No Rush to Privacy Judgment: Rush Jul 24, 2010
The bill gives the FTC rulemaking authority in the privacy area, including imposing those civil penalties ... Cliff Stearns had concerns with Rush's bill, including what he said was an overbroad definition of covered information and the civil penalties. (Multichannel News)
Investigators substantiate FAA whistleblower's claims Jul 24, 2010
"Despite Northwest's history of Airworthiness Directive non-compliance," the Office of Special Counsel said, "FAA inspectors continued to work collaboratively with Northwest to resolve deficiencies, and closing enforcement cases primarily by issuing letters of correction rather than seeking civil penalties.". Whistleblower Mark Lund of the FAA's former Northwest inspection office in Bloomington, Minnesota, alleged that the carrier did not have adequate policies and procedures in place in 2008 to... (CNN -- Travel)
Nonprofits Eyeing the Huntington Hotel Jul 24, 2010
Before the 196-unit, four-story building can be sold, former owner Landmark Equity Management is required to pay $2 million in civil penalties as part of a settlement reached last year with the city attorneys office. Until the money is paid the deadline is Sept. 23 a judgment lien remains on the building, essentially prohibiting a sale, said deputy city attorney Janet Karkanen. (Los Angeles Downtown News, CA)
SEC Gives $1 Million Reward for Information in Pequot Insider Trading Case Jul 24, 2010
Without admitting or denying the allegations in the SEC's complaint, Pequot and Samberg in May 2010 agreed to pay civil penalties totaling $10 million, plus disgorgement and prejudgment interest totaling more than $17 million. On the same day the commission filed the settled complaint against Pequot and Samberg, it also issued an order instituting administrative and cease-and-desist proceedings against Zilkha. (Law.com)
Don't Gut 'Toyota Reform Bill,' Say Survivors Jul 23, 2010
Family members of Guadalupe Alberto, who died in a car accident in Flint, Michigan in 2008, speaks at a Washington, D.C. press conference Wednesday urging Congress to pass legislation toughening civil penalties on automakers and requiring fail-safe mechanisms and black boxes in cars ... Notably, the bill would also raise the cap on civil penalties against automakers to $200 million; it is currently $15 million. (ABC News)
Supreme Court rules city must pay dealership's legal fees Jul 22, 2010
"Sullivan said the issue would be best addressed with an amendment to state law, calling for it to be brought up in the Legislature.The city also argued that state law allows for a municipality to recoup costs, but "is silent as to the award of costs to a prevailing party other than a municipality. " The Supreme Court disagreed with that argument.The city and the dealership have a long legal history involving many issues involving the Route 1 property. Boyle said the recent ruling in favor of... (Seacoast New Hampshire)
Feds file fair-housing lawsuit against Renton apartment complex Jul 22, 2010
The suit seeks monetary damages for those harmed by the defendants actions, civil penalties and a court order barring future discrimination. COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in the PNWLocalNews. (Enumclaw Courier Herald, WA)
RNC Fails to Report $7 Million in Debt to FEC Jul 21, 2010
"This is significant because the civil penalties could mean big fines that take a significant bite out of the RNC's finances close to the November congressional elections, when state parties need the RNC's financial help for their 'victory' programs," said former FEC Commissioner Hans A. von Spakovsky. The Washington Times also has learned that former Federal Election Commission Chairman Michael E. Toner has been retained as outside counsel to the RNC, a move Mr. von Spakovsky called unusual and... (Newsmax)
State: Repair lagoon or pay Jul 19, 2010
Failure to comply with the order could wind up costing the city up to 346,000 in civil penalties, according to the document. The order was handed down after numerous failings of the wastewater treatment plant and lagoon system, which has been under construction since 2007. (Columbia Daily Herald, TN)
US files suit over racial discrimination against Indians Jul 17, 2010
The suit seeks monetary damages for those harmed by the defendants' actions, civil penalties and a court order barring future discrimination. My saved articles. (India Times, India)
Conway Bank execs asked to pay penalties Jul 17, 2010
Rottinghaus on Friday declined to talk about the civil penalties. But he issued the following statement from the bank in reference to the 2005 formal agreement with the OCC. (Wichita Business Journal, KS)
Hearing on School Street tree clearing snags on technicality (69) Jul 15, 2010
Bullock said the city is asking Palmer to impose a permanent injunction and award civil penalties and attorney s fees while declaring that the city s tree preservation rules apply to the School Street properties that are in the city limits. Article Rating. (Boerne Star, TX)
