Innocent Sellers Fairness Act

S.__/H.R.__ (Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act); draft legislation not formally introduced as of 1-01-2017; relating to the use of arbitration agreements to resolve disputes involving nursing home cases and nursing home contracts. Lobbying with regard to CMS rulemaking on mandatory pre-dispute arbitration in nursing home residency contracts. Lobbying with regard to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rulemaking on forced arbitration. Lobbying with regard to the Education Department Rulemaking on forced arbitration. General lobbying with regard to the Federal Communications Commission and forced arbitration. S. 1122/H.R. 2079 (Court Legal Access and Student Support (CLASS) Act of 2015); makes procedures for the enforcement of arbitration agreements inapplicable to an enrollment agreement between a student and an institution of higher education (IHE). H.R. 2087/S. 1133 (Arbitration Fairness Act); prohibits mandatory, pre-dispute arbitration in consumer contracts. General lobbying with regard to the enforceability of mandatory, pre-dispute arbitration provisions in employment and consumer contracts, including financial consumer contracts and servicemember contracts for consumer products. General lobbying with regard to the ability of consumers and injured parties to bring class actions, including limitations on the ability to bring class actions involving the securities industry. S. 3491/H.R. 6423 (Justice for Victims of Fraud Act of 2016); amends the Truth in Lending Act and the Electronic Fund Transfer Act to prohibit pre-dispute arbitration agreements with consumers (i.e., agreements to arbitrate any future disputes between parties instead of pursuing the claims in court) from being valid or enforceable in disputes related to credit card accounts or personal bank accounts that are not subject to a final judgment by a court if the credit card or bank account was not issued in response to a request or application for that account. General lobbying with regard to the regulation of pre-dispute arbitration by the Federal Communications Commission. General lobbying on consumer protection provisions related to servicemember contracts for consumer products. S.__/H.R.__ (Civil Legal Access to Strong Safeguards); draft legislation not formally introduced as of 1-01-2017; amends the Class Action Fairness Act to ensure that consumers and injured parties in a class action are treated fairly and equally. General Lobbying with regard to the preemption of states causes of action involving medical device and drug manufacturers. General lobbying with regard to asbestos exposure and related health and environmental issues. S. 357/H.R. 526 (Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency Act); amends Title 11 of the United States Code to require the public disclosure by trusts established under Section 524(g) of such Title, of quarterly reports that contain detailed information regarding the receipt and disposition of claims for injuries based on exposure to asbestos, and the filing of such reports with the Executive Office for United States Trustees. H.R. 1199 (Innocent Sellers Fairness Act); prevents undue disruption of interstate commerce by limiting civil actions brought against persons whose only role with regard to a product in the stream of commerce is as a lawful seller of the product. General lobbying with regard to alternative litigation funding. H.R. 54 (Frank Lautenberg Memorial Secure Chemical Facilities Act)/S. 697 (Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act)/S.725 (Alan Reinstein and Trevor Schaefer Toxic Chemical Protection Act); amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to reauthorize and modernize that Act, and for other purposes. H.R. 2576 (TSCA Modernization Act); provides for the safe and efficient flow of chemicals in interstate and foreign commerce; specific interest in provisions that would preempt state-based causes of action. Lobbying with regard to draft legislation related to PCB exposure and liability. General lobbying with regard to pesticide regulations. General lobbying with regard to the ongoing development of a proposed TAFT-TTIP trade agreement, specific interest in effect the trade agreement would have on state-based causes of action. General lobbying with regard to warranties of Energy Star-rated products and ability of consumers to bring a class action against manufacturers of Energy Star-rated products. H.R. 504/S. 1038 (Energy Star Program Integrity Act); clarifies that no express or implied warranty is provided by reason of a disclosure relating to voluntary participation in the Energy Star program. H.R. 2030/S. 700 (READ Act); amends the Asbestos Information Act of 1988 to establish a public database of asbestos-containing products, to require public disclosure of information pertaining to the manufacture, processing, distribution, and use of asbestos-containing products in the United States. Lobbying with regard to updating generic drug labeling rulemaking and responsibilities. H.R. 2841 (FAST Generics Act of 2015); amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit the license holder of a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug or biological product from restricting availability of the medication for testing by a product developer seeking to develop a drug, generic drug, or biosimilar, including restricting availability with a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS). S. 3056 (Creating and Restoring Equal Access to Equivalent Samples (CREATES) Act of 2016); provides for certain causes of action relating to delays of generic drugs and biosimilar biological products. Lobbying with regard to biosimilar naming and labeling. General lobbying with regard to off-label promotion of pharmaceutical products. H.R. 3304 (Foreign Manufacturers Legal Accountability Act of 2015); Requires foreign manufacturers of products imported into the US to establish registered agents in the United States who are authorized to accept service of process against such manufacturers. S. 2506 (Restoring Statutory Rights and Interests of the States Act of 2016); amends the Federal Arbitration Act to invalidate arbitration agreements between parties in certain commercial contracts or transactions if they require arbitration of a claim for damages or injunctive relief brought by an individual or small business arising from the alleged violation of a federal or state statute, the U.S. Constitution, or a state constitution, unless the written agreement to arbitrate is entered into by both parties after the claim has arisen and pertains solely to an existing claim. S. 1014 (Personal Care Products Safety Act); amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require cosmetics companies to register their facilities with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and to submit to the FDA cosmetic ingredient statements that include the amounts of a cosmetic's ingredients. H.R. 4075 (Cosmetic Modernization Amendments of 2016); amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish new procedures and requirements for the registration of cosmetic manufacturing establishments, the submission of cosmetic and ingredient statements, and the reporting of serious cosmetic adverse events. H.R. 1195 (Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection Advisory Boards Act); amends the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to establish advisory boards. General lobbying regarding altering CFPB's operational structure and rulemaking authority. H.R. 1486 (Taking Account of Bureaucrats Spending Act of 2015 (TABS Act); amends the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to bring the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection into the regular appropriations process. H.R. 5983 (Financial CHOICE Act of 2016); repealing provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act.

Client expense: $1,150,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Education, Dept of, Executive Office of the President (EOP), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Office of Management & Budget (OMB), Office of the Vice President of the United States, SENATE

H.R. 1199 - Innocent Sellers Fairness Act - Exempts a lawful seller from liability for personal injury, monetary loss, or damage to property arising out of an accident or transaction involving a seller's products, unless the claimant proves one or more of the following activities by the seller: the seller was the manufacturer or participated in the design or installation of the product;the seller altered, modified, or expressly warranted the product in a manner not authorized by the manufacturer; the seller had actual knowledge of the defect in the product as a result of a recall from the manufacturer or governmental entity authorized to make such recall or actual inspection at the time the seller sold the product to the claimant; the seller had actual knowledge of the defect in the product at the time the seller supplied the product; the seller intentionally altered or modified a product warranty, warning, or instruction from the manufacturer in a way not authorized by the manufacturer; or the seller knowingly made a false representation about an aspect of the product not authorized by the manufacturer. Limits the seller's liability to the personal injury, monetary loss, or damage to property directly caused by such activity where a claimant proves one or more of such activities was negligent. H.R. 758 - Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2015 - amends the sanctions provisions in Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to require the court to impose an appropriate sanction on any attorney, law firm, or party that has violated, or is responsible for the violation of, the rule with regard to representations to the court. Requires any sanction to compensate parties injured by the conduct in question. Removes a provision that prohibits filing a motion for sanctions if the challenged paper, claim, defense, contention, or denial is withdrawn or appropriately corrected within 21 days after service or within another time the court sets. Authorizes the court to impose additional sanctions, including striking the pleadings, dismissing the suit, nonmonetary directives, or penalty payments if warranted for effective deterrence. S. 401 - Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2015 - amends the sanctions provisions in Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to require the court to impose an appropriate sanction on any attorney, law firm, or party that has violated, or is responsible for the violation of, the rule with regard to representations to the court. Requires any sanction to compensate parties injured by the conduct in question. Removes a provision that prohibits filing a motion for sanctions if the challenged paper, claim, defense, contention, or denial is withdrawn or appropriately corrected within 21 days after service or within another time the court sets. Authorizes the court to impose additional sanctions, including striking the pleadings, dismissing the suit, nonmonetary directives, or penalty payments if warranted for effective deterrence.

