Compliance with out of state investigative requests, like warrants, just got a little trickier for California companies. Under existing law, California technology and communications companies are required to produce specified user data in response to an out of state warrant as if that warrant was issued by a California court. But now there is one caveat—companies do not have to do so when the warrant relates to an out of state abortion investigation. On September 27, 2022, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill (AB-1242) that, in part, prohibits technology and communications companies headquartered or incorporated in California from providing user data to out-of-state law enforcement or government entities investigating abortions that would be lawful under California law. The new law also prohibits California companies from assisting the out-of-state entities in investigating or enforcing abortion violations. For California corporations, the law acts as a shield against warrants, court orders, subpoenas, or other legal processes from states attempting to enforce abortion laws that conflict with California law.

At long last, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) issued a final rule establishing a beneficial ownership information reporting requirement for corporations and companies both large and small. In its announcement earlier today, FinCEN explained that the rule will require most companies and corporations registered to do business in the United States to report information about their beneficial owners to FinCEN.

Securities and Exchange Commission officials highlighted a commitment to restoring trust in the agency and aggressive enforcement during the recent SEC Speaks conference.

See our alert for analysis of their comments and stated enforcement priorities, which addressed crypto markets, aggressive use of remedies, creditworthy cooperation, the Wells process, aggressive litigation, disgorgement efforts, municipal securities, gatekeeper…