In an era where government transparency is increasingly critical to public trust, municipalities in Pennsylvania face growing pressure to comply with the Right-to-Know Law (RTKL). However, the law’s complexities often leave local governments grappling with challenges in interpretation and compliance. This article addresses common challenges municipalities face, the potential ramifications of failing to comply, and strategies for staying ahead of issues. Despite the nuances of exemptions, response deadlines, and handling complex or sensitive requests, municipal leaders can ensure that they remain in compliance by understanding the intricacies of the law. Under the law, municipal governments are required to provide access… read more »
Trees, Rights -of -Way and Roads
Municipalities are tasked with keeping roads free of obstructions. Property owners have a duty to maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition so as not to interfere with vehicular travel. So, who is responsible when a tree limb extends over a municipal road? The courts have ruled that municipalities and property owners are both liable when a tree limb or obstruction from the property owner’s land interferes with travel on a municipal road. The municipality and landowner are jointly liable for any injuries caused by overhanging limbs. The Second-Class Township Code allows township officials to remove trees or shrubs… read more »
New Municipal Legislation Signed into Law
On October 16, 2024, Governor Shapiro signed Act 1100 of 2024, which made the following four changes to the Borough Code: First, Section 1059.3 now provides that an elected or appointed borough official may not be surcharged if the official acted in good faith and relied on a written or publicly disclosed opinion of the borough solicitor. If the solicitor publicly stated an opinion at an open meeting and recorded it in the official minutes of the meeting, a borough official acting in good faith may rely on this opinion. However, this does not apply if the solicitor’s opinion is… read more »
The Intersection Between Pennsylvania’s Certificate of Annual Registration Requirement and Pennsylvania’s Annual Reporting Requirement
Pennsylvania Certificate of Annual Registration Effective December 31, 2024, the Pennsylvania Department of State increased the annual registration fee for domestic and foreign registered limited liability partnerships (“LLPs”), limited liability limited partnerships (“LLLPs”), and restricted professional companies (“RPCs” and “PLLCs”). What are the costs for filing? The annual registration fee for RPCs and PLLCs has increased to $700.00 per licensed professional member, as long as that member is licensed to practice the professional service in PA and resides in PA. The annual fee for LLPs and LLLPs has increased to $470.00 for each general partner if the partner is a… read more »
CGA Law Firm Welcomes Attorney Summer M. Pannizzo
CGA Law Firm is pleased to announce the addition of Summer M. Pannizzo to our firm as an associate attorney. Summer joins our business law, estate administration and planning, and real estate practice groups, bringing a fresh perspective to the team. Summer earned her Juris Doctor from Widener University Commonwealth Law School, where she distinguished herself by obtaining a Business Law Certificate and participating in the Wayne State Transactional Competition. Her involvement in Moot Court, Trial Advocacy, and Mock Trial demonstrates her commitment to honing her advocacy skills. During her time at Widener, Summer showcased her dedication to community service… read more »
Enforcement Of The Corporate Transparency Act Still On Hold
Recent activity regarding the Corporate Transparency Act has resulted in no change in its enforcement. The United States Supreme Court issued a decision on January 23, 2025, lifting a nationwide stay on the enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act. This decision comes after a roller-coaster of events in December over the scope of the stay issued in Texas Top Cop Shop, Inc. v. McHenry. Regardless of the Supreme Court’s decision, the enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act is still being halted. Currently, reporting companies are not required to file their Beneficial Ownership Information but may voluntarily report. Summary of Events… read more »
CGA Law Firm is Proud to Announce the Election of Beth J. Kern to Shareholder
CGA Law Firm is pleased to announce that Attorney Beth J. Kern has been unanimously elected as a Shareholder. Beth has quickly established herself as an integral member of CGA Law Firm, contributing her expertise to the Municipal, Business, Employment, Real Estate, and Estate Planning Practice Groups. “I am extremely excited that Beth will now be a Shareholder at CGA. Beth has demonstrated that she is able to effectively work with our clients in her areas of expertise to provide exceptional legal advice and be a trusted counselor. In addition, Beth has been willing to use her expertise to assist… read more »
Estate Planning in the New Year: Securing Your Children’s Future
From Attorney Tim Bupp, chair of the CGA Law Firm Estate Law practice group. As we step into a new year, it is not just about setting personal goals but also ensuring the long-term security of our loved ones, particularly our minor children. Estate planning, often overlooked during annual resolutions, is a vital aspect of securing our children’s future. Raising and providing for our children is perhaps the most important thing that we do in our lives. Therefore, it is only sensible that we take great care in making provisions for our minor children in our estate documents. 1. The… read more »
Turning Point: ARD and the Pathway to Redemption
In Pennsylvania, the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program (ARD) functions as a vital alternative to traditional criminal prosecution for eligible, non-violent offenders. ARD is designed to address a critical, yet often overlooked, goal of our criminal justice system – the rehabilitation and reintegration of criminal offenders back into society. It offers a second chance and reduces the deleterious consequences that a criminal conviction would otherwise have on an individual’s life. This article explores the important advantages ARD offers eligible defendants who are charged with a crime. What is ARD? ARD is a pre-trial diversionary program provided by the Pennsylvania Rules of… read more »
Important Update: A federal court has temporarily halted enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA)
On December 3, 2024, the Eastern District of Texas Federal Court issued a nationwide preliminary injunction against the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) in the case of Texas Top Cop Shop v. Garland et al. This decision effectively suspends the enforcement of the CTA, which had mandated companies to report beneficial ownership information to FinCEN. Judge Mazzant delivered a scathing critique of the CTA, asserting that it likely exceeds Congressional authority and infringes upon state jurisdiction over corporate regulation. The court highlighted the substantial financial burden on businesses, with compliance costs estimated to surpass $22 billion in the initial year alone…. read more »