HR.1927, Fairness in Class Action Litigation Act; HR.1199, Innocent Sellers Fairness Act; HR.712, Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act; S.2006, Regulatory Accountability Act; HR.4460 and S.2508, Youth Sports Concussion Act

Client expense: $110,045 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), SENATE, Treasury, Dept of

S.__/H.R.__ (Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act); draft legislation not formally introduced as of 10-01-2016; relating to the use of arbitration agreements to resolve disputes involving nursing home cases and nursing home contracts. Lobbying with regard to CMS rulemaking on mandatory pre-dispute arbitration in nursing home residency contracts. Lobbying with regard to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rulemaking on forced arbitration. Lobbying with regard to the Education Department Rulemaking on forced arbitration. General lobbying with regard to the Federal Communications Commission and forced arbitration. S. 1122/H.R. 2079 (Court Legal Access and Student Support (CLASS) Act of 2015); makes procedures for the enforcement of arbitration agreements inapplicable to an enrollment agreement between a student and an institution of higher education (IHE). H.R. 2087/S. 1133 (Arbitration Fairness Act); prohibits mandatory, pre-dispute arbitration in consumer contracts. General lobbying with regard to the enforceability of mandatory, pre-dispute arbitration provisions in employment and consumer contracts, including financial consumer contracts and servicemember contracts for consumer products. General lobbying with regard to the ability of consumers and injured parties to bring class actions, including limitations on the ability to bring class actions involving the securities industry. General lobbying on consumer protection provisions related to servicemember contracts for consumer products. S.__/H.R.__ (Civil Legal Access to Strong Safeguards); draft legislation not formally introduced as of 10-01-2016; amends the Class Action Fairness Act to ensure that consumers and injured parties in a class action are treated fairly and equally. General Lobbying with regard to the preemption of states causes of action involving medical device and drug manufacturers. General lobbying with regard to asbestos exposure and related health and environmental issues. S. 357/H.R. 526 (Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency Act); amends Title 11 of the United States Code to require the public disclosure by trusts established under Section 524(g) of such Title, of quarterly reports that contain detailed information regarding the receipt and disposition of claims for injuries based on exposure to asbestos, and the filing of such reports with the Executive Office for United States Trustees. H.R. 1199 (Innocent Sellers Fairness Act); prevents undue disruption of interstate commerce by limiting civil actions brought against persons whose only role with regard to a product in the stream of commerce is as a lawful seller of the product. General lobbying with regard to alternative litigation funding. H.R. 54 (Frank Lautenberg Memorial Secure Chemical Facilities Act)/S. 697 (Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act)/S.725 (Alan Reinstein and Trevor Schaefer Toxic Chemical Protection Act); amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to reauthorize and modernize that Act, and for other purposes. H.R. 2576 (TSCA Modernization Act); provides for the safe and efficient flow of chemicals in interstate and foreign commerce; specific interest in provisions that would preempt state-based causes of action. Lobbying with regard to draft legislation related to PCB exposure and liability. General lobbying with regard to pesticide regulations. General lobbying with regard to the ongoing development of a proposed TAFT-TTIP trade agreement, specific interest in effect the trade agreement would have on state-based causes of action. General lobbying with regard to warranties of Energy Star-rated products and ability of consumers to bring a class action against manufacturers of Energy Star-rated products. H.R. 504/S. 1038 (Energy Star Program Integrity Act); clarifies that no express or implied warranty is provided by reason of a disclosure relating to voluntary participation in the Energy Star program. H.R. 2030/S. 700 (READ Act); amends the Asbestos Information Act of 1988 to establish a public database of asbestos-containing products, to require public disclosure of information pertaining to the manufacture, processing, distribution, and use of asbestos-containing products in the United States. Lobbying with regard to updating generic drug labeling rulemaking and responsibilities. H.R. 2841 (FAST Generics Act of 2015); amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit the license holder of a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug or biological product from restricting availability of the medication for testing by a product developer seeking to develop a drug, generic drug, or biosimilar, including restricting availability with a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS). S. 3056 (Creating and Restoring Equal Access to Equivalent Samples (CREATES) Act of 2016); provides for certain causes of action relating to delays of generic drugs and biosimilar biological products. Lobbying with regard to biosimilar naming and labeling. H.R. 3304 (Foreign Manufacturers Legal Accountability Act of 2015); Requires foreign manufacturers of products imported into the US to establish registered agents in the United States who are authorized to accept service of process against such manufacturers. S. 2506 (Restoring Statutory Rights and Interests of the States Act of 2016); amends the Federal Arbitration Act to invalidate arbitration agreements between parties in certain commercial contracts or transactions if they require arbitration of a claim for damages or injunctive relief brought by an individual or small business arising from the alleged violation of a federal or state statute, the U.S. Constitution, or a state constitution, unless the written agreement to arbitrate is entered into by both parties after the claim has arisen and pertains solely to an existing claim. S. 1014 (Personal Care Products Safety Act); amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require cosmetics companies to register their facilities with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and to submit to the FDA cosmetic ingredient statements that include the amounts of a cosmetic's ingredients. H.R. 4075 (Cosmetic Modernization Amendments of 2016); amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish new procedures and requirements for the registration of cosmetic manufacturing establishments, the submission of cosmetic and ingredient statements, and the reporting of serious cosmetic adverse events. H.R. 1195 (Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection Advisory Boards Act); amends the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to establish advisory boards. General lobbying regarding altering CFPB's operational structure and rulemaking authority. H.R. 1486 (Taking Account of Bureaucrats Spending Act of 2015 (TABS Act); amends the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to bring the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection into the regular appropriations process. H.R. 5983 (Financial CHOICE Act of 2016); repealing provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act.

H.R. 1199 - Innocent Sellers Fairness Act - Exempts a lawful seller from liability for personal injury, monetary loss, or damage to property arising out of an accident or transaction involving a seller's products, unless the claimant proves one or more of the following activities by the seller: the seller was the manufacturer or participated in the design or installation of the product;the seller altered, modified, or expressly warranted the product in a manner not authorized by the manufacturer; the seller had actual knowledge of the defect in the product as a result of a recall from the manufacturer or governmental entity authorized to make such recall or actual inspection at the time the seller sold the product to the claimant; the seller had actual knowledge of the defect in the product at the time the seller supplied the product; the seller intentionally altered or modified a product warranty, warning, or instruction from the manufacturer in a way not authorized by the manufacturer; or the seller knowingly made a false representation about an aspect of the product not authorized by the manufacturer. Limits the seller's liability to the personal injury, monetary loss, or damage to property directly caused by such activity where a claimant proves one or more of such activities was negligent. H.R. 758 - Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2015 - amends the sanctions provisions in Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to require the court to impose an appropriate sanction on any attorney, law firm, or party that has violated, or is responsible for the violation of, the rule with regard to representations to the court. Requires any sanction to compensate parties injured by the conduct in question. Removes a provision that prohibits filing a motion for sanctions if the challenged paper, claim, defense, contention, or denial is withdrawn or appropriately corrected within 21 days after service or within another time the court sets. Authorizes the court to impose additional sanctions, including striking the pleadings, dismissing the suit, nonmonetary directives, or penalty payments if warranted for effective deterrence. S. 401 - Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2015 - amends the sanctions provisions in Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to require the court to impose an appropriate sanction on any attorney, law firm, or party that has violated, or is responsible for the violation of, the rule with regard to representations to the court. Requires any sanction to compensate parties injured by the conduct in question. Removes a provision that prohibits filing a motion for sanctions if the challenged paper, claim, defense, contention, or denial is withdrawn or appropriately corrected within 21 days after service or within another time the court sets. Authorizes the court to impose additional sanctions, including striking the pleadings, dismissing the suit, nonmonetary directives, or penalty payments if warranted for effective deterrence.

HR.1927, Fairness in Class Action Litigation Act HR.1199, Innocent Sellers Fairness Act HR.712, Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act S.2006, Regulatory Accountability Act HR.4460 and S.2508, Youth Sports Concussion Act

Client expense: $109,185 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), SENATE

H.R. 1199, Innocent Sellers Fairness Act, H.R. 758, S. 401, Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $40,000

Government targets: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Office of Management & Budget (OMB), SENATE