Oil and access Jul 14, 2010
Violators are subject to civil penalties of up to $40,000, and could be classified as Class D felons. In addition, the Federal Aviation Administration has ordered that no media flights to photograph the spill can go below 3,000 feet without special permission. (Paragould Daily Press, AR)
Russian who emerged in recent spy case in U.S. custody Jul 14, 2010
"Once deported, Mr. Karetnikov would face criminal and civil penalties if he returned without express U.S. government permission," Chandler said. Another U.S. government official said that Karetnikov was en route to Russia. (CNN -- World)
Community Life: Review changes to statutes on financial operations Jul 11, 2010
In 2008, the Florida Condominium Act was amended to impose personal exposure to civil penalties upon any person (including directors, officers, or managers) who knowingly or intentionally defaced or destroyed association accounting records. The 2008 law further imposed the same liability upon any person who knowingly or intentionally failed to create or maintain required accounting records. (The News-Press -- Business)
Wyoming briefs Jul 11, 2010
The suit seeks unspecified damages plus civil penalties. The lawsuit also names R&J Feed Co. and Carter Livestock, Inc.. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Texas Supreme Court Dismisses Challenge To Green Party Candidates Jul 10, 2010
Democrats say they will continue separate efforts, in a lower court, to sue for civil penalties. More Stories. (KWTX.com, TX)
State Files Brief Defending Abortion Law Jul 10, 2010
Bruning also said Planned Parenthood shouldn't be allowed to sue, because doctors are the only people who could face civil penalties under the law. Copyright 2010 by. (7 KETV Omaha)
Pharmacies settle over illegal drug sales Jul 9, 2010
The owners agreed to pay civil penalties of $500,000. In a second case, Sacramento County s pharmacy on Broadway agreed to pay $250,000 in penalties and enter a five-year compliance plan to settle federal claims the pharmacy illegally dispensed controlled substances 175 times. (Sacramento Business Journal, CA)
City heads to court as tree preservation ordinance changes proposed (102) Jul 7, 2010
However, he said the city can also seek injunctive relief and civil penalties in civil court in order to enforce its ordinances pursuant to its power as a home rule municipality and powers granted to it in the Local Government Code ... We have a hearing on a temporary injunction on July 8 where we will ask the judge to extend the injunction and we will ultimately ask him to award the city a permanent injunction, civil penalties, declare that the tree preservation provisions apply to Mr. Manley s... (Boerne Star, TX)
HI Gov. Vetoes Bill Aimed at Banning Shark Feeding Jul 7, 2010
The measure would have set civil penalties for shark tours, including vessel forfeiture. Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. (ABC News -- Wire)
Phoenix to scan for parking scofflaws Jul 7, 2010
The American Civil Liberties Union and other organizations have criticized the technology as a spy tool that allows police to conduct surveillance on people unconnected to crime or unpaid civil penalties. Alessandra Soler Meetze, executive director of the ACLU of Arizona, said plate readers are a national trend toward increased surveillance of residents. (AZCentral -- News)
Cuomo sues Glenville landlord Jul 7, 2010
Cuomo is seeking civil penalties and an injunction prohibiting the companies from engaging in discriminatory practices. Most Read Stories. (Albany Business Review, NY)
Download - AM Jul 7, 2010
It's the first time that a pregnancy discrimination case has been brought under the Fair Work Act laws, which commenced on the first of July and which provide for civil penalties when discrimination has occurred. ASHLEY HALL: Leigh Johns is the acting Fair Work Ombudsman. (ABC News Online, Australia -- Sport)
Suit claims rental bias Jul 7, 2010
In addition to court action to force Shady Lane to end its alleged bad practices, the suit seeks civil penalties as well as compensatory and punitive damages. Cuomo's office simultaneously announced a similar action against a Brooklyn residential housing complex and an agreement with a second Brooklyn landlord that requires full compliance with housing laws, staff training and a $40,000 fine. (Albany Times Union)
Berwyn businessman Stinson charged by SEC in alleged Ponzi scheme Jul 1, 2010
The complaint seeks to recoup the defendants ill-gotten gains plus prejudgment interest, civil penalties, and permanent injunctions barring future violations of the charged provisions of the federal securities laws. The SEC said it previously charged Stinson, 55, with federal securities fraud in a civil action filed in May 1990 that resulted in a judgment that permanently enjoined Stinson and his co-defendants from violating antifraud provisions again. (Philadelphia Business Journal, PA)
Sludge cleanup continues Jul 1, 2010
