Supreme Court's 2024-2025 Term and Local Government: Key Cases, Anticipated Impacts

Description

The 2024-2025 U.S. Supreme Court term includes several cases that could significantly impact local governments. These cases cover a range of issues, including employment law, environmental regulations, firearms control, and civil rights. Local governments, as major employers and regulatory bodies, must stay informed about these developments to effectively navigate the legal landscape.

Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services will address whether a plaintiff from a majority group must show "background circumstances" to support claims of discrimination under Title VII, potentially affecting local government liability as employers. EMD Sales v. Carrera will determine the burden of proof for employers to demonstrate exemptions from overtime pay under the FLSA, with significant financial implications for local governments. Stanley v. City of Stanford will decide if former employees can sue under the ADA for discrimination in post-employment benefits, impacting how local governments manage these benefits. Lackey v. Stinnie addresses when attorney's fees can be awarded in civil rights cases under Section 1988, potentially reducing litigation costs for local governments.

Barnes v. Felix will consider whether a police officer's use of deadly force should be judged in light of all circumstances, impacting law enforcement practices and accountability. Garland v. VanderStok will decide if weapon parts kits that can be converted into firearms are regulated under the Gun Control Act, with significant public safety implications for local law enforcement and the regulation of "ghost guns."

City and County of San Francisco v. EPA involves the EPA's authority to impose generic prohibitions in NPDES permits, providing clarity on Clean Water Act requirements and reducing penalty risks for local governments. And Seven Court Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, Colo. will address the extent of local government authority in regulating infrastructure projects, potentially impacting local control over development and environmental protection

Listen as our panel provides insights into these critical cases and their potential impacts on local governments.