S.__/H.R.__ (Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act); draft legislation not formally introduced as of 07-01-2016; relating to the use of arbitration agreements to resolve disputes involving nursing home cases and nursing home contracts. Lobbying with regard to CMS rulemaking on mandatory pre-dispute arbitration in nursing home residency contracts. Lobbying with regard to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rulemaking on forced arbitration. Lobbying with regard to the Education Department Rulemaking on forced arbitration. General lobbying with regard to the Federal Communications Commission and forced arbitration. S. 1122/H.R. 2079 (Court Legal Access and Student Support (CLASS) Act of 2015); makes procedures for the enforcement of arbitration agreements inapplicable to an enrollment agreement between a student and an institution of higher education (IHE). H.R. 2087/S. 1133 (Arbitration Fairness Act); prohibits mandatory, pre-dispute arbitration in consumer contracts. General lobbying with regard to the enforceability of mandatory, pre-dispute arbitration provisions in employment and consumer contracts, including financial consumer contracts and servicemember contracts for consumer products. General lobbying with regard to the ability of consumers and injured parties to bring class actions, including limitations on the ability to bring class actions involving the securities industry. General lobbying on consumer protection provisions related to servicemember contracts for consumer products. S.__/H.R.__ (Civil Legal Access to Strong Safeguards); draft legislation not formally introduced as of 07-01-2016; amends the Class Action Fairness Act to ensure that consumers and injured parties in a class action are treated fairly and equally. General Lobbying with regard to the preemption of states causes of action involving medical device and drug manufacturers. General lobbying with regard to asbestos exposure and related health and environmental issues. S. 357/H.R. 526 (Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency Act); amends Title 11 of the United States Code to require the public disclosure by trusts established under Section 524(g) of such Title, of quarterly reports that contain detailed information regarding the receipt and disposition of claims for injuries based on exposure to asbestos, and the filing of such reports with the Executive Office for United States Trustees. H.R. 1199 (Innocent Sellers Fairness Act); prevents undue disruption of interstate commerce by limiting civil actions brought against persons whose only role with regard to a product in the stream of commerce is as a lawful seller of the product. General lobbying with regard to alternative litigation funding. H.R. 54 (Frank Lautenberg Memorial Secure Chemical Facilities Act)/S. 697 (Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act)/S.725 (Alan Reinstein and Trevor Schaefer Toxic Chemical Protection Act); amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to reauthorize and modernize that Act, and for other purposes. H.R. 2576 (TSCA Modernization Act); provides for the safe and efficient flow of chemicals in interstate and foreign commerce; specific interest in provisions that would preempt state-based causes of action. General lobbying with regard to the ongoing development of a proposed TAFT-TTIP trade agreement, specific interest in effect the trade agreement would have on state-based causes of action. General lobbying with regard to warranties of Energy Star-rated products and ability of consumers to bring a class action against manufacturers of Energy Star-rated products. H.R. 504/S. 1038 (Energy Star Program Integrity Act); clarifies that no express or implied warranty is provided by reason of a disclosure relating to voluntary participation in the Energy Star program. H.R. 2030/S. 700 (READ Act); amends the Asbestos Information Act of 1988 to establish a public database of asbestos-containing products, to require public disclosure of information pertaining to the manufacture, processing, distribution, and use of asbestos-containing products in the United States. Lobbying with regard to updating generic drug labeling rulemaking and responsibilities. H.R. 2841 (FAST Generics Act of 2015); amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit the license holder of a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug or biological product from restricting availability of the medication for testing by a product developer seeking to develop a drug, generic drug, or biosimilar, including restricting availability with a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS). S. 3056 (Creating and Restoring Equal Access to Equivalent Samples (CREATES) Act of 2016); provides for certain causes of action relating to delays of generic drugs and biosimilar biological products. Lobbying with regard to biosimilar naming and labeling. H.R. 3304 (Foreign Manufacturers Legal Accountability Act of 2015); Requires foreign manufacturers of products imported into the US to establish registered agents in the United States who are authorized to accept service of process against such manufacturers. S. 2506 (Restoring Statutory Rights and Interests of the States Act of 2016); amends the Federal Arbitration Act to invalidate arbitration agreements between parties in certain commercial contracts or transactions if they require arbitration of a claim for damages or injunctive relief brought by an individual or small business arising from the alleged violation of a federal or state statute, the U.S. Constitution, or a state constitution, unless the written agreement to arbitrate is entered into by both parties after the claim has arisen and pertains solely to an existing claim. S. 1014 (Personal Care Products Safety Act); amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require cosmetics companies to register their facilities with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and to submit to the FDA cosmetic ingredient statements that include the amounts of a cosmetic's ingredients. H.R. 4075 (Cosmetic Modernization Amendments of 2016); amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish new procedures and requirements for the registration of cosmetic manufacturing establishments, the submission of cosmetic and ingredient statements, and the reporting of serious cosmetic adverse events. H.R. 1195 (Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection Advisory Boards Act); amends the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to establish advisory boards. General lobbying regarding altering CFPB's operational structure and rulemaking authority. H.R. 1486 (Taking Account of Bureaucrats Spending Act of 2015 (TABS Act); amends the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to bring the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection into the regular appropriations process.

HR.1927, Fairness in Class Action Litigation Act; HR.1199, Innocent Sellers Fairness Act; HR.712, Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act; HR.4460 and S.2508, Youth Sports Concussion Act; S. 2006, Regulatory Accountability Act

Client expense: $120,908 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), Office of Management & Budget (OMB), SENATE

H.R. 1199 - Innocent Sellers Fairness Act - Exempts a lawful seller from liability for personal injury, monetary loss, or damage to property arising out of an accident or transaction involving a seller's products, unless the claimant proves one or more of the following activities by the seller: the seller was the manufacturer or participated in the design or installation of the product;the seller altered, modified, or expressly warranted the product in a manner not authorized by the manufacturer; the seller had actual knowledge of the defect in the product as a result of a recall from the manufacturer or governmental entity authorized to make such recall or actual inspection at the time the seller sold the product to the claimant; the seller had actual knowledge of the defect in the product at the time the seller supplied the product; the seller intentionally altered or modified a product warranty, warning, or instruction from the manufacturer in a way not authorized by the manufacturer; or the seller knowingly made a false representation about an aspect of the product not authorized by the manufacturer. Limits the seller's liability to the personal injury, monetary loss, or damage to property directly caused by such activity where a claimant proves one or more of such activities was negligent. H.R. 758 - Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2015 - amends the sanctions provisions in Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to require the court to impose an appropriate sanction on any attorney, law firm, or party that has violated, or is responsible for the violation of, the rule with regard to representations to the court. Requires any sanction to compensate parties injured by the conduct in question. Removes a provision that prohibits filing a motion for sanctions if the challenged paper, claim, defense, contention, or denial is withdrawn or appropriately corrected within 21 days after service or within another time the court sets. Authorizes the court to impose additional sanctions, including striking the pleadings, dismissing the suit, nonmonetary directives, or penalty payments if warranted for effective deterrence. S. 401 - Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2015 - amends the sanctions provisions in Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to require the court to impose an appropriate sanction on any attorney, law firm, or party that has violated, or is responsible for the violation of, the rule with regard to representations to the court. Requires any sanction to compensate parties injured by the conduct in question. Removes a provision that prohibits filing a motion for sanctions if the challenged paper, claim, defense, contention, or denial is withdrawn or appropriately corrected within 21 days after service or within another time the court sets. Authorizes the court to impose additional sanctions, including striking the pleadings, dismissing the suit, nonmonetary directives, or penalty payments if warranted for effective deterrence.

