Legal Report Resources June 2017

​Hostile environment. Hugs in the workplace may create a sexually hostile work environment under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, a U.S. federal court of appeals ruled. The ruling stems from a case brought by Victoria Zetwock, a Yolo County correctional officer, who alleged that County Sheriff Edward G. Prieto created a sexually hostile work environment by greeting her with unwelcome hugs.

Inspections. A global oil and gas production services provider will pay $9 million for falsifying safety inspections and violating the U.S. Clean Water Act.

Human rights. The U.K. House of Commons passed a bill that expands the U.K. government’s powers to freeze human rights violators’ assets.

Cybersecurity. China released amendments to its law on commercial bribery that would reduce some of the more-far reaching changes of previously released amendments. The new amendments​ address China’s 1993 Anti-Unfair Competition Law.

Nonprofits. Ranking Member of the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS) introduced a bill that would give nonprofits access to grant funds to prevent terrorist attacks.

Trafficking. California lawmakers introduced three bills—A.B. 260, S.B. 225, and S.B. 270—that would impose human trafficking obligations on the lodging industry.

Discrimination. The European Court of Justice ruled that companies can prohibit employees from wearing religious symbols at work as part of a general policy barring religious and political symbols.

Corruption. A U.S. district court dismissed a case against Walmart Stores Inc. that accused the retailer of defrauding shareholders in its Walmart Mexico unit by concealing suspected bribery of public officials.

Discrimination. Nestle Waters North America—a division of Nestle Waters—will pay $300,000 and additional relief to resolve a sex discrimination lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.