Employee Credit Checks

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is now responsible for enforcing the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA),  which was previously a duty of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).This change came under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010. This is important for small businesses who perform credit checks on employees, as there are certain forms that the FCRA requires employers and consumer reporting agencies to use when conducting background checks on employees or applicants.  The new forms, which went into effect on January 1, 2013, are available in Appendices K, M and N in Title 12 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 1022.

Anheuser-Busch to buy Grupo Modelo?

Anheuser-Busch InBev has made a bid to purchase Grupo Modelo, the maker of Corona. The Justice Department has filed suit to block the merger, stating that the two companies account for 46% of the $80 billion of annual beer sales in the US, and contends that this is too large of a share of the market.

HoCoZo

For those of you interested in zoning and development proposals here in Howard County, check out HoCoZo, our blog which posts upcoming pre-submission meetings and related information.

Baltimore City Zoning to Eliminate Liquor Stores?

Our practice areas include zoning law and liquor license applications. Interestingly, Baltimore City is undergoing an update of its zoning code and a proposal has been made to eliminate liquor stores which had previously been allowed to operate as a nonconforming use in areas where the zoning prohibits the establishment of a liquor store. The Baltimore Sun had an interesting perspective on the matter in a January 13, 2013 editorial column entitled Healthy Zoning. These proposals could make for interesting news over the next few months.

Happy Holidays!

Taylor Legal will be closed December 24 and December 25, 2012, and again December 31, 2012 and January 1, 2013.

We wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season!

Comprehensive Rezoning Deadline is 12/14/12

From Howard County's Department of Planning and Zoning:

Deadline Fast Approaching for Comprehensive Rezoning Proposals

The Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) is accepting proposals for zoning map and regulation amendments through December 14, 2012.  Any property owner may request a zoning map change on their property.  For example, if a property is zoned for residential use, but the owner of that property wants the property zoned for business use, a request may be submitted.  Requests for zoning regulation changes, also known as text changes, may be made by anyone.  Until December 14, 2012, proposals for both types of zoning changes should be made via the official request forms, which can be found on the County’s website (www.howardcountymd.gov/compzoning). 
The 2012 Comprehensive Rezoning effort will include the following steps:

1.    DPZ accepts requests for zoning map and regulation changes

2.    DPZ compiles and evaluates all requests

3.    DPZ submits recommended changes to Planning Board and posts all properties

4.    Planning Board conducts a public hearing on recommendations

5.    Planning Board submits recommended actions to the Administration and County Council

6.    The Administration’s revised proposal is introduced as legislation to the County Council for its consideration

7.    County Council holds a public hearing

8.    County Council votes on recommendations

For general information and questions about the comprehensive rezoning process, residents may submit specific inquiries via email at compzoning@howardcountymd.gov and/or contact the County’s information line at 410-313-0500. 

Proposed legislation would make residents members of CA

From the Baltimore Sun: Proposed legislation would make residents members of CA