S.__/H.R.__ (Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act); draft legislation not formally introduced as of 04-01-2016; relating to the use of arbitration agreements to resolve disputes involving nursing home cases and nursing home contracts. Lobbying with regard to CMS rulemaking on mandatory pre-dispute arbitration in nursing home residency contracts. Lobbying with regard to the Education Department Rulemaking on forced arbitration. General lobbying with regard to the Federal Communications Commission and forced arbitration. S. 1122/H.R. 2079 (Court Legal Access and Student Support (CLASS) Act of 2015); makes procedures for the enforcement of arbitration agreements inapplicable to an enrollment agreement between a student and an institution of higher education (IHE). H.R. 2087/S. 1133 (Arbitration Fairness Act); prohibits mandatory, pre-dispute arbitration in consumer contracts. General lobbying with regard to the enforceability of mandatory, pre-dispute arbitration provisions in employment and consumer contracts, including financial consumer contracts and servicemember contracts for consumer products. General lobbying with regard to the ability of consumers and injured parties to bring class actions, including limitations on the ability to bring class actions involving the securities industry. General lobbying on consumer protection provisions related to servicemember contracts for consumer products. S.__/H.R.__ (Civil Legal Access to Strong Safeguards); draft legislation not formally introduced as of 04-01-2016; amends the Class Action Fairness Act to ensure that consumers and injured parties in a class action are treated fairly and equally. General Lobbying with regard to the preemption of states causes of action involving medical device and drug manufacturers. General lobbying with regard to asbestos exposure and related health and environmental issues. S. 357/H.R. 526 (Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency Act); amends Title 11 of the United States Code to require the public disclosure by trusts established under Section 524(g) of such Title, of quarterly reports that contain detailed information regarding the receipt and disposition of claims for injuries based on exposure to asbestos, and the filing of such reports with the Executive Office for United States Trustees. H.R. 1199 (Innocent Sellers Fairness Act); prevents undue disruption of interstate commerce by limiting civil actions brought against persons whose only role with regard to a product in the stream of commerce is as a lawful seller of the product. General lobbying with regard to alternative litigation funding. H.R. 54 (Frank Lautenberg Memorial Secure Chemical Facilities Act)/S. 697 (Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act)/S.725 (Alan Reinstein and Trevor Schaefer Toxic Chemical Protection Act); amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to reauthorize and modernize that Act, and for other purposes. H.R. 2576 (TSCA Modernization Act); provides for the safe and efficient flow of chemicals in interstate and foreign commerce; specific interest in provisions that would preempt state-based causes of action. General lobbying with regard to the ongoing development of a proposed TAFT-TTIP trade agreement, specific interest in effect the trade agreement would have on state-based causes of action. General lobbying with regard to warranties of Energy Star-rated products and ability of consumers to bring a class action against manufacturers of Energy Star-rated products. H.R. 504/S. 1038 (Energy Star Program Integrity Act); clarifies that no express or implied warranty is provided by reason of a disclosure relating to voluntary participation in the Energy Star program. H.R. 2030/S. 700 (READ Act); amends the Asbestos Information Act of 1988 to establish a public database of asbestos-containing products, to require public disclosure of information pertaining to the manufacture, processing, distribution, and use of asbestos-containing products in the United States. Lobbying with regard to updating generic drug labeling rulemaking and responsibilities. H.R. 2841 (FAST Generics Act of 2015); amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit the license holder of a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug or biological product from restricting availability of the medication for testing by a product developer seeking to develop a drug, generic drug, or biosimilar, including restricting availability with a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS). H.R. 3304 (Foreign Manufacturers Legal Accountability Act of 2015); Requires foreign manufacturers of products imported into the US to establish registered agents in the United States who are authorized to accept service of process against such manufacturers. S. 2506 (Restoring Statutory Rights and Interests of the States Act of 2016); amends the Federal Arbitration Act to invalidate arbitration agreements between parties in certain commercial contracts or transactions if they require arbitration of a claim for damages or injunctive relief brought by an individual or small business arising from the alleged violation of a federal or state statute, the U.S. Constitution, or a state constitution, unless the written agreement to arbitrate is entered into by both parties after the claim has arisen and pertains solely to an existing claim. S. 1014 (Personal Care Products Safety Act); amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to require cosmetics companies to register their facilities with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and to submit to the FDA cosmetic ingredient statements that include the amounts of a cosmetic's ingredients. H.R. 4075 (Cosmetic Modernization Amendments of 2016); amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish new procedures and requirements for the registration of cosmetic manufacturing establishments, the submission of cosmetic and ingredient statements, and the reporting of serious cosmetic adverse events. H.R. 1195 (Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection Advisory Boards Act); amends the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to establish advisory boards. General lobbying regarding altering CFPB's operational structure and rulemaking authority.

H.R. 1199, Innocent Sellers Fairness Act

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $40,000

Government targets: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Office of Management & Budget (OMB), SENATE

H.R. 758/S. 401, Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2015 H.R. 1199, Innocent Sellers Fairness Act H.R. 2087/S. 1133, Arbitration Fairness Act of 2015 S. 2506, Restoring Statutory Rights and Interests of the States Act of 2016 Various issues relating to arbitration and other alternative dispute resolution mechanisms; background on Federal Arbitration Act (P.L. 68-401); Executive Order 13673, Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces, including arbitration provisions; asbestos litigation; civil discovery reform; fraud and abuse in civil litigation; legal reform; medical liability reform; transnational torts

Client expense: $6,960,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Commerce, Dept of (DOC), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Justice, Dept of (DOJ), SENATE

HR.1927 Fairness in Class Action Litigation Act HR.1199 Innocent Sellers Fairness Act S.2006 Regulatory Accountability Act HR.712 Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act

Client expense: $262,293 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Government Printing Office (GPO), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), SENATE

H.R. 1199 - Innocent Sellers Fairness Act - Exempts a lawful seller from liability for personal injury, monetary loss, or damage to property arising out of an accident or transaction involving a seller's products, unless the claimant proves one or more of the following activities by the seller: the seller was the manufacturer or participated in the design or installation of the product;the seller altered, modified, or expressly warranted the product in a manner not authorized by the manufacturer; the seller had actual knowledge of the defect in the product as a result of a recall from the manufacturer or governmental entity authorized to make such recall or actual inspection at the time the seller sold the product to the claimant; the seller had actual knowledge of the defect in the product at the time the seller supplied the product; the seller intentionally altered or modified a product warranty, warning, or instruction from the manufacturer in a way not authorized by the manufacturer; or the seller knowingly made a false representation about an aspect of the product not authorized by the manufacturer. Limits the seller's liability to the personal injury, monetary loss, or damage to property directly caused by such activity where a claimant proves one or more of such activities was negligent. H.R. 758 - Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2015 - amends the sanctions provisions in Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to require the court to impose an appropriate sanction on any attorney, law firm, or party that has violated, or is responsible for the violation of, the rule with regard to representations to the court. Requires any sanction to compensate parties injured by the conduct in question. Removes a provision that prohibits filing a motion for sanctions if the challenged paper, claim, defense, contention, or denial is withdrawn or appropriately corrected within 21 days after service or within another time the court sets. Authorizes the court to impose additional sanctions, including striking the pleadings, dismissing the suit, nonmonetary directives, or penalty payments if warranted for effective deterrence. S. 401 - Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2015 - amends the sanctions provisions in Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to require the court to impose an appropriate sanction on any attorney, law firm, or party that has violated, or is responsible for the violation of, the rule with regard to representations to the court. Requires any sanction to compensate parties injured by the conduct in question. Removes a provision that prohibits filing a motion for sanctions if the challenged paper, claim, defense, contention, or denial is withdrawn or appropriately corrected within 21 days after service or within another time the court sets. Authorizes the court to impose additional sanctions, including striking the pleadings, dismissing the suit, nonmonetary directives, or penalty payments if warranted for effective deterrence.

Protecting distributors from unnecessary lawsuits - HR 1199

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $10,000

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Protecting distributors from unnecessary lawsuits - HR 1199

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $10,000

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

S.__/H.R.__ (Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act); draft legislation not formally introduced as of 01-19-2016; relating to the use of arbitration agreements to resolve disputes involving nursing home cases and nursing home contracts. Lobbying with regard to CMS rulemaking on mandatory pre-dispute arbitration in nursing home residency contracts. General lobbying with regard to the ability of consumers and injured parties to bring class actions, including limitations on the ability to bring class actions involving the securities industry. S.__/H.R.__ (Civil Legal Access to Strong Safeguards); draft legislation not formally introduced as of 01-19-2016; amends the Class Action Fairness Act to ensure that consumers and injured parties in a class action are treated fairly and equally. General Lobbying with regard to the preemption of states causes of action involving medical device and drug manufacturers. General lobbying with regard to asbestos exposure and related health and environmental issues. S. 357/H.R. 526 (Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency Act); amends Title 11 of the United States Code to require the public disclosure by trusts established under Section 524(g) of such Title, of quarterly reports that contain detailed information regarding the receipt and disposition of claims for injuries based on exposure to asbestos, and the filing of such reports with the Executive Office for United States Trustees. H.R. 1199 (Innocent Sellers Fairness Act); prevents undue disruption of interstate commerce by limiting civil actions brought against persons whose only role with regard to a product in the stream of commerce is as a lawful seller of the product. General lobbying with regard to alternative litigation funding. H.R. 54 (Frank Lautenberg Memorial Secure Chemical Facilities Act)/S. 697 (Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act)/S.725 (Alan Reinstein and Trevor Schaefer Toxic Chemical Protection Act); amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to reauthorize and modernize that Act, and for other purposes. H.R. 2576 (TSCA Modernization Act); provides for the safe and efficient flow of chemicals in interstate and foreign commerce; specific interest in provisions that would preempt state-based causes of action. General lobbying with regard to the ongoing development of a proposed TAFT-TTIP trade agreement, specific interest in effect the trade agreement would have on state-based causes of action. General lobbying with regard to warranties of Energy Star-rated products and ability of consumers to bring a class action against manufacturers of Energy Star-rated products. H.R. 504/S. 1038 (Energy Star Program Integrity Act); clarifies that no express or implied warranty is provided by reason of a disclosure relating to voluntary participation in the Energy Star program. H.R. 2030/S. 700 (READ Act); amends the Asbestos Information Act of 1988 to establish a public database of asbestos-containing products, to require public disclosure of information pertaining to the manufacture, processing, distribution, and use of asbestos-containing products in the United States. Lobbying with regard to updating generic drug labeling responsibilities. H.R. 2841 (FAST Generics Act of 2015); amends the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to prohibit the license holder of a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug or biological product from restricting availability of the medication for testing by a product developer seeking to develop a drug, generic drug, or biosimilar, including restricting availability with a risk evaluation and mitigation strategy (REMS). H.R. 3304 (Foreign Manufacturers Legal Accountability Act of 2015); Requires foreign manufacturers of products imported into the US to establish registered agents in the United States who are authorized to accept service of process against such manufacturers. General lobbying with regard to consumer use and safety of unmanned aerial systems. H.R. 3669 (SAFE DRONE Act of 2015); amends title 18, United States Code, to provide a criminal penalty for operating drones in certain locations. General lobbying on aviation safety. H.R. 1062/S. 571 (Pilot's Bill of Rights 2); amends the Pilot's Bill of Rights to facilitate appeals and to apply to other certificates issued by the Federal Aviation Administration, to require the revision of the third class medical certification regulations issued by the Federal Aviation Administration.

