Local Governments Face First Amendment Challenges to Coronavirus Emergency Orders
3/27/20
By: Andy Treese

Can the government ban public gatherings, church services, political rallies, or protests during a global pandemic? The question isn’t hypothetical. Federal, state and local officials across the United States are struggling to prepare appropriate emergency orders targeted …
In the Driver’s Seat: Supreme Court Hears Oral Arguments in Kansas v. Glover
11/11/19
By: Rachael Slimmon

On November 4, the United States Supreme Court held oral arguments in the case of Kansas v. Glover. The Court examined whether a police officer may conduct a traffic stop solely because the vehicle’s registered owner …
California Attempts to Change Standard of Liability for Use of Force Claims
8/29/19
By: Sara Brochstein

Earlier this month, California enacted a new measure that goes into effect in 2020 altering the use of deadly force standard for law enforcement officers. The law was originally introduced in response to the March 2018 shooting …
Can Silence Be Bought as Part of a Settlement of a Use of Force Claim?
7/30/19
By: Jake Loken

Can silence be bought, especially of those who claim excessive use of force? The City of Baltimore thought so, until the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals said otherwise.
In Overbey v. Mayor of Balt., No. 17-2444 …
2018 GA Legislative Session Adjournment Report
5/4/18
By: Allan J. Hayes

The Georgia General Assembly adjourned sine die the 2018 legislative session late night on March 29. What follows is a list and summary of all bills tracked by FMG this session. Governor Nathan Deal must sign
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Who Can Lobby?
1/8/18
By: Allan J. Hayes
Most businesses are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations. The business value at stake from legislative and government regulatory intervention is huge: about 30 percent of earnings for companies in most industries, according …
A Look Ahead to 2018 Legislative Session
12/20/17
By: Allan J. Hayes
The Georgia General Assembly will convene on January 8, 2018 and adjourn after 40 legislative days (usually the end of March). With 2018 being an election year, there is likely to be as much politicking, positioning …
Private Passenger Auto Rates
12/15/17
By: Allan J. Hayes
A lobbyists job in never done. Like the tides of the ocean, politics has an ebb and flow. Issues go through a cycle effected not by the moon’s gravitational pull but by the nature of America’s …
Owen Rooney For Government Practice Group
9/5/17
By: Owen T. Rooney
In Ponte v. County of Calaveras, 2017 Cal. App. Lexis 710 the Court of Appeal held the plaintiff’s complaint for breach of a verbal contract was not brought in subjective and objective good faith under …
Georgia Modernizes Captive Insurer Law
5/23/17
By: Allan J. Hayes
According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) a Captive Insurer is an insurance company established by a parent firm for the purpose of insuring the parent’s exposures. Currently, 75 percent of the world’s Fortune …