84 results in 0.0059 seconds.
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Federal Reserve Board finalizes updates to the Board’s Rule concerning Debit Card Transactions
Federal Reserve Board finalizes updates to the Board’s Rule concerning Debit Card Transactions | site | Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release dated: October 3, 2022 The Federal Reserve Board on Monday finalized updates to the Board's rule concerning debit card transactions. Pursuant to statute, the updates specify that debit card issuers should enable at least two payment card networks to process all debit card transactions, including "card-not-present" transactions, such as online payments.1 The final rule is substantially similar to the proposal issued last year. By law, the Board is required to make rules ensuring that debit card issuers give merchants the opportunity to choose between at least two unaffiliated networks when routing debit card transactions. When the Board initially issued the rule in July 2011, the market had not developed solutions to broadly support multiple networks for card-not-pr... -
Federal Reserve Board finalizes Rule that governs Funds Transfers over the Federal Reserve Banks' FedNow Service
Federal Reserve Board finalizes Rule that governs Funds Transfers over the Federal Reserve Banks' FedNow Service | site |
Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release dated: May 19, 2022 The Federal Reserve Board on Thursday finalized a rule that governs funds transfers over the Federal Reserve Banks' FedNow℠ Service. The final rule is substantially similar to the proposal from last year, with a few clarifications in response to comments. The FedNow Service is a new 24x7x365 interbank settlement service with clearing functionality to support instant payments in the United States and is expected to be available in 2023. The final rule provides a comprehensive set of rules governing funds transfers over the FedNow Service and provides legal certainty and clarity on the rights and obligations of parties to a transfer over the FedNow Service. ... -
U.S. Department of Agriculture Publishes Origin of Livestock Final Rule for Organic Dairy
U.S. Department of Agriculture Publishes Origin of Livestock Final Rule for Organic Dairy | site |
Information contained in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) press release dated: March 29, 2022 Washington, March 29, 2022 - - Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture published the highly anticipated Origin of Livestock (OOL) final rule for organic dairy. This change to the USDA organic regulations will promote a fairer and more competitive market for all organic dairy producers, by making sure that certified USDA organic dairy products are produced to the same consistent standard. “This action demonstrates the USDA’s strong commitment to America’s organic dairy farmers,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. “The Origin of Livestock final rule provides clear and uniform standards about how and when livestock may be transitioned to organic dairy production, and how transitioned animals are managed within the orga... -
DOT Fines United Airlines for Violating Tarmac Delay Rule
U.S. Department of Transportation Fines United Airlines for Violating Tarmac Delay Rule | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Transportation press release dated: September 24, 2021) Washington - - The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today fined United Airlines $1.9 million for violating federal statutes and the Department’s rule prohibiting long tarmac delays. The airline was also ordered to cease and desist from future similar violations. This is the largest fine issued by the Department for tarmac delay violations. An extensive investigation by the Department’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) found that between December 2015 and February 2021, United allowed twenty domestic flights and five international flights at various airports throughout the United States to remain on the tarmac for a lengthy period of time without providing passengers an opportuni... -
HUD to issue Rule Protecting Tenants facing Evictions for Non-payment of Rent in HUD-assisted Properties
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to issue Rule Protecting Tenants facing Evictions for Non-payment of Rent in HUD-assisted Properties | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development press release dated: October 6, 2021)
Washington - - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on Wednesday announced that it will publish a rule that prohibits the eviction of tenants facing eviction for nonpayment of rent from HUD-subsidized public housing and certain properties with project-based rental assistance without providing a 30-day notice period that includes information about available federal emergency rental assistance. The interim rule, which will be published in the Federal Register on Thursday, October 7, provides that when there is a national emergency-such as the COVID-19 pandemic-and federal money is allocated to help tenants facing eviction for nonpayment of rent, the HUD Secreta... -
Statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices Final Rule
Statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices Final Rule | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Agriculture [USDA] press release dated: June 17, 2021) Washington, June 17, 2021 - - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack released the following statement today in regard to the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices (OLPP) final rule: “We intend to reconsider the prior Administration’s interpretation that the Organic Foods Production Act does not authorize USDA to regulate the practices that were the subject of the 2017 Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices (OLPP) final rule. I have directed the National Organic Program to begin a rulemaking to address this statutory interpretation and to include a proposal to disallow the use of porches as outdoor space in organic production over time and on other topics that were the subject of the OLPP final rule. We anticipate sen... -
Federal Reserve Board issues Final Rule amending Regulation D with regard to Interest on Reserve Balances
Federal Reserve Board issues Final Rule amending Regulation D with regard to Interest on Reserve Balances | site |
(Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release dated: June 2, 2021)
The Federal Reserve Board announced on Tuesday the approval of a final rule amending Regulation D to eliminate references to an interest on required reserves (IORR) rate and to an interest on excess reserves (IOER) rate and replace them with a single interest on reserve balances (IORB) rate. The final rule also simplifies the formula used to calculate the amount of interest to be paid on such balances and makes other minor conforming amendments. The final rule adopts the rule proposed by the Board on January 8, 2021 without change, and takes effect on Thursday, July 29, 2021.
