Agricultural Law & Rural Practice | Solo Small Firm & General Practice Section
The Agricultural Law & Rural Practice blog, published by the State Bar of Wisconsin, addresses legal issues relevant to agricultural businesses and rural communities. It covers topics such as intellectual property challenges in agriculture, regulatory compliance including OSHA inspections, legislative developments affecting rural legal practice, and employment law matters like workers' compensation, ADA accommodations, and FMLA in the context of agricultural and rural workplaces. The blog also discusses litigation funding transparency and government speech issues as they pertain to rural legal concerns. It serves as a resource for solo practitioners and small firms handling general practice matters in agricultural and rural settings.
Latest from Agricultural Law & Rural Practice | Solo Small Firm & General Practice Section
Second Circuit Limits Rule 9(b) Pleading Requirements for Reverse False Claims Act Claims
By Hall Render
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit (the “Court”) recently ruled that a False Claims Act (“FCA”) relator can satisfy Rule 9(b) without identifying every false claim underlying an alleged fraudulent scheme—but left open whether Rule 9(b) applies…
If EEO-1 Reporting Ends, Should Employers Continue Collecting Workforce Demographic Data?
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently proposed eliminating the requirement for covered employers to provide workforce demographic information through the annual EEO-1 Report. If finalized, the change would reduce a longstanding federal reporting obligation for many employers.
However,
However,
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Wisconsin Appeals Court Overturns $20,000 Municipal Forfeiture for Parking Commercial Trucks in Residential Area
The Wisconsin Court of Appeals last week held that a $20,000 municipal forfeiture for parking commercial trucks in a residential driveway was unconstitutionally excessive.
District 2 Judge Mark Gundrum issued the one-judge decision, overturning the sanction imposed by
…
Health Care Philanthropy Update: Treasury’s Proposed Rule Offers Lessons for Foundations on Donor Intent and Endowment Management
By Hall Render
The U.S. Department of the Treasury (“Treasury”) and the IRS recently proposed regulations that would deny § 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status to private schools that maintain race-based admissions, scholarship or related programs. While the proposal is directed at educational institutions, the…
The Future of EU-U.S. Data Transfers and GDPR Adequacy After Trump v. Slaughter
Complying with European privacy rules governing the transfer of personal information to the U.S. has always been challenging for U.S. companies. Now, a seemingly unrelated U.S. Supreme Court decision, Trump v. Slaughter, may create new uncertainty around the legal framework…
Joint Finance Committee Approves Additional $4 Million for Data Sharing among Law Enforcement
The Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee met last week to approve a $4 million supplemental appropriation for the Wisconsin Department of Justice.
The supplement supports grants to law enforcement agencies for data-sharing platforms under a new program created by 2025 Wisconsin
The supplement supports grants to law enforcement agencies for data-sharing platforms under a new program created by 2025 Wisconsin
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Wisconsin Child Labor Law Update: Compliance Considerations for Employers Hiring Minors
Wisconsin has updated its child labor regulations, prompting employers that hire minors to review their compliance practices.
Effective June 1, 2026, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) implemented Administrative Rule CR 26-015, a comprehensive update to the state’s child
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Wisconsin Assisted Living Update: Wisconsin DQA Requires Surveyor Access to Electronic Health Records
By Hall Render
The Wisconsin Division of Quality Assurance (“DQA” or the “agency”) recently issued Wisconsin – 26-001, which addresses surveyor access to provider records during assisted living surveys. The guidance applies to Adult Family Homes (“AFHs”), Community-Based Residential Facilities (“CBRFs”) and…
HRSA’s New FQHC Scope of Project Manual Affects Provider-Patient Relationships, Arrangements with Other Providers and 340B Operations
On August 11, 2026, the Health Resources and Services Administration (“HRSA”) released its Health Center Program Scope of Project Policy Manual (“Scope Manual”), providing comprehensive guidance on what constitutes a health center’s approved scope of project under Section 330…