Coronavirus Legislation

The outbreak of 2019-nCoV (“Coronavirus”) has spurred massive federal and state legislative efforts. It can easily seem overwhelming. Some long and short…

New bills, new laws…

As both the federal and state governments struggle to manage the health and economic impact of the Coronavirus, there has been a wave of new laws and proposed laws. A large percentage of legislative efforts directly impact businesses, both large and small—most notable are the recent federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“Families First Act”) and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”). The Families First Act provides access to medical care and financial assistance and relief to employees and employers during the Coronavirus pandemic. The CARES Act is a massive $2 trillion economic stimulus package that includes a new loan program for small businesses suffering a negative impact from the Coronavirus pandemic.

In addition to federal efforts, state legislatures are pushing forward to address issues specific to their states. In New Jersey, we have seen new and proposed laws and programs that directly impact business. Just to name a few, they include: relaxation of filing deadlines; expansion of economic development grant programs for small businesses affected by the crisis; extension of time for government agencies to respond to record requests; implementation of eviction or foreclosure orders for the duration of the emergency; acceleration of licensure proceedings for health professions; and limitation on the ability to return food items purchased at retail food stores.

Conclusion…

Dozens of new and proposed laws and changes to economic programs have been made in the wake of the Coronavirus. It is likely more will follow. Feel free to contact me for more information on a particular law or program or for a general review and survey of this changing landscape and how it may affect your business.

Barry F. Gartenberg, L.L.C.
Attorney at Law
505 Morris Avenue, Suite 102
Springfield, New Jersey 07081
973-921-0600
www.bgartenberg.com
bfg@bgartenberg.com

DISCLAIMER: This BLOG post is provided solely for the general interest of the reader. It is not legal advice or opinion. Legal advice and opinion are provided by the firm only upon engagement with respect to specific factual situations.