Federal Register notice: Regulation D: Reserve Requirements of Depository Institutions... -
U.S. Department of Labor announces 18-month delay to Rule affecting Prevailing Wage for Certain Immigrants, Non-immigrants
U.S. Department of Labor announces 18-month delay to Rule affecting Prevailing Wage for Certain Immigrants, Non-immigrants | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: May 13, 2021) Washington, DC - - The U.S. Department of Labor today announced an 18-month delay in the effective date of the final rule, “Strengthening Wage Protections for the Temporary and Permanent Employment of Certain Aliens in the United States.” Published in January 2021, the final rule affects employers seeking to employ foreign workers on a permanent or temporary basis through certain immigrant visas or through H-1B, H-1B1 and E-3 non-immigrant visas. The final rule will now go into effect on Nov. 14, 2022. The delay will provide the department with sufficient time to consider the final rule’s legal and policy issues thoroughly, and to review the public comments received in response to a Request for Information ... -
FDIC Issues Proposed Rule Regarding False Advertising, Misrepresentations About Insured Status, and Misuse of the FDIC’s Name or Logo
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Issues Proposed Rule Regarding False Advertising, Misrepresentations About Insured Status, and Misuse of the FDIC’s Name or Logo | site |
(Information contained in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation press release dated: April 22, 2021) Washington - - The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) today issued a proposed rule implementing its statutory authority to prohibit any person or organization from making misrepresentations about FDIC deposit insurance or misusing the FDIC’s name or logo. This statutory authority allows the FDIC to bring formal enforcement actions, such as cease and desist orders or civil money penalties, against individuals or entities for violations. The proposed rule describes the process by which the FDIC would identify and investigate potential violations, and the procedures it would follow, when formally and informally enforcing the statutory prohibitions. The propo... -
U.S. Department of Labor announces Proposed 18-month Delay to Prevailing Wage Rule Affecting Certain Immigrants, Non-Immigrants
U.S. Department of Labor announces Proposed 18-month Delay to Prevailing Wage Rule Affecting Certain Immigrants, Non-Immigrants | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: March 22, 2021)
Washington, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor has announced that it has proposed an 18-month delay in the effective date of a final rule on calculating prevailing wages of certain immigrants and non-immigrant workers. Published in January 2021, the final rule affects employers seeking to employ foreign workers on a permanent or temporary basis through certain immigrant visas or through H-1B, H-1B1 and E-3 non-immigrant visas. The proposed delay will provide the department with sufficient time to consider the rule’s legal and policy issues thoroughly, and issue an upcoming Request for Information and gather public comments on the sources and methods for determining prevailing wage levels. The proposed del... -
Federal Bank Regulators issue Rule supporting Treasury's Investments in Minority Depository Institutions and Community Development Financial Institutions
Federal Bank Regulators issue Rule supporting Treasury's Investments in Minority Depository Institutions and Community Development Financial Institutions | site |
(Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release dated: March 9, 2021)
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
Federal bank regulatory agencies today announced an interim final rule that supports the Treasury Department's implementation of a program established by Congress to make capital investments in minority depository institutions and community development financial institutions.
The Treasury Department's Emergency Capital Investment Program (ECIP) will support the efforts of these financial institutions to provide loans, grants, and forbearance to small businesses, minority-owned businesses,... -
Federal Reserve Board announces Final Rule intended to Reduce Risk and Increase Efficiency in the Financial System by applying Netting Protections to a broader Range of Financial Institutions
Federal Reserve Board announces Final Rule intended to Reduce Risk and Increase Efficiency in the Financial System by applying Netting Protections to a broader Range of Financial Institutions | site |
(Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release dated: February 18, 2021) The Federal Reserve Board on Thursday announced a final rule that is intended to reduce risk and increase efficiency in the financial system by applying netting protections to a broader range of financial institutions. The final rule amends Regulation EE (Financial Institution Netting) to apply netting provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (FDICIA) to certain new entities including swap dealers. The rule would also make minor clarifications to the existing activities-based test in Regulation EE to clarify how the activities-based test applies following a consolidation of legal entities. Sections 401... -
Federal Reserve Board announces the second Extension of a Rule to bolster the effectiveness of the Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program
Federal Reserve Board announces the second Extension of a Rule to bolster the effectiveness of the Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) | site |
(Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release dated: February 9, 2021)
The Federal Reserve Board on Tuesday announced the second extension of a rule to bolster the effectiveness of the Small Business Administration's (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Like the earlier extensions, this one will temporarily modify the Board's rules so that certain bank directors and shareholders can apply to their banks for PPP loans for their small businesses. To prevent favoritism, the Board limits the types and quantity of loans that bank directors, shareholders, officers, and businesses owned by these persons can receive from their affiliated banks. However, these limits have prevented some small business owners from accessing PPP loans—especially in rural ar... -
FDIC Approves Rule on the Role of Supervisory Guidance
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Approves Rule on the Role of Supervisory Guidance | site |
(Information contained in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation [FDIC] press release dated: January 19, 2021) Washington - - The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) approved a final rule outlining and confirming the agency’s use of supervisory guidance for regulated institutions. The final rule codifies the interagency statement on the role of supervisory guidance, as amended, issued in September 2018 to clarify the differences between regulations and guidance, and states that the Statement is binding on the agency. Unlike a law or regulation, supervisory guidance does not have the force and effect of law, and the FDIC does not take enforcement actions based on supervisory guidance. Rather, supervisory guidance outlines the FDIC’s supervisory expectations or priorities and articulates the FDIC’s general views regarding appropriate practices f... -
Commerce Department Issues Interim Rule to Secure the ICTS Supply Chain
Commerce Department Issues Interim Rule to Secure the ICTS Supply Chain | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Commerce press release dated: January 14, 2021)
Pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13873, “Securing the Information and Communications Technology and Services (ICTS) Supply Chain,” today U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross issued an interim final rule to address the national security, economic security, and public health and safety concerns related to ICTS Transactions. The rule will ensure the resilience of, and trust in, our Nation’s ICTS supply chain, and, for the purposes of this rule, identifies six foreign governments or foreign non-government persons as foreign adversaries: the People’s Republic of China (China), the Russian Federation (Russia), the Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran), the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), the Republic of Cuba (Cuba),...