HR.1927 Fairness in Class Action Litigation Act; HR.1199 Innocent Sellers Fairness Act; S.2006 Regulatory Accountability Act; HR.712 Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act

Client expense: $209,050 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), SENATE, Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), Treasury, Dept of

H.R. 1199 - Innocent Sellers Fairness Act - Exempts a lawful seller from liability for personal injury, monetary loss, or damage to property arising out of an accident or transaction involving a seller's products, unless the claimant proves one or more of the following activities by the seller: the seller was the manufacturer or participated in the design or installation of the product;the seller altered, modified, or expressly warranted the product in a manner not authorized by the manufacturer; the seller had actual knowledge of the defect in the product as a result of a recall from the manufacturer or governmental entity authorized to make such recall or actual inspection at the time the seller sold the product to the claimant; the seller had actual knowledge of the defect in the product at the time the seller supplied the product; the seller intentionally altered or modified a product warranty, warning, or instruction from the manufacturer in a way not authorized by the manufacturer; or the seller knowingly made a false representation about an aspect of the product not authorized by the manufacturer. Limits the seller's liability to the personal injury, monetary loss, or damage to property directly caused by such activity where a claimant proves one or more of such activities was negligent.

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: Not reported

S.__/H.R.__ (Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act); draft legislation not formally introduced as of 10-19-2015; relating to the use of arbitration agreements to resolve disputes involving nursing home cases and nursing home contracts. Lobbying with regard to CMS rulemaking on mandatory pre-dispute arbitration in nursing home residency contracts. General lobbying with regard to the ability of consumers and injured parties to bring class actions, including limitations on the ability to bring class actions involving the securities industry. S.__/H.R.__ (Civil Legal Access to Strong Safeguards); draft legislation not formally introduced as of 10-19-2015; amends the Class Action Fairness Act to ensure that consumers and injured parties in a class action are treated fairly and equally. General Lobbying with regard to the preemption of states causes of action involving medical device and drug manufacturers. General lobbying with regard to asbestos exposure and related health and environmental issues. S. 357/H.R. 526 (Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency Act); amends Title 11 of the United States Code to require the public disclosure by trusts established under Section 524(g) of such Title, of quarterly reports that contain detailed information regarding the receipt and disposition of claims for injuries based on exposure to asbestos, and the filing of such reports with the Executive Office for United States Trustees. H.R. 1199 (Innocent Sellers Fairness Act); prevents undue disruption of interstate commerce by limiting civil actions brought against persons whose only role with regard to a product in the stream of commerce is as a lawful seller of the product. General lobbying with regard to alternative litigation funding. H.R. 54 (Frank Lautenberg Memorial Secure Chemical Facilities Act)/S. 697 (Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act)/S.725 (Alan Reinstein and Trevor Schaefer Toxic Chemical Protection Act); amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to reauthorize and modernize that Act, and for other purposes. H.R. 2576 (TSCA Modernization Act); provides for the safe and efficient flow of chemicals in interstate and foreign commerce; specific interest in provisions that would preempt state-based causes of action. General lobbying with regard to the ongoing development of a proposed TAFT-TTIP trade agreement, specific interest in effect the trade agreement would have on state-based causes of action. S. 1900/H.R. 3830 (Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities Act); establishes Congressional trade negotiating objectives and enhanced consultation requirements for trade negotiations, provides for consideration of trade agreements, and for other purposes. S. 2171 (Location Privacy Protection Act); specific interest in limitations on liability and preemption of state-based causes of action. General lobbying with regard to warranties of Energy Star-rated products and ability of consumers to bring a class action against manufacturers of Energy Star-rated products. H.R. 504/S. 1038 (Energy Star Program Integrity Act); clarifies that no express or implied warranty is provided by reason of a disclosure relating to voluntary participation in the Energy Star program. H.R. 4921; provides for the revision of certification requirements for the labeling of certain electronic products under the Energy Star program. S. 2615; establishes criminal penalties for failing to inform and warn of serious dangers. H.R. 4 (Jobs for America Act); revises Federal law to improve the conditions necessary for economic growth and job creation. H.R. 2030/S. 700 (READ Act); amends the Asbestos Information Act of 1988 to establish a public database of asbestos-containing products, to require public disclosure of information pertaining to the manufacture, processing, distribution, and use of asbestos-containing products in the United States. Lobbying with regard to updating generic drug labeling responsibilities. H.R. 3020/S. 1695 (Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2016); making appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016. H.R. 3304 (Foreign Manufacturers Legal Accountability Act of 2015); Requires foreign manufacturers of products imported into the US to establish registered agents in the United States who are authorized to accept service of process against such manufacturers. General lobbying with regard to consumer use and safety of unmanned aerial systems. H.R. 3669 (SAFE DRONE Act of 2015); amends title 18, United States Code, to provide a criminal penalty for operating drones in certain locations. General lobbying on aviation safety.

House: H.R. 928, the Jobs and Premium Protection Act - support. H.R. 636, the Americas Small Business Tax Relief Act of 2015 - support. H.R. 550, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC or Commission) Transparency and Accountability Act - support. H.R. 549, the Litigation Oversight Act of 2015 - support. H.R. 548, the Certainty in Enforcement Act of 2015 - support. H.R. 1189, the Preserving Employee Wellness Programs Act - support. H.R. 1105, the Death Tax Repeal Act of 2015 - support. H.R. 1199, the Innocent Sellers Fairness Act - support. H.R. 1671, Government Neutrality in Contracting Act - support. H.Con. Res. 27, the Fiscal Year 2016 Budget Resolution - support. H.R. 1147, the Legal Workforce Act of 2015 - support. H.R. 863, the STARS Act of 2015 - support. H.R. 1270, the Restoring Access to Medication Act of 2015 - support. H.R. 622, State and Local Sales Tax Deduction Fairness Act of 2015 - support. H.R. 2911, the Small Business Healthcare Relief Act - support. Section 105 to H.R. 2028, the FY2016 Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act - support. Sections 113, 407, and 408 of FY2016 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act - support. H.R. 540 and S. 255, the Fifth Amendment Integrity Restoration Act, or FAIR Act - support. H.R. 2524, Support Our Start-Ups Act - support. H.R. 2310, Helping Our Middle Class Entrepreneurs (HOME) Act - support. Mulvaneys (R-S.C.) amendment ensuring fair and open competition for federal construction contracts authorized by the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2016 (H.R. 1735) - support. Section 132 and 134 of the Houses Fiscal Year 2016 Transportation-Housing Appropriations Bill - support. H.R. 629, the Permanent S Corporation Built-in Gain Recognition Period Act of 2015 - support. H.R. 3328, the Small Business Regulatory Sunset Act - support. H.R. 758, the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2015 - support. H.R. 2698, Tanning Tax Repeal Act - support. H.R. 1624, the Protecting Affordable Coverage for Employees Act. - support. H.R. 3318, the Reducing Tax Preparation Burdens for American Investments and Repairs Act - support. H.R. 3110, National Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2015 - support. H.R. 3459, the Protecting Local Business Opportunity Act - support. H.R. 1266 - the Financial Product Safety Commission Act - support Senate: S. 183, the Jobs and Premium Protection Act of 2015 - support. S. 30, Forty Hours is Full-Time Act of 2015 - support. S.J. Res. 8, a Congressional Review Act resolution of disapproval in response to the National Labor Relations Boards (NLRB) ambush election rule related to the union election process - support. S. 620, Preserving Employee Wellness Programs Act - support. S. 71, Government Neutrality in Contracting Act - support. S. 709, the Restoring Access to Medication Act of 2015 - support. S. 1697, the Small Business Healthcare Relief Act - support. S. 1140, the Federal Water Quality Protection Act - support. S. 1536, the Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act of 2015 - support. S. 1827, Small Business Tax Compliance Relief Act - support. S. 1487, the Regulatory Predictability for Business Growth Act of 2015 - support. Sec. 134 (HOS) and 135 (insurance) of H.R. 2577, FY2016 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations Bill - support. Section 913 of S 1269 - oppose. S. 2006, the Regulatory Accountability Act of 2015 - support. S. 1607, the Independent Agency Regulatory Analysis Act of 2015 -support. S. 1099, the Protect Affordable Coverage for Employees Act - support. S. 2015, the Protecting Local Business Opportunity Act - support. Hearings: -Karen Harned testified before the House Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law. July 15, 2015. -Nick Karellas testified before the Senate Small Business Committee on Targeted Tax Reform: Solutions to Relieve the Tax Compliance Burdens for Americas Small Businesses. July 22, 2015. -Beth Milito testified before the House Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, the Fraudulent Joinder Prevention Act of 2015. September 29, 2015. Comments: -U.S. Department of Labor, RIN: 1235-AA11, Request for Extension of Comment Deadline on Proposed Rulemaking Regarding Defining and Delimiting the Exemptions for Executive, Administrative, Professional, Outside Sales, and Computer Employees, July 13, 2015. -U.S. Department of Labor, RIN 1210-AB32 - Definition of the Term Fiduciary; Conflict of Interest Rule-Retirement Investment Advice and associated proposed exemptions, July 21, 2015. -U.S. Department of Labor, RIN 1235-AA11; Defining and Delimiting the Exemptions for Executive, Administrative, Professional, Outside Sales and Computer Employees - Request for Extension of Comment Period, August 4, 2015. -U.S. Department of Labor, RIN 1235-AA11; Defining and Delimiting the Exemptions for Executive, Administrative, Professional, Outside Sales and Computer Employees, September 3, 2015. -U.S. Department of Labor, RIN: 1235-AA11, Defining and Delimiting the Exemptions for Executive, Administrative, Professional, Outside Sales, and Computer Employees, September 4, 2015. Other Issues: -Tax Reform -Regulatory Reform -H-2B visas -Tax Extenders -Section 179 - business expensing -Surface Bill Financial Responsibility -Overtime Rule -Fiduciary Rule

