In This Issue:

- Election 2016: Where the Candidates Stand on Issues Affecting the Construction Industry:

Here we are. The rollercoaster 2016 election ends tomorrow. Millions of Americans have voted already. Polls show a close race heading into Election Day. As the last Americans go to the voting booth, we take a look back at what the candidates have said about the issues most affecting the construction industry...

- Off the Blacklist - Breaking News for Federal Contractors:

A frequent topic of discussion among federal contractors, subcontractors and their attorneys has been what many have viewed as an overreach of executive powers by the Obama Administration. Now, a federal judge has agreed by blocking implementation of certain requirements under an executive order requiring federal contractors to report all labor and employment law complaints...

- To Arbitrate Or Not to Arbitrate - Or Do We Even Get to That Question?

Chances are that if you work in the construction industry, you have had at least one construction dispute. The longer you work in the construction industry, the greater chance you have of encountering a dispute that does not go away with phone calls, meetings or a handshake deal. Some disputes lead to legal action. The kind of legal action that follows depends on the contracts-including warranties-created for or during the construction process itself...

- Who Will Inspect the Inspectors? Implications of Winkler v. State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors:

On September 20, 2016, certain construction trades entered into a Wild West era of deregulated inspection services. Inspections of already installed plumbing, heating and air conditioning, and fire sprinkler systems appear no longer to be subject to North Carolina regulatory oversight...

- Leaning In - Pennsylvania Refining the Mechanics Lien Law:

Pennsylvania has continued to refine its mechanics lien law in recent years, and next year will bring the most sweeping changes ever for owners and contractors that work on larger projects....

- Labor and Employment Hot Topics Impacting the Construction Industry:

A number of employment-related developments are likely to impact the construction industry. Let's review and briefly summarize some of these developments that could have major outcomes....

- They Did What? Fire Sprinkler Industry Stunned by North Carolina Legislature's Mistake:

North Carolina's legislature mistakenly removed the authority for the State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors to issue certain crucial industry licenses. What does this mean for the industry?