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Federal Reserve Board finalizes updates to the Board’s Rule concerning Debit Card Transactions | site | Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release dated: October 3, 2022 The Federal Reserve Board on Monday finalized updates to the Board's rule concerning debit card transactions. Pursuant to statute, the updates specify that debit card issuers should enable at least two payment card networks to process all debit card transactions, including "card-not-present" transactions, such as online payments.1 The final rule is substantially similar to the proposal issued last year. By law, the Board is required to make rules ensuring that debit card issuers give merchants the opportunity to choose between at least two unaffiliated networks when routing debit card transactions. When the Board initially issued the rule in July 2011, the market had not developed solutions to broadly support multiple networks for card-not-pr...10-22-2022, 03:36 PM -
Federal Reserve Board finalizes Rule that governs Funds Transfers over the Federal Reserve Banks' FedNow Service | site |
Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release dated: May 19, 2022 The Federal Reserve Board on Thursday finalized a rule that governs funds transfers over the Federal Reserve Banks' FedNow℠ Service. The final rule is substantially similar to the proposal from last year, with a few clarifications in response to comments. The FedNow Service is a new 24x7x365 interbank settlement service with clearing functionality to support instant payments in the United States and is expected to be available in 2023. The final rule provides a comprehensive set of rules governing funds transfers over the FedNow Service and provides legal certainty and clarity on the rights and obligations of parties to a transfer over the FedNow Service. ...05-23-2022, 05:15 PM -
U.S. Department of Agriculture Publishes Origin of Livestock Final Rule for Organic Dairy | site |
Information contained in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) press release dated: March 29, 2022 Washington, March 29, 2022 - - Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture published the highly anticipated Origin of Livestock (OOL) final rule for organic dairy. This change to the USDA organic regulations will promote a fairer and more competitive market for all organic dairy producers, by making sure that certified USDA organic dairy products are produced to the same consistent standard. “This action demonstrates the USDA’s strong commitment to America’s organic dairy farmers,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. “The Origin of Livestock final rule provides clear and uniform standards about how and when livestock may be transitioned to organic dairy production, and how transitioned animals are managed within the orga...04-04-2022, 11:30 PM -
U.S. Department of Transportation Fines United Airlines for Violating Tarmac Delay Rule | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Transportation press release dated: September 24, 2021) Washington - - The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today fined United Airlines $1.9 million for violating federal statutes and the Department’s rule prohibiting long tarmac delays. The airline was also ordered to cease and desist from future similar violations. This is the largest fine issued by the Department for tarmac delay violations. An extensive investigation by the Department’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) found that between December 2015 and February 2021, United allowed twenty domestic flights and five international flights at various airports throughout the United States to remain on the tarmac for a lengthy period of time without providing passengers an opportuni...10-13-2021, 06:59 PM -
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to issue Rule Protecting Tenants facing Evictions for Non-payment of Rent in HUD-assisted Properties | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development press release dated: October 6, 2021)
Washington - - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on Wednesday announced that it will publish a rule that prohibits the eviction of tenants facing eviction for nonpayment of rent from HUD-subsidized public housing and certain properties with project-based rental assistance without providing a 30-day notice period that includes information about available federal emergency rental assistance. The interim rule, which will be published in the Federal Register on Thursday, October 7, provides that when there is a national emergency-such as the COVID-19 pandemic-and federal money is allocated to help tenants facing eviction for nonpayment of rent, the HUD Secreta...10-13-2021, 12:08 AM -
Statement from Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices Final Rule | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Agriculture [USDA] press release dated: June 17, 2021) Washington, June 17, 2021 - - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack released the following statement today in regard to the Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices (OLPP) final rule: “We intend to reconsider the prior Administration’s interpretation that the Organic Foods Production Act does not authorize USDA to regulate the practices that were the subject of the 2017 Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices (OLPP) final rule. I have directed the National Organic Program to begin a rulemaking to address this statutory interpretation and to include a proposal to disallow the use of porches as outdoor space in organic production over time and on other topics that were the subject of the OLPP final rule. We anticipate sen...06-23-2021, 05:52 AM -
Federal Reserve Board issues Final Rule amending Regulation D with regard to Interest on Reserve Balances | site |
(Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release dated: June 2, 2021)
The Federal Reserve Board announced on Tuesday the approval of a final rule amending Regulation D to eliminate references to an interest on required reserves (IORR) rate and to an interest on excess reserves (IOER) rate and replace them with a single interest on reserve balances (IORB) rate. The final rule also simplifies the formula used to calculate the amount of interest to be paid on such balances and makes other minor conforming amendments. The final rule adopts the rule proposed by the Board on January 8, 2021 without change, and takes effect on Thursday, July 29, 2021.
