The U.S Supreme Court is preparing to weigh in on the legal challenge involving Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth. The U.S. Justice Department is contesting the law, which restricts access to puberty blockers and hormone therapy for minors. Tennessee is one of two dozen states enforcing such restrictions. This case is being described as one of the most important LGBTQ rights cases to reach the court according to Moore County News. The court previously allowed a similar ban in Idaho to take effect while legal challenges proceeded.

The Tennessee Senate Energy, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Committee met last Thursday to discuss proposed changes to state wetlands regulations. David Salyers, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, told lawmakers that allowing unchecked development on Tennessee’s wetlands — which serve to absorb floodwaters and replenish aquifers — could lead to flooding that will cost taxpayers “millions and millions of dollars down the road." Developers, by contrast, criticized the department's recommendations for not going far enough to remove restrictions that increase project costs and timelines. Tennessee Lookout reports on the hearing.

Tennesseans whose job was affected by Hurricane Helene can apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA), according to the Tennessee Department of Labor (TDOL) and Workforce Development. WSMV 4 News reports that individuals can apply regardless of whether federal DUA has been approved yet. Those receiving state unemployment should also apply for DUA to be eligible for additional federal benefits. For more information or to apply, visit the TDOL website.

The Tennessee Supreme Court has activated a limited disaster plan for trial courts in four judicial districts impacted by severe flooding from Hurricane Helene. The order extends deadlines for filings, statutes of limitation and certain court orders by 45 days, from Sept. 26 to Nov. 12. Orders of protection and temporary injunctions that would otherwise expire between those dates are now extended until Nov. 12. This action follows emergency declarations by Gov. Bill Lee and President Joe Biden that an emergency exists in the state of Tennessee, including parts of the First, Second, Third and Fourth Judicial Districts, according to a press release from the Administrative Office of the Courts.

The Tennessee Supreme Court today issued an order amending Rule 13 to among other things, make changes to the Administrative Office of the Court’s (AOC) Claims and Payment System (ACAP). To give the AOC time to implement the changes, the court set the effective date for Sec. 6(a)(1) as Dec. 1. All other changes — including those related to the financial obligations of parents, legal custodians and guardians in cases when a guardian ad litem is appointed and the crimes that affect the maximum compensation allowed for appointed criminal cases — will take effect immediately. The AOC had proposed various amendments to the rule on March 7. The court accepted comments on the proposal through May 6.

The TBA’s Animal Law Section held its annual forum today at the Nashville Zoo. Attendees heard from experts on issues affecting veterinary clinics and topics related to pet and animal liability, regulations and oversight in animal research, the veterinary client-patient relationship, pet trusts and more. Attendees also had the opportunity to explore the zoo during lunch and get to know two of the zoo’s residents — a python and anteater. See photos from the event.

Hurricane Helene has become one of the deadliest storms in the U.S., with over 200 deaths and hundreds still missing across six states, according to the Washington Post. The American Bar Association shared updates and ways to help across the entire region. The TBA continues to work closely with Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services (TALS), other partner organizations and government agencies on the provision of free civil legal services for those affected by Helene, including legal clinics. In Tennessee, the TALS website Help4TN and helpline 844-HELP4TN are always available and have specific resources and legal support for storm survivors. Lawyers from across the state are invited to complete this online form to volunteer to help disaster survivors. The TBA Disaster Resources page offers general information for those impacted by disasters, as well as those seeking to provide assistance. The TBA's Helene Disaster Response page has information and resources specific to this disaster.

Shelby County lawyer Cynthia Jeanne Tobin received a public censure from the Tennessee Supreme Court on Oct. 3. As a certified estate planning specialist, Tobin provided estate planning services for a client, including drafting multiple living trusts. At the client’s request, Tobin listed herself as the beneficiary of a gift of $30,000 and a necklace. The court found that Tobin did not advise the client of ethics restrictions against such a bequest and did not decline to represent the client to avoid ethical issues. Instead, she listed her law partner as the drafter of the documents without his knowledge. Her actions were determined to violate Rules of Professional Conduct 1.8(c), 1.16(a)(1), 2.1, 4.1(a) and 8.4(c).

Schyler M. Cox was censured by the Tennessee Supreme Court on Oct. 3 for falsely claiming her work hours. At the time of the violation, Cox was working remotely from South Carolina for a company that places attorneys to work in full-time positions as in-house counsel. The company required employees to submit weekly timesheets confirming completion of required hours. During a seven-week period, Cox was unable to complete any work due to personal issues, but submitted timesheets falsely claiming she worked the required hours. Her actions were determined to violate South Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct 8.4(b), 8.4(c) and 8.4(d).

TBA is partnering with Belmont College of Law, the Nashville Public Library, Tennessee Alliance for Legal Services and Vanderbilt School of Nursing to hold a power of Attorney clinic on Oct. 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. CDT at the Bordeaux Library Branch, 4000 Clarksville Pk., Nashville 37218. The clinic will offer assistance with drafting simple wills, powers of attorney (POAs) and advanced health care directives. Flu shots will also be available for individuals 18 or older, with no registration required. Contact Ginny Blake at ginny.blake@belmont.edu with questions.