In early June, the county received notice of the civil penalties assessed by the state for the violations ... June 18, Metzler filed for remission of the fines saying he feels the county meets four of the five possible reasons for remission, including prompt work to abate the environmental damage, the violation was inadvertent or the result of an accident, the violator had not been assessed civil penalties for previous violations, and payment of the penalty will prevent payment of the remaining... (Troy Montgomery Herald, NC)
Trend of executives facing criminal charges on the rise Jun 29, 2010
The fact that workplace-related regulations have criminal, as well as civil penalties, comes as a surprise to many, said Charlie Faruki, managing partner of Faruki Ireland and Cox PLL.. But, Faruki said he isn t advising clients differently than before. (Dayton Business Journal, OH)
Most gas pumps in Arizonaare accurate, analysis finds Jun 27, 2010
According to Marquez, stations found in violation are subject to civil penalties ranging between $300 and $500 per citation. No station in Arizona has ever been found to have intentionally altered the calibration on pumps. (AZCentral -- Business)
Ad Groups' Lobbying Helps Stop Bill From Broadening FTC Powers Jun 26, 2010
"Advertisers argue that the FTC would get new powers to write industry-wide rules with "virtually no procedural safeguards," and to impose "multi-million dollar civil penalties independent of the Justice Department. Since the FTC has jurisdiction over most of the economy, these changes could hurt jobs and the sale of products throughout the country," said ANA in a letter to Dodd last month.Leibowitz said two weeks ago that the FTC had no planned rulemakings teed up.But ad lobbies put on a full... (Multichannel News)
Government would have broad new powers to seize...DODD: 'No one will know until this is actually in place how it works'... Jun 26, 2010
The new agency, while housed in the Federal Reserve, would have its own budget and director appointed by the president and would have wide authority to write consumer protection rules and enforce them with civil penalties. It could, for instance, force mortgage lenders to be more upfront about possible interest increases in adjustable-rate loans. (The Drudge Report)
LA seeks injunction against graffiti vandals Jun 24, 2010
The civil suit scheduled for Aug. 31 seeks $250,000 in civil penalties and $3. 7 million in damages for 500 incidents of MTA graffiti vandalism. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Call before you dig Jun 20, 2010
Under the new law, civil penalties can be brought by operators, excavators, aggrieved parties and notification centers like One-Call. The law also requires that all civil penalties received be deposited into the county school fund where the violation occurred. (Gillette News-Record, WY)
Coakley presses Google for details on data collected Jun 19, 2010
A spokeswoman for Coakley s office said that Google could be liable for civil penalties under Massachusetts data privacy protection laws. Google suspended its Wi-Fi mapping operations in May, and company spokeswoman Christine Chen said yesterday there are no plans to resume the practice. (Boston Globe)
Yolo, Sacramento get $230,000 in dispute Jun 19, 2010
Without admitting any wrongdoing, Interstate Brands agreed to a pay $230,000 in civil penalties and to reimburse Sacramento and Yolo counties for the costs of the investigation. The money will go into a trust fund that may be used only for future consumer fraud investigations. (Sacramento Business Journal, CA)
BP says it's sorry _ and guarantees $20B for Gulf Jun 18, 2010
For example, civil penalties can be levied under a variety of environmental protection laws, including fines of up to $1,100 for each barrel of oil spilled. That alone could translate to as much as $3 billion. (KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, OR -- Business)
BP begins to ante up Jun 18, 2010
And it must begin making provisions to ensure a full payout of the billions more in cleanup and restoration costs and civil penalties under the Clean Water Act that are also its responsibility. We would like to think the battle is over. (India Times)
Gulf of Mexico clean-up Jun 17, 2010
Also, civil penalties can be levied against the company under a variety of environmental protection laws, including fines of up to $1,100 under the Clean Water Act for each barrel of oil spilled. The $20 billion amounts to somewhere between $169 and $313 per gallon of oil spilled so far, based on calculations that the federal government has made. (AZCentral)
Story » Jun 16, 2010
Poacher of trophy deer ordered to pay $10,000 HOBBS, N.M. A southeastern New Mexico man convicted of poaching a trophy mule deer in 2007 has been ordered to pay $10,000 in civil penalties to reimburse the state for the loss of a valuable game animal. Bradley A. Smith, 27, had contested the civil judgment sought by the Department of Game and Fish in addition to two criminal counts of poaching. (ESPN -- Outdoors)
BP's Flow Rate: Is the Worst Yet to Come? Jun 12, 2010