Federal Register notice: Regulation D: Reserve Requirements of Depository Institutions...06-05-2021, 12:54 AM -
U.S. Department of Labor announces 18-month delay to Rule affecting Prevailing Wage for Certain Immigrants, Non-immigrants | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: May 13, 2021) Washington, DC - - The U.S. Department of Labor today announced an 18-month delay in the effective date of the final rule, “Strengthening Wage Protections for the Temporary and Permanent Employment of Certain Aliens in the United States.” Published in January 2021, the final rule affects employers seeking to employ foreign workers on a permanent or temporary basis through certain immigrant visas or through H-1B, H-1B1 and E-3 non-immigrant visas. The final rule will now go into effect on Nov. 14, 2022. The delay will provide the department with sufficient time to consider the final rule’s legal and policy issues thoroughly, and to review the public comments received in response to a Request for Information ...05-14-2021, 10:18 PM -
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Issues Proposed Rule Regarding False Advertising, Misrepresentations About Insured Status, and Misuse of the FDIC’s Name or Logo | site |
(Information contained in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation press release dated: April 22, 2021) Washington - - The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) today issued a proposed rule implementing its statutory authority to prohibit any person or organization from making misrepresentations about FDIC deposit insurance or misusing the FDIC’s name or logo. This statutory authority allows the FDIC to bring formal enforcement actions, such as cease and desist orders or civil money penalties, against individuals or entities for violations. The proposed rule describes the process by which the FDIC would identify and investigate potential violations, and the procedures it would follow, when formally and informally enforcing the statutory prohibitions. The propo...04-29-2021, 10:05 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor announces Proposed 18-month Delay to Prevailing Wage Rule Affecting Certain Immigrants, Non-Immigrants | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: March 22, 2021)
Washington, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor has announced that it has proposed an 18-month delay in the effective date of a final rule on calculating prevailing wages of certain immigrants and non-immigrant workers. Published in January 2021, the final rule affects employers seeking to employ foreign workers on a permanent or temporary basis through certain immigrant visas or through H-1B, H-1B1 and E-3 non-immigrant visas. The proposed delay will provide the department with sufficient time to consider the rule’s legal and policy issues thoroughly, and issue an upcoming Request for Information and gather public comments on the sources and methods for determining prevailing wage levels. The proposed del...03-22-2021, 08:17 PM -
Federal Bank Regulators issue Rule supporting Treasury's Investments in Minority Depository Institutions and Community Development Financial Institutions | site |
(Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release dated: March 9, 2021)
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
Federal bank regulatory agencies today announced an interim final rule that supports the Treasury Department's implementation of a program established by Congress to make capital investments in minority depository institutions and community development financial institutions.
The Treasury Department's Emergency Capital Investment Program (ECIP) will support the efforts of these financial institutions to provide loans, grants, and forbearance to small businesses, minority-owned businesses,...03-10-2021, 09:30 AM -
Federal Reserve Board announces Final Rule intended to Reduce Risk and Increase Efficiency in the Financial System by applying Netting Protections to a broader Range of Financial Institutions | site |
(Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release dated: February 18, 2021) The Federal Reserve Board on Thursday announced a final rule that is intended to reduce risk and increase efficiency in the financial system by applying netting protections to a broader range of financial institutions. The final rule amends Regulation EE (Financial Institution Netting) to apply netting provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (FDICIA) to certain new entities including swap dealers. The rule would also make minor clarifications to the existing activities-based test in Regulation EE to clarify how the activities-based test applies following a consolidation of legal entities. Sections 401...02-22-2021, 09:03 PM -
Federal Reserve Board announces the second Extension of a Rule to bolster the effectiveness of the Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) | site |
(Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release dated: February 9, 2021)
The Federal Reserve Board on Tuesday announced the second extension of a rule to bolster the effectiveness of the Small Business Administration's (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Like the earlier extensions, this one will temporarily modify the Board's rules so that certain bank directors and shareholders can apply to their banks for PPP loans for their small businesses. To prevent favoritism, the Board limits the types and quantity of loans that bank directors, shareholders, officers, and businesses owned by these persons can receive from their affiliated banks. However, these limits have prevented some small business owners from accessing PPP loans—especially in rural ar...02-09-2021, 07:31 PM -
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Approves Rule on the Role of Supervisory Guidance | site |
