Ohio state flag with marijuana leaf overlay

Recreational Marijuana Passes in Ohio
Ohio voters decided to join a growing number of states on November 7 by legalizing marijuana for recreational use for adults over the age of 21. Ohioans will soon be able to buy and possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and 15 grams of marijuana extract. They can also possess marijuana plants to cultivate... Read more »
FGKS Law 40th anniversary celebration with attorneys and families

FGKS Law’s 40th Anniversary Celebration
FGKS Law's 40th Anniversary Open House On October 25, 2023, FGKS Law celebrated its 40th anniversary with an open house at its newly renovated home office in Sidney, Ohio. The event brought together clients, employees, and former staff members, including founding partners John Garmhausen, Ralph Keister, and Jim Shenk. Also in attendance was Bonnie Faulkner,... Read more »
Breastfeeding pump with grainy image of mother breastfeeding an infant in the background

Final EEOC Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Regulations
At the end of last year, President Biden signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act for 2023, which included new legal protections for pregnant and nursing workers, aptly named the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act (“PUMP” Act) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (“PWFA”). While many employers are aware of these new laws, they... Read more »
Breastfeeding pump with grainy image of mother breastfeeding an infant in the background

EEOC Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Regulations
At the end of last year, President Biden signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act for 2023, which included new legal protections for pregnant and nursing workers, aptly named the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act (“PUMP” Act) and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (“PWFA”). While many employers are aware of these new laws, they... Read more »

Employee Retention and Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plans
Employee Retention: The Role of Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plans Many employers are struggling with employee hiring and retention.  When it comes to employee retention, competition is fierce, and a good portion of the workforce are employees that are willing to move jobs, often for far less in wage increases or benefit advantages than in past... Read more »

Changes to Treatment of Retirement Accounts Offers Medicaid Planning Opportunities
IRAs in Payout Status Are Exempt Assets For many retired individuals and couples, retirement accounts comprise some of their most valued assets, often eclipsing even the house. Historically in Ohio, IRAs have been counted as an available resource for Medicaid eligibility purposes. What this means, is, assets in an IRA were viewed by the local... Read more »

Sign-On and Referral Bonuses Present Potential Pitfalls
Know the Legal Implications of Employee Overtime Pay and Bonuses With the labor market becoming more competitive every day amidst the “Great Resignation”, finding and retaining top talent has never been more important. Many employers have turned to creative benefits in order to do so, such as paying out regular bonuses and incentivizing attendance. While... Read more »