. According to the Company’s pre-filed testimony, “[t]he Company’s fuel costs have declined significantly, primarily driven by decreases in the cost of natural gas and decreases in demand for electricity, coupled with recent mild weather.” [The Recession and natural gas fracking] (more…)
By Ben Mathis
With oral argument concluded, the United States Supreme Court will now decide the constitutionality of the new Federal Healthcare Act. I have had the privilege of serving on Attorney General Sam Olens’ team of pro bono lawyers representing the State of Georgia, which along with 25 other States, is challenging the constitutionality of the law. This has been a special experience the past year leading up to the historic Supreme Court decision. No matter which way the Court rules, it will have a dramatic impact on all of our day-to-day lives for years to come. (more…)
By Mike Flint
Almost without exception, at some point during the first fifteen minutes of the initial meeting with a doctor who has been sued for malpractice, we get a question about the dreaded National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB). Our experience has taught us that this common fear among physicians derives more from what they don’t know about the NPDB than what they do. Usually, after a brief question and answer session, the doctor’s concerns are substantially diminished. Below is an attempt to cover the basics in a frequently asked questions format. (more…)
By Mary Anne Ackourey and Anthony Del Rio
Individuals offered less favorable severance packages than others in similar positions can sue for discrimination under Title VII, according to Karla Gerner v. County of Chesterfield, Va., a new decision by the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. (more…)
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