(Information contained in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation [FDIC] press release dated: January 19, 2021) Washington - - The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) approved a final rule outlining and confirming the agency’s use of supervisory guidance for regulated institutions. The final rule codifies the interagency statement on the role of supervisory guidance, as amended, issued in September 2018 to clarify the differences between regulations and guidance, and states that the Statement is binding on the agency. Unlike a law or regulation, supervisory guidance does not have the force and effect of law, and the FDIC does not take enforcement actions based on supervisory guidance. Rather, supervisory guidance outlines the FDIC’s supervisory expectations or priorities and articulates the FDIC’s general views regarding appropriate practices f...01-20-2021, 11:16 PM -
Commerce Department Issues Interim Rule to Secure the ICTS Supply Chain | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Commerce press release dated: January 14, 2021)
Pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13873, “Securing the Information and Communications Technology and Services (ICTS) Supply Chain,” today U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross issued an interim final rule to address the national security, economic security, and public health and safety concerns related to ICTS Transactions. The rule will ensure the resilience of, and trust in, our Nation’s ICTS supply chain, and, for the purposes of this rule, identifies six foreign governments or foreign non-government persons as foreign adversaries: the People’s Republic of China (China), the Russian Federation (Russia), the Islamic Republic of Iran (Iran), the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), the Republic of Cuba (Cuba),...01-20-2021, 04:51 AM -
U.S. Small Business Administration Proposes Rule to Eliminate Regulations that Exclude Faith-Based Organizations from Seven SBA Programs | site |
Public Comments Due by February 18, 2021
(Information contained in U.S. Small Business Administration [SBA] press release dated: January 19, 2021) Washington - - The U.S. Small Business Administration invites public comment on a proposed rule designed to remove regulatory provisions that exclude certain faith-based organizations from seven business loan and disaster assistance programs. These programs include the Intermediary Lending Program (ILP), Business Loan programs (7(a), Microloan and 504 programs), Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan (MREIDL) program and Immediate Disaster Assistance Program (IDAP). Because these provisions exclude otherwise eligible applicants based on their religious status, they violate their cons...01-19-2021, 09:44 PM -
Federal Reserve Board finalizes a Rule that updates the Board's Capital Planning Requirements to be Consistent with other Board Rules that were recently modified | site |
(Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release: January 19, 2021)
The Federal Reserve Board on Tuesday finalized a rule that updates the Board's capital planning requirements to be consistent with other Board rules that were recently modified. The final rule is generally similar to the proposal. In 2019, the Board finalized a framework that sorts large banks into different categories based on their risks, with requirements that are tailored to the risks of each category. The Board's capital planning requirements for these large banks help ensure they plan for and determine their capital needs under a range of different scenarios. The rule finalized today reflects that new framework. In particular, firms in the lowe...01-19-2021, 07:17 PM -
HHS Office for Civil Rights Publishes Proposed Rule Protecting Infants Born Alive from Discrimination on the Basis of Disability | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release dated: January 15, 2021)
Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a proposed rule promoting the fundamental human dignity of individuals with disabilities in the nation’s health care system and protecting the rights of parents seeking treatment for infants with disabilities. The proposed rule, “Special Responsibilities of Medicare Hospitals in Emergency Cases and Discrimination on the Basis of Disability in Critical Health and Human Service Programs or Activities,” updates and clarifies existing Departmental regulations to conform with statutory protections against disability discrimination, and establishes that HHS’ regulations:- Protect patients, including infants
01-19-2021, 04:14 AM -
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services says it puts Patients Over Paperwork with New Rule that Addresses the Prior Authorization Process | site |
(Information contained in Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services press release dated: January 15, 2021) Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized a signature accomplishment of the new Office of Burden Reduction & Health Informatics (OBRHI). This final rule builds on the efforts to drive interoperability, empower patients, and reduce costs and burden in the healthcare market by promoting secure electronic access to health data in new and innovative ways. These significant changes include allowing certain payers, providers and patients to have electronic access to pending and active prior authorization decisions, which should result in fewer repeated requests for prior authorizations, reducing costs and onerous administrative burden to our frontline providers. This final rule ...01-18-2021, 11:17 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor announces Final Rule to Clarify Independent Contractor Status under the Fair Labor Standards Act | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release: January 6, 2021)
Washington, DC - - The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a final rule clarifying the standard for employee versus independent contractor status under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).
“This rule brings long-needed clarity for American workers and employers,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. “Sharpening the test to determine who is an independent contractor under the Fair Labor Standards Act makes it easier to identify employees covered by the Act, while recognizing and respecting the entrepreneurial spirit of workers who choose to pursue the freedom associated with being an independent contractor.”
