Partridge Snow & Hahn Managing Partner, Howard Merten, was recently elected to serve on the Board of Trustees at Roger Williams University (RWU) by a unanimous vote among the voting Board. Howard commented, “Roger Williams University is a vibrant place and an extremely valuable resource to Rhode Island. I am looking forward to working with...
PS&H partner Paul Kessimian contributes his knowledge and insight in the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island’s first Virtual Litigation Academy video titled, How to Conduct a Bench Trial via Zoom. In the video, Mr. Kessimian and other practitioners and court personnel discuss the technical and logistical aspects of preparing for a court...
By David M. DiSegna On Monday August 3, 2020, Rhode Island Commerce will begin accepting applications for “Restore RI” grants for small businesses. The new program will provide grants of up to $15,000 to Rhode Island businesses with 1-20 employees and restaurants and caterers of any size. Additional details have recently been released on the...
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted almost every business and nonprofit organization. Many experts have written about how nonprofits can handle fundraising during the crisis, suggesting increasing donor engagement, staying the course with capital campaigns, and increasing appeals focusing on the urgent need for current support. While some of these strategies may be very effective in...
As of July 2020, thirty-three states and the District of Columbia have in some manner legalized cannabis for medical purposes. Other states have passed more limited laws and regulations allowing the medical use of only certain low-THC cannabis extracts. In these “legalizing” states – where patients, obeying state law, are being treated with cannabis –...
Previously set to expire August 18, 2020, Governor Baker has extended Chapter 65 of the Acts of 2020, An Act Providing for a Moratorium on Evictions and Foreclosures During the COVID-19 Emergency (the “Act”), by 60 days through October 17, 2020. The provisions as they relate to small businesses remain in effect and unchanged, as such: A...
By Eugene G. Bernardo II and David M. DiSegna Two bills have recently been introduced in the U.S. Senate to help state and local bond issuers deal with the financial hardships caused by COVID-19. The Lifting Our Communities through Advance Liquidity for Infrastructure Act (S.4129) (the “LOCAL Infrastructure Act”) would reinstate tax-exempt advance refunding bonds,...
The Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR) has opened the application period for businesses that would like to obtain a license to operate one of 6 new medical marijuana dispensaries. Rhode Island has been limited to only 3 state-licensed medical marijuana dispensaries (known as “compassion centers”) since 2009. In 2019, the Rhode Island General...
Paul Kessimian served as a panelist in the webinar, COVID-19 – Commercial Contract Litigation, hosted by the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) on July 20, 2020 regarding likely trends in commercial contract litigation in light of COVID-19. Joining Paul as panelists were: Moderator: Judge Jennifer Bailey, Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court of Florida Speakers: Judge Christopher...
By David M. DiSegna On July 15, 2020, Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo announced a new small business grant program to be administered through Rhode Island Commerce. The “Restore RI” grant program will initially be funded with $50 million, and grants will be available for up to $15,000 for eligible Rhode Island businesses impacted by...
