We are pleased to announce that on Sept 4th, Governor Newsom signed into law a clean-up bill for AB-5 (known as AB 2257) that was introduced by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez (the original sponsor of AB-5 which was previously codified as Labor Code Sec. 2750.3). AB 2257 (which is now codified as Labor Code Sec 2775 – 2787) repeals and replaces Labor Code Sec. 2750.3 with new language that among other things recognizes a number of exemptions to the Dynamex Test which did not exist in the former AB-5, and this new clean-up bill took effect immediately on September 4, 2020 and applies retroactively. While still recognizing the Dynamex Test in most situations, the clean-up bill now simply returns the long standing Borrello test as the means for determining whether the specially carved out occupations in any given situation should be deemed “employees” or “independent contractors” under California law.

The CA Department of Public Health announced that film production can re-open as early as June 12th, 2020, but there’s always a catch... Our firm’s research staff has been following & compiling the new state-wide, nation-wide, & even worldwide rules & guidelines that film & TV crews must abide by when restarting production. In this third desk-side chat, in partnership with Slamdance & MovieMaker Magazine, David Albert Pierce covers producers' obligations for operations during every stage of production in our post-pandemic reality.

PIERCE LAW GROUP LLP FILES AMICUS BRIEF WITH THE U.S. SUPREME COURT: In March of 2020, the US Supreme Court solicited additional amicus briefs on the subject of whether certiorari should be granted on a matter involving the heirs of John Steinbeck and his many works. We believe the plain meaning is clear as was the intent of Congress in enacting the 1976 amendments to the Copyright Act despite the 9th Circuit failing to recognize this inalienable right of the author’s heirs.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act includes both a Payment Protection Program and an Employee Retention Tax Credit that incentivize employers to maintain their payrolls during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We all know uncertainty is intuition's enemy, especially when it comes to finances. The good news is, however, that on March 31st, 2020, the US Chamber of Commerce issued a Cheat Sheet for professionals like you looking for ways to navigate the new Stimulus Package.