Join the Department of Revenue on Oct. 4 at 8:30 a.m. CDT for a free webinar designed specifically for new businesses. In this webinar, participants will learn about state obligations for new businesses and other resources that may help them. Topics covered include tax registration, sales and use tax, business tax, franchise and excise taxes, and how to get help from the Department of Revenue as well as other state tax agencies. Register here.

Shelby County Probate Court Division 1 Judge Kathleen Gomes today ruled to end the conservatorship over retired NFL player Michael Oher and allowed Oher's case against conservators Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy to continue. Oher filed a petition in Shelby County Probate Court on Aug. 14 asking to terminate the conservatorship, which he claimed the family duped him into entering. The Daily Memphian reports that in addition to ending the conservatorship, Oher is seeking a full accounting of funds he believes the Tuohys made during the conservatorship, including money for “The Blind Side” movie, which he says he never received. He also has requested an unspecified amount.

In October, Tennessee lawyers are joining colleagues across the country to increase meaningful access to justice and commitment to pro bono work. Now in its 15th year, Tennessee’s statewide Celebrate Pro Bono Month initiative brings together legal services providers with bar associations, law schools, law firms and individual volunteers to offer free services to those unable to afford a lawyer. The month of October is an opportunity to focus attention on the significant need for pro bono services as well as a time to celebrate the outstanding work of those in the legal community who volunteer their services throughout the year. Events, including in-person and virtual opportunities to volunteer, will be promoted in TBA Today and via social media. The American Bar Association's National Pro Bono Celebration will be held the week of Oct. 22, with the theme "Voices of Democracy: Ensuring Justice for All." If you have information about an upcoming pro bono event, please share it with TBA at tbatoday@tnbar.org.

Franklin Orrin Craft died on Sept. 15 at age 88. A graduate of Memphis State University and Southern Law University, he passed the Tennessee bar in 1961. In 1968, he started Dennies Contracting Co. Inc., sold the company and retired in 1986. He and his wife moved to Siesta Key, Florida, in 1992. A memorial service will be held Oct. 8 at 2 p.m. EDT at Robert Toale & Sons Funeral Home, 170 Honore Ave., Sarasota, Florida 34232. A Memphis remembering will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

M. David Perez died Aug. 24 at age 54. He practiced law in Cheatham and Blount counties before settling in Gainesboro in Jackson County. A memorial service will be held Oct. 7 at 2 p.m. CDT at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, 1216 Sneed Rd. W., Franklin 37069.

The Texas State History Museum Foundation (TSHMF) will honor Dean of Belmont College of Law and former U.S. Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales as a 2024 History-Making Texan at the 20th annual Texas Independence Day Dinner in February. The award recognizes living Texas legends whose contributions to the state and the nation have been truly historic and exceptional in scope. Gonzales notes, “I am incredibly honored to be receiving such an award from my home state, and it is especially humbling to be joining the esteemed company of past honorees of the Texas State History Museum Foundation. I am grateful for those involved in my selection and for the many mentors, friends and family members who have supported me throughout my life.”

Clarksville is celebrating the opening of a new mental health court as part of a statewide effort to expand access to such courts, WKRN reports. Mental health courts are designed to reduce correctional costs, enhance community safety and improve public welfare. Participants are identified through a screening and assessment process, and they voluntarily agree to engage in community-based treatment. Tennessee has seen a significant increase in the number of mental health courts, with 17 now in operation due to increased funding and support from the state. These courts are seen as a way to reduce incarceration rates, improve public safety, and help individuals lead better lives.

There is increasing discussion among elected officials in outlying Shelby County cities about the possibility of forming a new county, though it remains a complex and challenging endeavor. The Daily Memphian reports that the idea has resurfaced in connection with topics like utility districts and concerns about crime rates and the governance of Shelby County. While some officials believe it's worth exploring the concept of a new county, others caution against raising unrealistic expectations and emphasize the difficulties involved in meeting constitutional requirements for creating a new county, including size and voter approval thresholds.

The Sixth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals yesterday allowed a state law that bans gender-affirming care for transgender youth — including treatments like puberty blockers and hormone therapy — to remain in effect while a legal challenge continues. WPLN reports that the court cited the recent Dobbs v. Jackson ruling, which ended the federal right to abortion, arguing that the law does not discriminate on the basis of sex. The decision reversed a lower court ruling, which had imposed a temporary partial injunction. The ACLU of Tennessee and Lambda Legal, which challenged the law, said in a statement that “Denying transgender youth equality before the law and needlessly withholding the necessary medical care their families and their doctors know is right for them has caused and will continue to cause serious harm.” Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti praised the ruling. Read his statement here.

Attorneys from Nashville’s Sister City of Caen, France, visited the state capital today. Members of the Bar of Caen went to the Tennessee Supreme Court with several local attorneys, including past TBA presidents Sherie Edwards and Gail Vaughn Ashworth. The group heard from Justice Roger Page and Court of Appeals Judge Andy Bennett. They also toured the court and museum. See photos from the event.