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Corporate Transparency Act Ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court

Client Alert

Over the past several weeks, the federal judiciary has provided numerous rulings on the enforceability of the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”), which took effect on January 1, 2024. For a more detailed overview on the CTA, click here.

Most recently, on December 26, 2024, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit reinstated a previous injunction barring enforcement of the CTA’s filing requirement for entities throughout the country.

Yesterday, the U.S. Supreme Court granted the government’s appeal of the Fifth Circuit’s December 26 decision, lifting the nationwide injunction. While many interpreted this ruling to reinstate the CTA’s reporting requirement, recent guidance from the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCen”) makes clear that enforcement of the CTA’s filing requirement is still barred nationwide.

While the U.S. Supreme Court lifted the injunction on appeal before the Fifth Circuit, a separate nationwide injunction issued by a different federal judge on January 7, 2025 (Smith v. U.S. Department of the Treasury, Case No. 6:24-cv-336-JDK) remains in effect. FinCen continues to accept voluntary reporting, but as of this publication, businesses are not required to comply with the CTA’s filing requirements.

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.


January 2025 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Brings Notable Changes to HIPAA Security Rule

In January 2025, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services proposed amendments to the HIPAA Security Rule, aiming to enhance cybersecurity for covered entities (CEs) and business associates (BAs). Key changes include mandatory compliance audits, workforce training, vulnerability scans, and risk assessments. Comments on the proposed rule are due by March 7, 2025.

Corporate Transparency Act Effective Again

The federal judiciary has issued multiple rulings on the enforceability of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), which took effect on January 1, 2024. Previously, enforcement was halted nationwide due to litigation in Smith v. U.S. Department of the Treasury. However, on February 18th, the court lifted the stay, reinstating the CTA’s reporting requirements. Non-exempt entities now have until March 21, 2025, to comply. Businesses should act promptly to avoid civil penalties of $591 per day and potential criminal liability.

Status Update: Physician Noncompete Agreements in Ohio

Noncompete agreements remain enforceable in Ohio if they meet specific legal requirements. While the AMA and FTC have challenged these restrictions, courts continue to uphold reasonable noncompete provisions for physicians. Recent cases, like MetroHealth System v. Khandelwal, highlight how courts may modify overly restrictive agreements to balance employer interests with patient care. With ongoing legal challenges to the FTC’s proposed ban, Ohio physicians should consult a healthcare attorney before signing or challenging a noncompete agreement.

Immigration Orders and Their Economic Impact on Small Business: Insights from Attorney and Former Immigration Judge Rob Ratliff

President Trump's recent executive orders, targeting immigration policies, could significantly impact small businesses in Ohio, particularly those owned by undocumented immigrants. With stricter visa vetting, halted refugee admissions, and potential deportations, these businesses face uncertainty, workforce disruption, and closures. Ohio's immigrant-owned businesses, especially in food services and transportation, contribute billions to the state economy, and any disruption could result in economic ripple effects.

Lead Paint Contamination and Resources for Ohio Landlords

Children are exposed to lead-based paint, which was used in most homes until it was banned in the US in 1978 and “can severely damage the brain and central nervous system causing coma, convulsions and even death.” Property owners and landlords should educate themselves on regulations and resources to mitigate their own liability.