HR.1927 Fairness in Class Action Litigation Act; HR.1199 Innocent Sellers Fairness Act S.2006 Regulatory Accountability Act

Client expense: $200,003 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Labor Relations Board (NLRB), SENATE, Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), Treasury, Dept of

H.R. 1199 - Innocent Sellers Fairness Act - Exempts a lawful seller from liability for personal injury, monetary loss, or damage to property arising out of an accident or transaction involving a seller's products, unless the claimant proves one or more of the following activities by the seller: the seller was the manufacturer or participated in the design or installation of the product;the seller altered, modified, or expressly warranted the product in a manner not authorized by the manufacturer; the seller had actual knowledge of the defect in the product as a result of a recall from the manufacturer or governmental entity authorized to make such recall or actual inspection at the time the seller sold the product to the claimant; the seller had actual knowledge of the defect in the product at the time the seller supplied the product; the seller intentionally altered or modified a product warranty, warning, or instruction from the manufacturer in a way not authorized by the manufacturer; or the seller knowingly made a false representation about an aspect of the product not authorized by the manufacturer. Limits the seller's liability to the personal injury, monetary loss, or damage to property directly caused by such activity where a claimant proves one or more of such activities was negligent.

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: Not reported

H.R. 1199 - Innocent Sellers Fairness Act - Exempts a lawful seller from liability for personal injury, monetary loss, or damage to property arising out of an accident or transaction involving a seller's products, unless the claimant proves one or more of the following activities by the seller: the seller was the manufacturer or participated in the design or installation of the product;the seller altered, modified, or expressly warranted the product in a manner not authorized by the manufacturer; the seller had actual knowledge of the defect in the product as a result of a recall from the manufacturer or governmental entity authorized to make such recall or actual inspection at the time the seller sold the product to the claimant; the seller had actual knowledge of the defect in the product at the time the seller supplied the product; the seller intentionally altered or modified a product warranty, warning, or instruction from the manufacturer in a way not authorized by the manufacturer; or the seller knowingly made a false representation about an aspect of the product not authorized by the manufacturer. Limits the seller's liability to the personal injury, monetary loss, or damage to property directly caused by such activity where a claimant proves one or more of such activities was negligent.

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: Not reported

H.R. 2087/S. 1133 (Arbitration Fairness Act); prohibits mandatory, pre-dispute arbitration in consumer contracts. General lobbying with regard to the enforceability of mandatory, pre-dispute arbitration provisions in employment and consumer contracts, including financial consumer contracts and servicemember contracts for consumer products. S.__/H.R.__ (Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act); draft legislation not formally introduced as of 07-17-2015; relating to the use of arbitration agreements to resolve disputes involving nursing home cases and nursing home contracts. General lobbying with regard to the ability of consumers and injured parties to bring class actions, including limitations on the ability to bring class actions involving the securities industry. S.__/H.R.__ (Civil Legal Access to Strong Safeguards); draft legislation not formally introduced as of 07-17-2015; amends the Class Action Fairness Act to ensure that consumers and injured parties in a class action are treated fairly and equally. S. 1999/H.R. 4068 (SCRA Rights Protection Act of 2014); amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to require the consent of parties to contracts for the use of arbitration to resolve controversies arising under the contracts and subject to provisions of such Act and to preserve the rights of servicemembers to bring class actions under such Act, and for other purposes. H.R. 1910 (Foreign Manufacturers Legal Accountability Act); requires foreign manufacturers of products imported into the United States to establish registered agents in the United States who are authorized to accept service of process against such manufacturers, and for other purposes. General Lobbying with regard to the preemption of states causes of action involving medical device and drug manufacturers. General lobbying with regard to asbestos exposure and related health and environmental issues. S. 357/H.R. 526 (Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency Act); amends Title 11 of the United States Code to require the public disclosure by trusts established under Section 524(g) of such Title, of quarterly reports that contain detailed information regarding the receipt and disposition of claims for injuries based on exposure to asbestos, and the filing of such reports with the Executive Office for United States Trustees. H.R. 1199 (Innocent Sellers Fairness Act); prevents undue disruption of interstate commerce by limiting civil actions brought against persons whose only role with regard to a product in the stream of commerce is as a lawful seller of the product. General lobbying with regard to alternative litigation funding. H.R. 54 (Frank Lautenberg Memorial Secure Chemical Facilities Act)/S. 697 (Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act)/S.725 (Alan Reinstein and Trevor Schaefer Toxic Chemical Protection Act); amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to reauthorize and modernize that Act, and for other purposes. H.R. 2576 (TSCA Modernization Act); provides for the safe and efficient flow of chemicals in interstate and foreign commerce; specific interest in provisions that would preempt state-based causes of action. General lobbying with regard to the ongoing development of a proposed TAFT-TTIP trade agreement, specific interest in effect the trade agreement would have on state-based causes of action. S. 1900/H.R. 3830 (Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities Act); establishes Congressional trade negotiating objectives and enhanced consultation requirements for trade negotiations, provides for consideration of trade agreements, and for other purposes. S. 2171 (Location Privacy Protection Act); specific interest in limitations on liability and preemption of state-based causes of action. S. 2393 (Servicemember Employment Protection Act); makes unenforceable any clause of an agreement between an employer and employee requiring arbitration of a dispute arising under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). Provides an exception when both parties voluntarily agree to arbitration. Requires any issue as to whether such requirement applies to an arbitration clause to be determined by federal law and the validity or enforceability of an agreement to arbitration to be determined by a court rather than an arbitrator. H.R. 1098 (Investor Choice Act of 2015); amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to revise the authority of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to prohibit, or impose conditions or limitations on the use of agreements that require customers or clients of any broker, dealer, or municipal securities dealer to arbitrate any future dispute between then arising under the federal securities laws, related rules and regulations, or the rules of a self-regulatory organization if it finds that prohibition, imposition of conditions, or limitations are in the public interest and for the protection of investors. General lobbying with regard to warranties of Energy Star-rated products and ability of consumers to bring a class action against manufacturers of Energy Star-rated products. H.R. 504/S. 1038 (Energy Star Program Integrity Act); clarifies that no express or implied warranty is provided by reason of a disclosure relating to voluntary participation in the Energy Star program. H.R. 4921; provides for the revision of certification requirements for the labeling of certain electronic products under the Energy Star program. S. 544/H.R. 1040 (Secret Science Reform Act of 2015); prohibits the Environmental Protection Agency from proposing, finalizing, or disseminating regulations or assessments based upon science that is not transparent or reproducible. S. 2615; establishes criminal penalties for failing to inform and warn of serious dangers. H.R. 4 (Jobs for America Act); revises Federal law to improve the conditions necessary for economic growth and job creation. General lobbying regarding altering CFPB's operational structure and rulemaking authority. General lobbying on aviation safety. General lobbying on consumer protection provisions related to servicemember contracts for consumer products. S. 852 (A Voice for Victims Act); provides that employment-related arbitration agreements shall not be enforceable with respect to any claim related to a tort arising out of rape. H.R. 2030/S. 700 (READ Act); amends the Asbestos Information Act of 1988 to establish a public database of asbestos-containing products, to require public disclosure of information pertaining to the manufacture, processing, distribution, and use of asbestos-containing products in the United States. H.R. 1195 (Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection Advisory Boards Act); amends the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to establish advisory boards. Lobbying with regard to updating generic drug labeling responsibilities. H.R. 3020/S. 1695 (Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2016); making appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016. Lobbying with regard to mandatory arbitration clauses in nursing home residency contracts.