“Streamlining and clarifying the test to identify independent contractors will reduce worker...01-07-2021, 06:18 AM -
U.S. Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service Release Final Rule on Section 45Q Credit Regulations | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of the Treasury press release dated: January 6, 2021)
Washington - - Today, the Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued final regulations regarding the section 45Q credit for qualified carbon oxide sequestration using carbon capture equipment placed in service on or after the date of the enactment of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018. “These final regulations provide taxpayers and the American energy sector with needed clarity on utilizing the section 45Q credit,” said Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin. “These regulations are an essential step toward harnessing the entrepreneurial spirit of Americans to further modernize the American energy sector, while ensuring American energy producers maintain their competitive edge around the world.” These final r...01-07-2021, 02:19 AM -
U.S. Department of Transportation Proposes Rule to Expand Mobility for People With Disabilities | site |
Would improve access to rental cars, simplify transportation of wheelchairs and power scooters
(Information contained in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration press release dated: December 28, 2020)
December 28, 2020 | Washington, DC - - The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today proposed a rule to expand mobility for people with disabilities. This supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking would allow two new modifications for adaptive equipment. “This rule will make it easier for individuals with disabilities to achieve greater mobility and freedom in their lives,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao. The first proposed change would allow rental car companies to disable temporarily a driver’s knee bolster air bag to install hand con...01-01-2021, 07:55 PM -
Boeing Supports U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Final CO2 Rule for Aircraft Emissions | site |
(Information contained in The Boeing Company press release: December 28, 2020) Washington, D.C., Dec. 28, 2020— Boeing [NYSE: BA] today released the following statement: “We are proud that the EPA took this step to finalize the ICAO CO2 standard for aircraft emissions. This is vital for protecting the environment and supporting the sustainable growth of commercial aviation and the United States economy. The EPA’s standard will help tackle climate change and ensure that Boeing products will meet the same requirements as our competitors around the world. The standard is one of the essential pillars of the industry’s strategy to cut net global aviation emissions to half of what they were in 2005 by 2050. Aviation is one of only two industrial sectors that has adopted global CO2 goals, underscoring our steadfast commitment to our communities and ...12-29-2020, 08:29 AM -
U.S. Department of Labor issues Final Rule to Amend Tipped Employee Regulations | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release dated: December 22, 2020)
Washington, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a final rule protecting the tips of employees. This rule addresses amendments made to Section 3(m) of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) by the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) of 2018. The CAA prohibits employers from keeping tips received by their employees, regardless of whether the employer takes a credit for tips earned by workers toward its minimum wage obligation to those employees under the FLSA (a “tip credit”). The rule also prohibits employers from allowing managers or supervisors to keep any portion of employees’ tips. “This final rule provides clarity and flexibility for employers and could increase pay for back-of-the house workers, like cooks and dishwashers, who have been excluded fr...12-26-2020, 08:34 PM -
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Proposes Amendments to Rule 144 and Form 144 | site |
Designed to Reduce Risk of Unregistered Distributions
(Information included in U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission [SEC] press release: December 22, 2020)
Washington D.C., Dec. 22, 2020 - - The Securities and Exchange Commission today voted to propose an amendment to Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933 to revise the holding period determination for securities acquired upon the conversion or exchange of certain "market-adjustable securities." The proposed amendment is intended to reduce the risk of unregistered distributions in connection with sales of those securities. The Commission also voted to propose amendments to update and simplify the Form 144 filing requirements. "Today's proposed amendments modernize, clarify and strengthen Rule 144, including to ensure that holders of market-adjustable securities are assumin...12-26-2020, 04:51 PM -
Federal Railroad Administration Publishes Final Rule for State Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Action Plans | site |
All states and the District of Columbia impacted
(Information contained in Federal Railroad Administration [FRA] press release: December 15, 2020) Washington - - The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) published a final rule requiring 40 states and the District of Columbia to develop and implement highway-rail grade crossing action plans to improve public safety. In addition, the rule requires 10 states that have already developed grade crossing action plans, as required by the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (RSIA) and FRA’s implementing regulation, to update their plans and submit reports describing the actions they have taken to implement them. “Grade crossing accidents and incidents are the second leading cause of rail-related deaths in the United States, but nearly every one of...12-24-2020, 06:53 PM -
American Hospital Association Statement on Court Delay of Most Favored Nation Model Interim Final Rule | site |
(Information contained in American Hospital Association [AHA] press release: December 23, 2020)
American Hospital Association Statement on Court Delay of Most Favored Nation Model Interim Final Rule
Tom Nickels
Executive Vice President
American Hospital Association
December 23, 2020
The AHA is pleased that Judge Blake has granted a temporary restraining order to prevent the Most Favored Nation (MFN) Model interim final rule from taking effect on January 1. Hospitals and health systems have very deep concerns about the substance and legality of this model, and the AHA filed a Declaration with this lawsuit expressing how the model could negatively impact hospitals, health systems and the patients they care for. Instead of holding drug companies...12-24-2020, 03:23 AM -
Federal Reserve Board invites Public Comment on Proposed Amendments to Regulation D and issues Final Rule amending Regulation D with regard to Reserve Requirement Ratios on Transaction Accounts
| site |
(Information contained in Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System press release: December 22, 2020) The Federal Reserve Board on Tuesday issued a notice of proposed rulemaking that requests public comment on proposed amendments to Regulation D (Reserve Requirements of Depository Institutions). Under the proposal, references to an "interest on required reserves" ("IORR") rate and to an "interest on excess reserves" ("IOER") rate would be replaced with a single "interest on reserve balances" ("IORB") rate. The proposed amendments would make other conforming changes, such as simplifying the formula used to calculate the amount of interest paid on balances maintained by or on behalf of eligible institutions in master accounts at Federal Reserve Ban...12-24-2020, 02:19 AM -
