Changes to flexible spending accounts

Flexible Spending Accounts are employee benefits that allow you to set aside a portion of your earnings to pay for certain approved expenses, such as medical costs or dependent care. Money deducted from your pay into such an account is not subject to payroll taxes and can result in tax savings.

However, as YNN television reports, recent changes to flexible spending accounts may create new confusion, and new tax liabilities. For example:

As of January 1st, over-the-counter drugs were not supposed to be covered under flexible spending accounts, but things like contact solution and band-aids were still eligible. Even pharmacists say keeping it all straight is proving to be a challenge.

For more information on health care spending accounts and eligible expenses, check out the above link. In addition, make sure to obtain competent tax law and financial advice from a qualified attorney or accountant.

Congress Votes to Repeal Unpopular Reporting Law

Fox News:

The Senate voted overwhelmingly, 87-12, Tuesday to repeal an unpopular reporting requirement in the new health care reform bill that small business owners had said would impose a tsunami of paperwork had it gone into effect in 2012. The paperwork mandate would have required all businesses to report to the IRS each time they made payments and purchases totaling more than $600 in a calendar year, regardless of what the money was used to buy.

More the reporting requirements here.

Cornell Law School Society Holds Panels to Promote Environmental Law

Cornell Daily Sun:

In the hopes of promoting an environmental law program, The Cornell Law School’s Environmental Law Society gathered more than 60 panelists and speakers from around the country for a conference on gas drilling, sustainability and energy policy this weekend.

New York Creates New Penalties for Cell Phones While Driving

Attorney Steven Getman is reminding New York State drivers that new penalties are in place for people who talk on cell phones while driving.

“Until recently, drivers who used a cell phone without a hands free device were subject to nothing more than a fine.” Getman explained.

“However, on February 16, the state Department of Motor Vehicles changed the punishment. Violations are now subject to two ‘points’ on a driver's license. Those points can increase a driver’s insurance rates, much like a speeding ticket or auto accident.”

In addition, Getman noted some police agencies will place extra emphasis on their cell phone enforcement for extended periods of time. The police say they are doing so to deter distracted drivers.

“With increased penalties and stepped-up enforcement, motorists who receive a ticket for using a cell phone should consider consulting an attorney to discuss their legal rights before pleading guilty,” Getman said.

More information on the new cell phone rules can be found here.

Proposed Law Would Criminalize Posting Crime Scene Photos

According to the Wall Street Journal, "bills introduced in the Senate and Assembly would make it a crime for public servants on duty to take unauthorized pictures or videos of crime scenes and circulate them."

The article states that the crime would be a felony, punishable by up to four years in prison.

According to the story, the law was proposed in response to an emergency worker "who photographed a woman found beaten and strangled and later posted the image on his Facebook page."

Law School Conference to Look at Cyberbullying

From Hofstra Law School:

In light of recent incidents of cyberbullying, it is more important than ever to ensure a safe environment for youth at schools, in their communities and online. This conference will bring together educators, lawyers, policymakers and mental health professionals to learn about cyberbullying, examine the current state of the law and consider issues regarding the first amendment, school liability and criminal justice.

Police plan DWI crackdown over Super Bowl weekend

Associated Press:

The Governor's Traffic Safety Committee says the statewide crackdown on drunk driving began Thursday and will run until 5 a.m. Monday, the day after the Green Bay Packers play the Pittsburgh Steelers in Texas in Super Bowl XLV. Officials say state, county and local police are adding extra patrols and checkpoints during the period.

Cayuga County man appeals arson conviction

From the Syracuse (NY) Post-Standard:

A former Ledyard man who was convicted last year of setting fire to his house has asked an appellate court to overturn that verdict.

In his appeal Chad Towsley said he was denied his right to a fair trial for many reasons...

The Rochester appellate court is expected to hear the case in early April, said court-appointed lawyer Steven Getman, who filed the appeal for Towsley. Getman asked the court to overturn the verdict and/or grant a new trial.

“When a defendant is denied his right to a fair trial he should be entitled to a new trial regardless of his verdict," Getman said.

It's the Law: Make sure your dogs have adequate shelter

New York State law requires dog owners who allow their dogs to spend time outdoors to provide shelter appropriate to the dogs' breed, physical condition and to the climate.

By law, requirements for a proper shelter include a waterproof roof, structural soundness and appropriate insulation to protect the dog from inclement weather. The law also mandates that the dog have enough space for freedom of movement and waste removal.

Owners who do not provide such housing are subject to escalating penalties, including fines and possible confiscation of the dog.

Humor: the 5 Most Wildly Illegal Court Rulings in Movie History

From Cracked.com, comes a funny, but informative, article on how movies so often misstate the law for dramatic purposes.

The article has some NSFW language and it attacks a couple of very beloved films (especially one involving Christmas), but it is a nice primer on several interesting legal points.