House: -H.R. 928, the Jobs and Premium Protection Act - support. -H.R. 636, the Americas Small Business Tax Relief Act of 2015 - support. -H.R. 596, to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and healthcare-related provisions in the Healthcare and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, and for other purposes support. -H.R. 550, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC or Commission) Transparency and Accountability Act - support. -H.R. 549, the Litigation Oversight Act of 2015 - support. -H.R. 548, the Certainty in Enforcement Act of 2015 - support. -H.R. 1189, the Preserving Employee Wellness Programs Act - support. -H.R. 1105, the Death Tax Repeal Act of 2015 - support. -H.R. 1199, the Innocent Sellers Fairness Act - support. -H.R. 1671, Government Neutrality in Contracting Act - support. -H.Con. Res. 27, the Fiscal Year 2016 Budget Resolution - support. -H.R. 1147, the Legal Workforce Act of 2015 - support. -H.R. 863, the STARS Act of 2015 - support. -H.R. 1270, the Restoring Access to Medication Act of 2015 - support. -H.R. 1624, Protecting Affordable Coverage for Employees Act - support. -H.R. 622, State and Local Sales Tax Deduction Fairness Act of 2015 - support. -H.R. 2911, the Small Business Healthcare Relief Act - support. -Section 105 to H.R. 2028, the FY2016 Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act - support. -H.R. 1732, the Regulatory Integrity Protection Act of 2015 - support. -H.R. 1105, the Death Tax Repeal Act of 2015 - support. -Sections 113, 407, and 408 of FY2016 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act - support. -H.R. 540 and S. 255, the Fifth Amendment Integrity Restoration Act, or FAIR Act - support. -H.R. 1932, a bill to amend the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 - support. -H.R. 2042, the Ratepayer Protection Act - support. -H.R. 2524, Support Our Start-Ups Act - support. -H.R. 758, the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2015 - support. -H.R. 2310, Helping Our Middle Class Entrepreneurs (HOME) Act - support. -Mulvaneys (R-S.C.) amendment ensuring fair and open competition for federal construction contracts authorized by the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY 2016 (H.R. 1735) - support. -Section 132 and 134 of the Houses Fiscal Year 2016 Transportation-Housing Appropriations Bill - support. -Section 913 of S 1269 - oppose. -H.R. 629, the Permanent S Corporation Built-in Gain Recognition Period Act of 2015 - support. Senate: -S. 183, the Jobs and Premium Protection Act of 2015 - support. -S. 341, Start-up Jobs and Innovation Act - support. -S. 168, the Regulatory Responsibility for our Economy Act of 2015 - support. -S. 30, Forty Hours is Full-Time Act of 2015 - support. -S. 860, the Death Tax Repeal Act of 2015 - support. -S.J. Res. 8, a Congressional Review Act resolution of disapproval in response to the National Labor Relations Boards (NLRB) ambush election rule related to the union election process - support. -S. 620, Preserving Employee Wellness Programs Act - support. -S. 71, Government Neutrality in Contracting Act - support. -S. 709, the Restoring Access to Medication Act of 2015 - support. -S. 1697, the Small Business Healthcare Relief Act - support. -S. 1141, Small Business Tax Certainty and Growth Act - support. -S. 1140, the Federal Water Quality Protection Act - support. -S. 1536, the Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act of 2015 - support. -S. 1324, the Affordable Reliable Electricity Now Act of 2015 - support. -Small Business Tax Compliance Relief Act - support. -S. 1281, Helping Our Middle Class Entrepreneurs (HOME) Act - support. -S. 1099, the PACE Act - support. -S. 1487, the Regulatory Predictability for Business Growth Act of 2015 - support. -Sec. 134 (HOS) and 135 (insurance) of H.R. 2577, FY2016 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) Appropriations Bill - support. -Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and Subcommittee on Regulatory Affairs and Federal Management - NFIB letter in response to their March 18, 2015 request seeking assistance in identifying existing and proposed regulations that have had or will have a real impact on members of the National Federation of Independent Business. April 24, 2015. -Senate Finance Committee, Tax Reform Working Groups, April 15, 2015. Hearings: -Holly Wade testified before the Joint Economic Committee on Small Business, Big Taxes: Are Taxes Holding Back Small Business Growth? April 15, 2015. -Scott Lipps testified before the House Committee on Small Business on Tax Reform: Enduring that Main Street Isnt Left Behind, April 15, 2015. -Elizabeth Milito testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship on An Examination of Proposed Environmental Regulations Impacts on Americas Small Businesses, May 19, 2015. -Joe Sergio testified before the Joint Economic Committee on Examining the Effectiveness of the ACA, June 3, 2015. Comments: -Internal Revenue Service, Notice 2015-16 - Section 4980I-Excise Tax on High Cost Employer- Sponsored Health Coverage May 15, 2015 -U.S. Department of Labor, RIN 1210-AB32 - Request of comment deadline extension for the Definition of the Term Fiduciary; Conflict of Interest Rule-Retirement Investment Advice and associated proposed exemptions, May 5, 2015. -U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Docket ID No. FWS-R5-ES-2011-0024 - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status for the Northern Long-Eared Bat with 4(d) Rule, April 24, 2015. Other Issues: -5-year recognition period for built-in gains, basis adjustment for charitable giving by S corporations. -Tax Reform -Regulatory Reform -Expansion of the small group health insurance market -Estate tax repeal -The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2014, Public Law No. 113-76, authorized this grant funding for for activities to address the misclassification of workers. -H-2B visas

Keystone XL Pipeline National Interest Determination Process; HR.1927 Fairness in Class Action Litigation Act; HR.1199 Innocent Sellers Fairness Act

Client expense: $242,271 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Labor Relations Board (NLRB), SENATE, Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), Treasury, Dept of