U.S. Department of Agriculture Announces Joint Final Rule Regarding Equal Treatment of Faith-Based Organizations USDA-Supported Social Service Programs | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Agriculture [USDA] press release: December 14, 2020) (Washington, D.C., December 14, 2020) – Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a joint final rule with eight other Agencies—the Department of Justice, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Labor, the Department of Education, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Agency for International Development, and the Department of Veterans Affairs—to implement President Trump’s Executive Order No. 13831, on the Establishment of a White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative (May 3, 2018). This rule ensures that religious and non-religious organizations are treated equally in USDA-supported programs, and it clar...12-15-2020, 07:17 AM -
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Announces Joint Final Rule Regarding Equal Treatment of Faith-Based Organizations in DHS-Supported Social Service Programs | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Homeland Security press release: December 14, 2020) Today, December 14, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a joint final rule with eight other Agencies—the Department of Justice, the Department of Labor, the Department of Education, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Agriculture, the Agency for International Development, and the Department of Veterans Affairs—to implement President Trump’s Executive Order No. 13831, on the Establishment of a White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative (May 3, 2018). This rule ensures that religious and non-religious organizations are treated equally in DHS-supported programs, and it clarifies that religious organizatio...12-14-2020, 08:26 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor announces Joint Final Rule regarding Equal Treatment of Faith-based Organizations in Department of Labor-supported Social Service Programs | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Labor press release: December 14, 2020) Washington, DC - - Today, the U.S. Department of Labor announced a joint final rule with eight other Agencies – the Department of Justice, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Education, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Agriculture, the Agency for International Development and the Department of Veterans Affairs – to implement President Trump’s Executive Order No. 13831, on the Establishment of a White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative (May 3, 2018). This rule ensures that religious and non-religious organizations are treated equally in Department of Labor-supported programs, and it clar...12-14-2020, 07:32 PM -
U.S. Department of Education Announces Joint Final Rule Regarding Equal Treatment of Faith-Based Organizations in Department-Supported Social Service Programs| site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Education press release: December 14, 2020) Washington - - Today, December 14, 2020, the Department of Education announced a joint final rule with eight other agencies — the Department of Justice, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Labor, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Agriculture, the Agency for International Development, and the Department of Veterans Affairs — to implement President Trump’s Executive Order No. 13831, on the Establishment of a White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative (May 3, 2018). This rule ensures that religious and non-religious organizations are treated equally in Department-supported programs, and it clar...12-14-2020, 07:09 PM -
HHS Proposes Modifications to the HIPAA Privacy Rule to Empower Patients, Improve Coordinated Care, and Reduce Regulatory Burdens| site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release: December 10, 2020) Today, the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announces proposed changes to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule to support individuals’ engagement in their care, remove barriers to coordinated care, and reduce regulatory burdens on the health care industry. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) is part of HHS’s Regulatory Sprint to Coordinated Care, initiated under HHS Secretary Alex Azar’s value-based transformation agenda and led by HHS Deputy Secretary Eric Hargan, which seeks to promote value-based health care by examining federal regulations that impede efforts among health care providers and health pl...12-10-2020, 11:33 PM -
U.S. Department of Transportation Fines Aerolíneas Argentinas for Violating Tarmac Delay Rule | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Transportation press release: December 4, 2020) Washington - - The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today fined Aerolíneas Argentinas $300,000 for violating a federal statute and the Department’s rule prohibiting long tarmac delays. The airline was also ordered to cease and desist from future similar violations. An investigation by the Department’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) found that Aerolíneas Argentinas allowed two flights from Buenos Aires to New York – one on February 9, 2017 and another on January 4, 2018 – to remain on the tarmac for a lengthy period of time without providing passengers an opportunity to deplane. The 2017 tarmac delay lasted 4 hours and 46 minutes, and the 2018 tarmac delay lasted 4 hours and 35 minutes and resulted in passengers vigorously requesting t...12-05-2020, 12:54 AM -
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Finalizes Good Guidance Practices Rule and Issues Advisory Opinion Regarding Compliance with Notice-and-Comment Obligations | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services press release: December 3, 2020)
Today, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) finalized a Good Guidance Practices rule to help ensure that the public receives appropriate notice of new guidance documents and that HHS guidance documents do not impose obligations on regulated parties that are not already reflected in statutes or regulations. This final rule implements Executive Order 13891 and is part of a broader regulatory reform initiative within HHS. The Good Guidance Practices regulation clarifies HHS’s obligations under the Administrative Procedure Act and enhances how HHS issues and maintains guidance documents. The rule requires all guidance documents issued after the rule’s ef...12-04-2020, 05:07 PM -
U.S. Department of Transportation Announces Final Rule on Traveling by Air with Service Animals | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Transportation press release: December 2, 2020)
Washington - - The U.S. Department of Transportation today announced that it is revising its Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) regulation on the transportation of service animals by air to ensure a safe and accessible air transportation system. The final rule on Traveling by Air with Service Animals can be found HERE.
The Department received more than 15,000 comments on the notice of proposed rulemaking. The final rule announced today addresses concerns raised by individuals with disabilities, airlines, flight attendants, airports, other aviation transportation stakeholders, and other members of the public, regarding service animals on aircraft.
