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Corporate Transparency Act Is Back in Effect: Are You Ready?

Client Alert

On December 5, 2024, the Federal Government was enjoined from enforcing the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) in Texas Top Cop Shop, Inc., et al v. Garland et al, No. 4:2024 cv 00478 - Document 30 (E.D. Tex. 2024). At least for now, that prior ruling has been overturned and the filing requirements under the CTA are back in effect. 

On December 23, 2024, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit granted the Federal Government’s emergency motion for a stay of the nationwide injunction pending appeal. According to the Fifth Circuit, the Federal Government “met its burden” for it to issue a stay and reinstate the obligations under the CTA.

In addition to the widely circulated court opinion, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) website gives businesses the following guidelines:

  • First, reporting companies that were created or registered prior to January 1, 2024, now have until January 13, 2025, to file their initial beneficial ownership information reports with FinCEN (it was previously January 1, 2025).
  • Second, reporting companies created or registered on or after September 4, 2024, that had a filing deadline between December 3, 2024, and December 23, 2024, have until January 13, 2025, to file their initial beneficial ownership information reports with FinCEN (it was previously 30 days from creation or registration).
  • Third, reporting companies created or registered on or after December 3, 2024, and on or before December 23, 2024, have an additional 21 days from their original filing deadline to file their initial beneficial ownership information reports with FinCEN (it was previously 90 days from creation or registration).

What to do now?
Based on the Court ruling and update to the FinCEN website, reporting companies are required to comply with the law and file beneficial ownership reports as provided in FinCEN’s regulations, albeit with the updated deadlines described above.

For guidance on complying with these updated requirements, business owners should reach out to their BMD legal advisors or contact BMD Member Blake Gerney at brgerney@bmdllc.com.


Client Alert: AAA Introduces AI-Assisted Arbitrator for Certain Disputes

The American Arbitration Association has introduced an AI-assisted arbitration platform designed to streamline certain document-based disputes. While a human arbitrator still makes the final decision, the technology can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and accelerate case resolution. Companies should weigh these benefits against considerations such as transparency, risk, and contractual requirements before adopting AI-assisted arbitration.

Quiet Hours Texts and TCPA Claims: Consent Remains King as Courts Divide on Text Messages

Businesses face increasing TCPA lawsuits over off-hours marketing texts, but recent court decisions highlight strong defenses. Clear consumer consent and updated terms and conditions can defeat many claims, while a growing number of courts are finding that text messages are not “telephone calls” under the statute. Proactive compliance measures, including clickwrap agreements and forum-selection clauses, are critical to reducing risk.

New Ohio Reporting Requirements for Non-Residential Contractors

Ohio’s E-Verify Workforce Integrity Act, effective March 19, 2026, requires all nonresidential construction companies, subcontractors, and labor brokers to use E-Verify to confirm employee work eligibility on projects across the state. The law applies regardless of company size and carries financial penalties and potential restrictions on future state contracts for noncompliance. Some uncertainty remains around requirements for existing employees, making early compliance planning important.

DOT Non-Domiciled CDL Rule

A new rule from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will significantly narrow eligibility for non-domiciled Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) beginning March 16, 2026. The rule limits eligibility to holders of H-2A, H-2B, and E-2 visas and eliminates Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) as qualifying proof of work authorization. As a result, many lawfully present and work-authorized immigrants, including refugees, asylees, DACA recipients, and Temporary Protected Status holders, will no longer be able to obtain or renew a non-domiciled CDL. The change is expected to affect roughly 194,000 drivers nationwide and has prompted multiple legal challenges, including a pending emergency stay request before the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

FinCEN Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule Now in Effect

FinCEN’s new Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule, effective March 1, 2026, requires certain real estate transfers to be reported to combat financial crimes. Transfers of residential property to entities or trusts without financing may require a Real Estate Report.