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Corporate Transparency Act Update 3/14/24

Client Alert

For a more detailed overview on the CTA, click here.  A webinar providing further explanation can be viewed here, which was presented December 7, 2023.

On March 1, 2024, a federal district court in the Northern District of Alabama concluded that the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”) exceeded Congressional powers and enjoined the Department of the Treasury from enforcing the CTA against the plaintiffs. National Small Business United v. Yellen, No. 5:22-cv-01448 (N.D. Ala.). On March 11, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice appealed the district court’s decision to the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals.

In a March 11, 2024 statement, the U.S. Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) specified that the district court’s decision enjoined enforcement of the CTA with respect to the plaintiffs of the litigation detailed above. However, aside from these named plaintiffs, FinCEN specifically provides that “reporting companies are still required to comply with the law and file beneficial ownership reports.” Thus, associated fines and penalties are still enforceable against reporting companies while this litigation continues to unfold.

The CTA, which went into effect January 1, 2024, requires certain corporate entities to report identifying information on (i) the business itself; (ii) the beneficial owners of the business; and (iii) in some cases, the professional advisor(s) that helped form the entity. Failure to file as required under the CTA carries steep civil and criminal penalties, including a fine up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both, for any person who willfully (i) provides or attempts to provide false/fraudulent information or (ii) fails to report and/or update a report previously made.

For questions regarding the CTA and how your business should complete mandatory reporting, please do not hesitate to contact BMD Member Blake Gerney at brgerney@bmdllc.com or BMD Attorney Jacob Davis at jrdavis@bmdllc.com.


Ohio Recovery Housing Operators Beware: House Bill 58 Seeks to Make Major Changes

Ohio House Bill 58 proposes significant changes to recovery housing oversight, granting ADAMH Boards authority to inspect and investigate recovery residences. The bill also introduces a Certificate of Need (CON) program, requiring state approval for major facility changes. OMHAS will assess applications based on cost, quality, accessibility, and financial feasibility. The bill also establishes a recovery housing residence fund to support inspections. For more information, contact BMD attorneys Daphne Kackloudis or Jordan Burdick.

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.