The post-Exxon Valdez Oil Pollution Act of 1990 authorizes the government to impose civil penalties of $1,000 per barrel when a spill occurs, a figure that jumps to $4,300 if gross negligence can be established. In BP's case, that could add up to a penalty of $10. (Time.com)
Public has no objection to new law Jun 12, 2010
Civil penalties of up to $5,000 can be imposed on property owners who ignore notices to clean up their unsafe buildings, according to the ordinance, which is effective immediately. See the rest of the story in the Friday, June 11 print edition of the News Times. (Hartford City News-Times, IN)
- BP spill response plans reveal severe flaws Jun 11, 2010
Charges and civil penalties can be brought under a variety of environmental protection laws. In its Deepwater Horizon plan, the British oil giant stated: BP Exploration and Production Inc has the capability to respond, to the maximum extent practicable, to a worst case discharge, or a substantial threat of such a discharge, resulting from the activities proposed in our Exploration Plan. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Business)
SEC: $300M plot had Colo. ties Jun 11, 2010
The SEC wants the court to require the defendants to stop violating the law, to document all proceeds from the alleged scheme, to disgorge all ill-gotten gains and to pay whatever civil penalties the court deems appropriate. Brost and Sorenson orchestrated a complex, far-reaching fraud disguised by a labyrinth of companies and foreign bank accounts they used to hide their misconduct from investors and law enforcement, Donald Hoerl, director of the SEC s Denver regional office, said in a... (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Supply Hardware pays $24K penalty Jun 5, 2010
has agreed to pay $24,200 in civil penalties to settle alleged scanner violations in its stores ... Without admitting wrongdoing, Supply Hardware agreed to pay $24,200 in civil penalties and reimburse the investigating agencies, a news release said. (Sacramento Business Journal, CA)
Gulf oil spill nears Florida shores Jun 4, 2010
for free extra services. South Florida Business Journal. (South Florida Business Journal, FL)
Feds file suit to remove dikes Jun 4, 2010
The suit seeks to force Hubenka to remove the dikes and pay civil penalties. Hubenka said Wednesday that the reason it's taken so long to remove the dikes is because the EPA and the Army Corps waited until just last year to start working out a final plan to remove the dikes. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Petco and 5 Counties Settle Consumer Lawsuit Jun 3, 2010
But the company says it will promptly remove expired price tags from shelves, change the way some animals are cared for, and pay civil penalties and costs submitted by prosecutors and investigators. The retailer agreed to annual third-party audits to ensure compliance. (ABC News -- Wire)
Oil Spill Criminal Case Difficult Against Execs Jun 3, 2010
It's virtually certain that BP and other companies involved in the Gulf of Mexico oil spill will face criminal charges and civil penalties that could translate into hundreds of millions of dollars in fines. But for any company executives or workers to be indicted individually, legal experts say the Justice Department will have to find evidence they orchestrated a coverup, destroyed key documents or lied to government agents. (ABC News -- Wire)
U.S. launches oil-spill crime investigation Jun 2, 2010
Holder said Justice Department lawyers are examining whether the companies that owned and operated the Deepwater Horizon rig, which include BP and Transocean Ltd., violated an array of federal statutes, including the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act, that contain criminal and civil penalties. "There are a wide range of possible violations under these statutes, and we will closely examine the actions of those involved with the spill," said Holder, who did not identify the companies... (AZCentral -- News)
US opens spill investigations Jun 2, 2010
Administration officials said they were reviewing violations of the Clean Water Act, which carries criminal and civil penalties and fines; the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, which can be used to hold parties responsible for cleanup costs; and the Migratory Bird Tree Act and the Endangered Species Act, which provide penalties for injury and death of wildlife. BP will cooperate with any inquiry that the Department of Justice undertakes, just as we are doing in response to the other inquiries that... (Boston Globe)
BP spill may be catalyst for oil firms to clean up Jun 1, 2010
The US administration has indicated that BP will pay civil penalties based on the number of barrels of oil leaked. A figure of $60bn has been floated should BP be found to have acted negligently. (Business Report, South Africa)
DOT fines Delta, AirTran for price advertisements May 30, 2010
