Wednesday, February 25, 2015
- HUD: Guidance issued on program eligibility for HUD assisted and insured housing programs includes an equal access provision making clear that housing that is financed or insured by HUD must be made available without regard to actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status; prohibits owners and operators of HUD-funded housing, or housing whose financing was insured by HUD, from inquiring about an applicant’s sexual orientation or gender identity or denying housing on that basis; and makes clear that sexual orientation and gender identity should not and cannot be part of any lending decision when it comes to getting an FHA-insured mortgage
- First Circuit: In reversing summary judgment for employer on age discrimination and retaliation claims, the court held, in part, that age-related comments together with inconsistencies in employer’s stated reason for termination (misconduct) created a triable issue for a jury
- DC Circuit: In deciding an issue of first impression under the Family and Medical Leave Act, the court held that an employer action with a reasonable tendency to “interfere with, restrain, or deny” the “exercise of or attempt to exercise” an FMLA right may give rise to a valid interference claim even where the action fails to actually prevent such exercise or attempt
- US District Court ME: The Court denied cross motions for summary judgment on constitutional challenge to Maine Department of Corrections policy of barring communication between an inmate and the inmate’s former domestic partner when the inmate has been convicted of or otherwise known to have committed a domestic violence offense
- US District Court ME: The Court granted plaintiff’s motion to dismiss certain counts in employment discrimination claim without prejudice despite defendant’s argument that they should be dismissed with prejudice because of the possibility of another lawsuit
- Maine Legislature: LD 547 would require that an individual registering a service dog present to the municipal clerk a letter signed by a physician, psychologist, physician assistant or nurse practitioner indicating that the individual or a member of the individual’s household requires the service dog and a certification or other document indicating that the service dog has completed training from an established service animal training organization or has been evaluated by a certified animal trainer and found to have a sound temperament suitable for a service dog
- Maine Legislature: LD 486 would repeal a provision of law exempting businesses with fewer than 3 employees on duty at any one time from having to provide employees 30-minute breaks for every 6 hours worked
- MHRC: March 23rd Commission Meeting Agenda posted
- Bangor Daily: LePage announces judicial reappointments
