legislation

In Bipartisan Effort, Federal Government Moves To Combat The Opioid Crisis

By Administrator

As the opioid epidemic rages on with a record 72,000 overdose deaths in 2017, President Trump recently signed into law SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act – an opioid-related legislation package which passed in Congress by a wide bipartisan margin. This package takes a step toward combatting the opioid epidemic by increasing grant monies, expanding access to prevention programs and treatment services, and working to prevent interstate mail-based trafficking of fentanyl.

Although the opioid crisis represents the most critical public health crisis since the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic—with the number of opioid-related overdose deaths increasing by record-breaking numbers every year—there has been no appreciable effort by the pharmaceutical industry to mitigate the risks associated with the misuse of highly-addictive products.

The passage of this bill with broad bipartisan support indicates that the federal government will move forward with efforts to tackle the crisis – even without substantial input or action from pharmaceutical industry.

UPDATED August 13, 2018: Bill Limiting Non-Compete Agreements Is Now Massachusetts Law

By Administrator

UPDATED on August 13, 2018:

Non-Compete reform has become Massachusetts law.

On Friday, August 10, 2018 Governor Charlie Baker signed “An Act relative to the judicial enforcement of noncompetition agreements” regulating the use of non-competition agreements and limiting the ability of employers to enter into and enforce non-compete agreements with Massachusetts employees. This new law is scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2018 and promises a changing landscape for Massachusetts businesses.

We look forward to helping our clients respond to the new regulations. Please contact our office with any questions concerning the enforcement of any currently-existing consulting agreements or ensuring the compliance of future agreements.

Originally Published on August 1, 2018:

Massachusetts Legislature Passes Non-Compete Reform – Next Stop is Governor’s Desk

In negotiations extending into the late-night hours, Massachusetts lawmakers passed a bill reforming non-competition agreements just before the midnight deadline. The bill, entitled “An Act relative to the judicial enforcement of noncompetition agreements”, has been sent to Governor Baker’s desk for signing. If signed within the next ten days, the act regulating the use and enforcement of non-competes will take effect in October 2018. We will be watching the State House closely over the next few days and will announce the signing of the bill when and if it occurs.

Originally Published on July 27, 2018: An economic development bill restricting the use of non-compete agreements has passed both the Massachusetts Senate and House. The bill, which limits the restrictions that employers may place on workers leaving to join competitors, has gone to conference committee where it must be hammered into final form. Legislators in both chambers must vote on the bill before the close of the legislative session at midnight on July 31, 2018.

Contracts Associates will monitor new developments related to this bill. If the legislation is enacted, we’re prepared to advise on the effect the changes will have on the enforcement of consulting agreements currently in place, as well as suggest any necessary changes to contract templates.