NEW YORK - The Transportation Department on Friday assessed civil penalties against Delta Air Lines and AirTran Airways for allegedly violating rules that require the airlines to disclose the full ticket price. DOT fined AirTran $20,000 and Delta $40,000. (MSNBC -- Travel)
New ordinance targets unsafe buildings in county May 28, 2010
The ordinance will provide for civil penalties up to $5,000 and ultimately the property could be sold to satisfy a civil judgment, Forcum said. See the rest of the story in the Thursday, May 27 print edition of the News Times. (Hartford City News-Times, IN)
Customers 'cleaned out' by vent cleaning co. May 27, 2010
"We've received 11 complaints, three of them resulted in civil penalties, " said Richard Blank, with the state of Oregon's Construction Contractors Board. Those three civil penalties were due to citations received by Portland Green for advertising work or performing work as a contractor. (KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, OR -- Business)
MerchantCircle pays $900,000 in consumer case May 22, 2010
WYBS consented to pay $700,000 in civil penalties and $50,000 in investigative costs. MerchantCircle will pay $150,000 into the Consumer Protection Trust Fund, a trust used to fund investigation and prosecution of consumer-protection law violations statewide,according to the district attorney's office. (Palo Alto Online, CA)
Two men charged in alleged Ponzi scheme May 22, 2010
The SEC said it was seeking permanent injunctions and disgorgement of ill-gotten gains from Allen, Olson and A&O, and civil penalties from Allen and Olson. Most Read Stories. (Tampa Bay Business Journal, FL)
DNR fines Monroe Branstad May 22, 2010
FOREST CITY Monroe Branstad of Forest City has been ordered to pay 17,000 in civil penalties for environmental violations, including water pollution resulting from a sweet-corn silage runoff that entered the Winnebago River from his large cattle-feeding operation ... Hancock County District Court Judge Colleen D. Weiland entered a decree Tuesday afternoon ordering the civil penalties and prohibiting further violations. (Forest City Summit, IO)
TaxMasters hit with unlawful conduct charges from Texas Attorney General May 14, 2010
The AG s office is seeking restitution for each customer financially harmed, and civil penalties of up to $20,000 for each violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. Most Read Stories. (Houston Business Journal, TX)
Pep Boys paying fine in Clean Air Act case May 12, 2010
agreed to pay $5 million in civil penalties to settle claims that it violated the Clean Air Act, federal regulators said Monday. The company (NYSE:PBY), which focuses on selling automobile products and service, was cited for importing and selling noncompliant motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and generators made in China, the and the U.S. Justice Department said. (Philadelphia Business Journal, PA)
Highway safety agency wants more auto recall power May 8, 2010
questioned proposed per-vehicle fees to boost funding for government safety research and provisions that would eliminate the cap on civil penalties against automakers slow to recall vehicles. Toyota's $16. (USA Today -- Autos)
Stuck on tarmac? You have rights May 8, 2010
Civil penalties of up to $27,500 per passenger would be paid to the government, not to passengers. That amount is the maximum civil penalty for large airlines for violating any aviation consumer rule. (CNN -- Travel)
Obama's High-Flying Airline Crackdown May 7, 2010
"Either said or unsaid that was the operating tone in the field. Now, under this administration, they seem to be more actively looking and willing to bring about civil penalties.". Related. (ABC News)
Williamsville lawyer sued by AG May 7, 2010
The AG's office wants Nicolia barred from allowing debt collection firms from using his name as well as imposing civil penalties. The lawsuit is outlined. (Buffalo Business First, NY)
Car makers support black box, brake overrides May 7, 2010
A draft bill by the House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee would eliminate the cap on civil penalties an automaker could face and empower the government to order an immediate safety recall if it should find an "imminent hazard of death or serious injury.". The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, which represents General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota and others, said in a preview of its testimony that it would support vehicle brake override standards that "will reassure... (MSNBC -- Business)
When government fines companies, who gets cash? May 6, 2010
Civil penalties, often referred to as fines, usually go to the U.S. Treasury or victims, not the agency that levied them ... "We have no statutory authority to require that civil penalties be paid to passengers." ... Saying that fine, the maximum allowed by law, wasn't steep enough, Democratic lawmakers have introduced bills that would remove the overall cap on civil penalties when automakers intentionally fail to report safety defects or mislead regulators. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
