The House Judiciary Committee approved a SEMA-supported bill (HR 3309) to address patent troll litigation. The bipartisan vote was 33–5. At issue are frivolous lawsuits asserting that a company or individual is infringing a patent.

The U.S. House of Representatives approved a SEMA-supported bill that would require federal judges to impose monetary sanctions against lawyers who file frivolous lawsuits.

Legislation has been introduced in both the House and Senate (HR 2447/S 1709) to direct the White House National Science and Technology Council to develop and periodically update a national competitiveness strategic plan.

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has issued a proposed rule requiring companies with 250 or more employees to electronically submit their injury and illness records (Form 300) on a quarterly basis.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) acknowledged that a 2007 federal law sets unrealistic mandates on the amount of ethanol that can be blended into gasoline.

At a gathering of state lawmakers during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, West Virginia Delegate Gary Howell was named chairman of the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus. Howell was appointed to the post after the November 5 election of New York Assemblyman Bill Reilich to the office of City Supervisor in Greece, New York. Reilich had served in the role for six years and will continue as chairman emeritus.

Whether you’re a business owner or an employee, it’s critical that you understand the requirements of the new health care reform law. Although the Affordable Care Act’s employer mandate penalties have been delayed one year until 2015, other obligations impacting companies of all sizes and their workers will still take effect in 2013 and 2014.

Whether you’re a business owner or an employee, it’s critical that you understand the requirements of the new health care reform law. Although the Affordable Care Act’s employer mandate penalties have been delayed one year until 2015, other obligations impacting companies of all sizes and their workers will still take effect in 2013 and 2014.

SEMA members have a unique opportunity to schedule a free one-on-one meeting with an intellectual property rights or customs attorney. Private meetings are available in 15-minute segments. Members can sign up for two segments each with any of the experts.

Legislation to allow minor modifications to collector vehicles, exempt former military vehicles, historic military vehicles and collector vehicles from importer certification label requirements, and expand rights for historic military vehicle owners was passed by the full Wisconsin Assembly.