2008 was a busy year for the courts, and despite the state budget crisis, some interesting bills became law. Here is a list of key items that may affect your business operations.

>> Click here to read more

How quickly your company can get back to business after a terrorist attack or tornado, a fire or flood often depends on emergency planning done today. While the Department of Homeland Security is working hard to prevent terrorist attacks, the lessons of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing and the September 11, 2001 attacks demonstrate the importance of being prepared. When you also consider that the number of declared major disasters nearly doubled in the 1990’s compared to the previous decade, preparedness becomes an even more critical issue. Business continuity planning must account for both man-made and natural disasters. You should plan in advance to manage any emergency. Be prepared to assess the situation, use common-sense and available resources to take care of yourself, your co-workers and your business’s recovery.

>> Click here to read more

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has amended the rules for the I-9 form, which all new employees must complete to verify their authorization to work in the United States. The revised regulation (8 CFR Part 274a) no longer permits employers to accept expired documents for I-9 purposes. The rule also amends the list of acceptable documents employees may use, and makes several technical corrections. The USCIS says the new rule is intended "to improve the integrity of the employment verification process so that individuals who are unauthorized to work are prevented from obtaining employment in the United States."

>> Click here to read more