Conducting criminal background checks is an important part of the hiring process, but it also presents significant legal considerations. Employers must balance workplace safety with compliance under federal, state, and local laws governing the use of criminal history in employment
Tucker Arensberg Blog
The Tucker Arensberg Blog, published by Tucker Arensberg, PC, covers a range of legal topics primarily focused on Pennsylvania law and its practical implications. The blog addresses legislative updates affecting public institutions such as schools, employment law issues including medical leave and remote work compliance, eminent domain rulings, and developments in trust and estate law. It provides analysis of state statutes, court decisions, and regulatory changes that impact employers, landowners, fiduciaries, and other stakeholders. The content often highlights the intersection of federal and state law, offering guidance on compliance and legal strategy within Pennsylvania's legal framework.
Latest from Tucker Arensberg Blog - Page 2
Judicial Recusal: Does It Always Meet Its Goals?
By Hon. Judith K. Fitzgerald (Ret.), jfitzgerald@tuckerlaw.com, (412) 594-3933
Any lawyer who has considered asking the presiding judge to step aside from a case proceeds with trepidation. If the motion succeeds, a newly assigned judge must get up…
Legal Developments: Expanding Protection for Marijuana Users?
W. Isaac Zimmerman, Esq., izimmerman@tuckerlaw.com, (717) 221-7971
Pennsylvania enacted the Medical Marijuana Act (“ACT”) in April of 2016, and over the past nearly 10 years, the ACT has been analyzed alongside several political agendas, such as federal limited…
A Pennsylvania First? Allegheny County Proposes Paid Parental Leave and Expanded Sick Leave Requirements
Allegheny County may be poised to make history. On May 13, 2026, the Allegheny County Health Department’s Board of Health voted to approve a significant amendment to the County’s existing Paid Sick Leave rules. The proposed amendment would add a…
EEOC Sets New Enforcement Priorities: Why Employers Should Take Note
Jeremy Farrell, Esq., jfarrell@tuckerlaw.com, (412) 594-3938
Earlier last month, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) issued its new National Enforcement Plan (“NEP”). The NEP is a helpful document, as it essentially serves as a roadmap that will guide…
Attorneys’ Fees Awarded Following Partial IDEA Success in Tuition Reimbursement Dispute
Rebecca Hall, Esq., (412) 594-5544, rhall@tuckerlaw.com
Anna C. v. Colonial Sch. Dist., No. 24-6313, 2026 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 24309 (E.D. Pa. Feb. 5, 2026).
Background
Upon moving into the Colonial School District, the parent of a student with multiple…
Appeals Court Confirms Invalidation of Assessment Court Confirms Invalidation of Assessment Appeal Programs That Target Only Commercial Properties
John T. Vogel, Esq., jvogel@tuckerlaw.com, (412) 594-5622
Upper Merion Area Sch. Dist. v. King of Prussia Assocs. 2026 Pa.Commw. LEXIS 34 (Pa.Commw. March 17, 2026) — Commonwealth Court affirms lower court decision that District violated state constitutional tax uniformity…
When Schools Speak About Employees: Defamation and Immunity After a Student-Safety Incident
Margaret M. Cooney, Esq., (412) 594-5548, mcooney@tuckerlaw.com
Dorothy A. Lanza v. Mark Getz, et al., No. 5285 CV 2025 (Crt. of Common Pleas of Monroe Co. 2026)
ABSTRACT
In Lanza v. Getz, et al., the Court of Common Pleas…
California Policy That Prohibited Disclosure to Parents of Student Gender Transitioning Found Likely to Violate Fundamental Parental Rights
Matthew M. Hoffman, Esq., (412) 594-3910, mhoffman@tuckerlaw.com
Mirabelli v. Bonta, et al., 607 U. S. ____ (2026) (The United States Supreme Court reinstated a trial court injunction suspending implementation of California school district policies precluding school employees from informing…
Pennsylvania Skill Games Upended: Supreme Court Declares Skill Game Devices Are “Slot Machines” and Subject to Pennsylvania Gaming Laws and the Crimes Code
On June 15, 2026, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued one of the most significant gaming-related decisions in recent history, fundamentally changing the legal landscape for skill games throughout the Commonwealth.
For years, Pennsylvania businesses – including restaurants, bars, taverns, convenience…