House: -H.R. 928, the Jobs and Premium Protection Act - support. -H.R. 594, the Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act of 2015 - support. -H.R. 636, the Americas Small Business Tax Relief Act of 2015 - support. -H.R. 185, the Regulatory Accountability Act of 2015 - support. -H.R. 30, the Save American Workers Act of 2015 - support. -H.R. 3, the Keystone XL Pipeline Act - support. -S.J. Res. 8, a Congressional Review Act resolution of disapproval, in response to the National Labor Relations Boards (NLRB) ambush election rule - support. -H.R. 596, to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and healthcare-related provisions in the Healthcare and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, and for other purposes - support. -H.R. 527, the Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act of 2015 - support. -H.R. 636, the Americas Small Business Tax Relief Act of 2015 - support. -H.R. 550, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC or Commission) Transparency and Accountability Act - support. -H.R. 549, the Litigation Oversight Act of 2015 - support. -H.R. 548, the Certainty in Enforcement Act of 2015 - support. -H.R. 1189, the Preserving Employee Wellness Programs Act - support. -H.R. 1105, the Death Tax Repeal Act of 2015 - support. -H.R. 1199, the Innocent Sellers Fairness Act - support. -H.R. 1671, Government Neutrality in Contracting Act - support. -H.Con. Res. 27, the Fiscal Year 2016 Budget Resolution - support. -H.R. 348, the Responsibly And Professionally Invigorating Development (RAPID) Act of 2015 - support. -H.R. 1147, the Legal Workforce Act of 2015 - support. -H.R. 863, the STARS Act of 2015 - support. -H.R. 1270, the Restoring Access to Medication Act of 2015 - support. -H.R. 1624, Protecting Affordable Coverage for Employees Act - support. -H.R. 622, State and Local Sales Tax Deduction Fairness Act of 2015 - support. Senate: -S. 183, the Jobs and Premium Protection Act of 2015 - support. -S. 341, Start-up Jobs and Innovation Act - support. -S. 168, the Regulatory Responsibility for our Economy Act of 2015 - support. -S.Con.Res. 11, the Senate budget resolution for Fiscal Year 2016 - support. -S. 30, Forty Hours is Full-Time Act of 2015 - support. -S. 860, the Death Tax Repeal Act of 2015 - support. -S. 1, the Keystone XL Pipeline Act - support. -S.J. Res. 8, a Congressional Review Act resolution of disapproval in response to the National Labor Relations Boards (NLRB) ambush election rule related to the union election process - support. -S. 620, Preserving Employee Wellness Programs Act - support. -S. 71, Government Neutrality in Contracting Act - support. -S. 709, the Restoring Access to Medication Act of 2015 - support. -S. 708, Regulatory Improvement Act of 2015 - support. Hearings: -NFIB submitted a Statement for the Record to the Senate Finance Committee on Getting to Yes on Tax Reform: What Lessons Can Congress Learn from the Tax Reform Act of 1986? February 10, 2015. -Elizabeth Milito testified before the House of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2015 March 17, 2015. -Holly Wade testified before the Senate Finance Committee on the Affordable Care Act at Five Years, March 19, 2015. -NFIB submitted a Statement for the Record to the U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means for their hearing on, Moving America Forward: With a Focus on Economic Growth. January 13, 2015 -Elizabeth Milito testified before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions on Ambushed: How the NLRBs New Election Rule Harms Employers & Employees, February 11, 2015. -NFIB submitted a Statement for the Record to the House Committee on Small Business on Tangled in Red Tape: New Challenges for Small Manufacturers, March 18, 2015. -An NFIB coalition (FBETC) submitted a Statement for the Record to the Senate Committee on Finance on Presidents Budget for Fiscal Year 2016 with U.S. Department of the Treasury Secretary Jacob - J. Lew, February 19, 2015. -An NFIB coalition (FBETC) submitted a Statement for the Record to the House Committee on Ways and Means on Presidents Budget for Fiscal Year 2016 with U.S. Department of the Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew, February 17, 2015. -NFIB submitted a Statement for the Record to the U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary on the E- Verify Program, February 4, 2015. Comments: -U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2008-0699 - National Ambient Air Quality Standards for Ozone, March 12, 2015. -Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, No. FMCSA-2014-0211 - Financial Responsibility for Motor Carriers, Freight Forwarders, and Brokers, February 20, 2015. -U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, No. EPA-HQ-OPPT-2014-0304 - Lead-Based Paint Programs; Amendment to Jurisdiction-Specific Certification and Accreditation Requirements and Renovator Refresher Training Requirements, February 9, 2015. -Internal Revenue Service, IRS Notice 2013-54 on Employer Healthcare Payment Plans, January 2015. Other Issues: -5-year recognition period for built-in gains, basis adjustment for charitable giving by S corporations. -Tax Reform -Regulatory Reform -Expansion of the small group health insurance market

H.R. 1844/S. 878 (Arbitration Fairness Act); prohibits mandatory, pre-dispute arbitration in consumer contracts. General lobbying with regard to the enforceability of mandatory, pre-dispute arbitration provisions in employment and consumer contracts, including financial consumer contracts and servicemember contracts for consumer products. S.__/H.R.__ (Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act); draft legislation not formally introduced as of 04-17-2015; relating to the use of arbitration agreements to resolve disputes involving nursing home cases and nursing home contracts. General lobbying with regard to the ability of consumers and injured parties to bring class actions, including limitations on the ability to bring class actions involving the securities industry. S.__/H.R.__ (Civil Legal Access to Strong Safeguards); draft legislation not formally introduced as of 04-17-2015; amends the Class Action Fairness Act to ensure that consumers and injured parties in a class action are treated fairly and equally. S. 1999/H.R. 4068 (SCRA Rights Protection Act of 2014); amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to require the consent of parties to contracts for the use of arbitration to resolve controversies arising under the contracts and subject to provisions of such Act and to preserve the rights of servicemembers to bring class actions under such Act, and for other purposes. H.R. 1910 (Foreign Manufacturers Legal Accountability Act); requires foreign manufacturers of products imported into the United States to establish registered agents in the United States who are authorized to accept service of process against such manufacturers, and for other purposes. General Lobbying with regard to the preemption of states causes of action involving medical device and drug manufacturers. General lobbying with regard to asbestos exposure and related health and environmental issues. S. 357/H.R. 526 (Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency Act); amends Title 11 of the United States Code to require the public disclosure by trusts established under Section 524(g) of such Title, of quarterly reports that contain detailed information regarding the receipt and disposition of claims for injuries based on exposure to asbestos, and the filing of such reports with the Executive Office for United States Trustees. H.R. 1199 (Innocent Sellers Fairness Act); prevents undue disruption of interstate commerce by limiting civil actions brought against persons whose only role with regard to a product in the stream of commerce is as a lawful seller of the product. General lobbying with regard to alternative litigation funding. H.R. 54 (Frank Lautenberg Memorial Secure Chemical Facilities Act)/S. 697 (Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act)/S.725 (Alan Reinstein and Trevor Schaefer Toxic Chemical Protection Act); amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to reauthorize and modernize that Act, and for other purposes. H.R.__ (TSCA Modernization Act); draft legislation not formally introduced as of 04-17-2015; provides for the safe and efficient flow of chemicals in interstate and foreign commerce; specific interest in provisions that would preempt state-based causes of action. General lobbying with regard to the ongoing development of a proposed TAFT-TTIP trade agreement, specific interest in effect the trade agreement would have on state-based causes of action. S. 1900/H.R. 3830 (Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities Act); establishes Congressional trade negotiating objectives and enhanced consultation requirements for trade negotiations, provides for consideration of trade agreements, and for other purposes. S. 2171 (Location Privacy Protection Act); specific interest in limitations on liability and preemption of state-based causes of action. S. 2393 (Servicemember Employment Protection Act); makes unenforceable any clause of an agreement between an employer and employee requiring arbitration of a dispute arising under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). Provides an exception when both parties voluntarily agree to arbitration. Requires any issue as to whether such requirement applies to an arbitration clause to be determined by federal law and the validity or enforceability of an agreement to arbitration to be determined by a court rather than an arbitrator. H.R. 1098 (Investor Choice Act of 2015); amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to revise the authority of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to prohibit, or impose conditions or limitations on the use of agreements that require customers or clients of any broker, dealer, or municipal securities dealer to arbitrate any future dispute between then arising under the federal securities laws, related rules and regulations, or the rules of a self-regulatory organization if it finds that prohibition, imposition of conditions, or limitations are in the public interest and for the protection of investors. General lobbying with regard to warranties of Energy Star-rated products and ability of consumers to bring a class action against manufacturers of Energy Star-rated products. H.R. 504 (Energy Star Program Integrity Act); clarifies that no express or implied warranty is provided by reason of a disclosure relating to voluntary participation in the Energy Star program. H.R. 4921; provides for the revision of certification requirements for the labeling of certain electronic products under the Energy Star program. S. 544/H.R. 1040 (Secret Science Reform Act of 2015); prohibits the Environmental Protection Agency from proposing, finalizing, or disseminating regulations or assessments based upon science that is not transparent or reproducible. H.R. 4800 (Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2015); specific interest related to report language concerning FDA generic drug labeling approval process. S. 2615; establishes criminal penalties for failing to inform and warn of serious dangers. H.R. 4 (Jobs for America Act); revises Federal law to improve the conditions necessary for economic growth and job creation. General lobbying regarding altering CFPB's operational structure and rulemaking authority. General lobbying on aviation safety. General lobbying on consumer protection provisions related to servicemember contracts for consumer products. S. 852 (A Voice for Victims Act); provides that employment-related arbitration agreements shall not be enforceable with respect to any claim related to a tort arising out of rape.

H.R. 1199 - Innocent Sellers Fairness Act - Exempts a lawful seller from liability for personal injury, monetary loss, or damage to property arising out of an accident or transaction involving a seller's products, unless the claimant proves one or more of the following activities by the seller: the seller was the manufacturer or participated in the design or installation of the product;the seller altered, modified, or expressly warranted the product in a manner not authorized by the manufacturer; the seller had actual knowledge of the defect in the product as a result of a recall from the manufacturer or governmental entity authorized to make such recall or actual inspection at the time the seller sold the product to the claimant; the seller had actual knowledge of the defect in the product at the time the seller supplied the product; the seller intentionally altered or modified a product warranty, warning, or instruction from the manufacturer in a way not authorized by the manufacturer; or the seller knowingly made a false representation about an aspect of the product not authorized by the manufacturer. Limits the seller's liability to the personal injury, monetary loss, or damage to property directly caused by such activity where a claimant proves one or more of such activities was negligent.

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: Not reported