The final rule:- Defines a service animal as a dog that is individually trained to do
12-03-2020, 03:32 AM -
U.S. Department of Transportation Issues Final Rule Providing Clarity on Unfair and Deceptive Practices in Aviation Consumer Protection | site |
(Information contained in U.S. Department of Transportation press release dated: November 27, 2020) WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation today announced that it has issued a final rule codifying its longstanding definitions for the terms “unfair” and “deceptive” when the Department uses its statutory authority to prohibit unfair or deceptive practices by airlines or ticket agents. Most of the Department’s aviation consumer protection regulations, such as the Department’s tarmac delay rule and rules on overbooking, are based on the Department’s authority to prohibit unfair or deceptive practices. As defined by the final rule, a practice is “unfair” to consumers if it causes or is likely to cause substantial injury, which is not reasonably avoidable, and the harm is not outweighed by be...12-01-2020, 06:51 AM -
American Hospital Association Statement on Most Favored Nation Model Interim Final Rule | site |
(Information contained in American Hospital Association [AHA] press release: November 20, 2020)
AHA Statement on Most Favored Nation Model Interim Final Rule
Tom Nickels
Executive Vice President
American Hospital Association
November 20, 2020
America’s hospitals and health systems have very deep concerns about the substance and legality of today’s Most Favored Nation Model interim final rule. Instead of holding drug companies accountable for drug prices, it slashes reimbursement to hospitals for drugs. In addition to the continued concerns we have expressed about the impact this model has on the 340B drug pricing program, we strongly question whether attempting to institute such a sweeping and controversial policy in an interim final rule is legally permissible. B...11-23-2020, 10:29 PM -
Federal Reserve Board issues Final Rule modifying the Annual Assessment fees for its Supervision and Regulation of large Financial Companies | site |
(Information contained in press release issued by Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System: November 19, 2020) The Federal Reserve Board on Thursday issued a final rule modifying the annual assessment fees for its supervision and regulation of large financial companies, as required by the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (EGRRCPA). The final rule is nearly identical to the proposal issued in November 2019. The final rule raises the threshold at which fees are assessed for bank holding companies and savings and loan holding companies from $50 billion to $100 billion in total consolidated assets. Additionally, it adjusts the amount charged to certain bank holding companies and savings and loan holding companies following changes from the Board related to the EGRRCPA. The fi...11-20-2020, 04:21 PM -
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services publishes Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program Managed Care Final Rule Fact Sheet | site |
(November 9, 2020) - - On November 9, 2020 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published the following:
Medicaid & Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Managed Care Final Rule - CMS-2408-F
Overview The announcement of the 2020 Medicaid & CHIP Managed Care final rule highlights the Trump Administration’s continued commitment to reduce administrative burden and cut red tape, support state flexibility, and promote transparency and innovation in the Medicaid and CHIP programs for the growing number of people in Medicaid and CHIP managed care. This final rule finalizes policies from the Notice of Proposed Rule Making issued in November 2018. Based on 2018 state Medicaid and CHIP enrollment data, eighty three percent, or around 66 million people, are enrolled in...11-16-2020, 01:32 AM -
Federal Trade Commission Releases Agenda for Franchise Rule Virtual Workshop| site |
(November 3, 2020) - - Today, November 3, 2020, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) published the following information:
The Federal Trade Commission has released the agenda for the Franchise Rule virtual workshop on November 10.
The event will explore a number of issues related to the Franchise Rule, and the comments received in response to the FTC’s request for comment about the Rule last year. The Rule is designed to ensure that consumers who are considering buying a franchise have key information they need to weigh the risks and benefits of that potential investment. Andrew Smith, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, will give introductory remarks to kick off the event and will be followed by Congressman Kevin Hern of Oklahoma, who will give an opening address. The three panel discussion will focus on representations that franch...11-05-2020, 03:14 PM -
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Perdue Statement on DOL's H2A Wage Rule | site |
(November 2, 2020) - - Today, November 2, 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) published the following information:
(Washington, D.C., November 2, 2020) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today praised the Department of Labor’s (DOL) new H2A Wage Rule, which delivers on President Trump’s promise to stabilize farm labor costs and reform the H-2A wage rate. “This rule shows once again President Trump’s commitment to America’s farmers by delivering lower costs when they need it the most,” said Secretary Perdue. “Over the past several years farm wages have increased at a higher pace than other industries, which is why this DOL rule could not come at a better time. This is an example of good government that will ensure greater stability for farmers and help them make long term business decisions rather than facing uncertainty year after ...11-05-2020, 01:57 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor issues Final Rule to update Adverse Effect Wage Rate Methodology to protect American Workers and Help American Farmers | site |
(November 2, 2020) - - Today, November 2, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor published the following information:
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a final rule that updates the methodology for determining the annual Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWRs) in the H-2A visa program. The AEWR is a minimum wage rate that provides a floor below which the wages of agricultural workers cannot be negotiated. Requiring employers to pay the AEWR when it is the highest applicable wage is the primary way the Department meets its statutory obligation to certify that the employment of foreign workers will not adversely affect workers in the United States similarly employed. The new rule improves the consistency of the AEWRs, provides stronger protections for workers, and establi...11-05-2020, 01:27 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor announces Final Rule to Protect Americans' Retirement Investments | site |
(October 30, 2020) - - Today, October 30, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor published the following information:
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced a final rule that updates and clarifies the Department’s investment duties regulation in 29 CFR 2550.404a-1. The final rule intends to provide clear regulatory guideposts for fiduciaries of private-sector retirement and other employee benefit plans in light of recent trends involving environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing. During the last 30 years, the Department has periodically considered the application of the fiduciary duties of prudence and loyalty under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to plan investments that promote non-financial objectives, such as furthering environmental, social and public policy goals. The Department has issued ...10-30-2020, 10:17 PM -
U.S. Department of Agriculture Exempts Tongass National Forest from the 2001 Roadless Rule | site |
(October 28, 2020) - - Today, October 28, 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture published the following information: WASHINGTON, Oct. 28, 2020 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced a final Alaska Roadless Rule that exempts the Tongass National Forest from the 2001 provision that prohibited road construction, road reconstruction and timber harvests. The Record of Decision identifies the selected alternative, provides the rationale for the decision, and explains that the exemption does not authorize any specific projects in Alaska. Proposed projects must continue to comply with the 2016 Tongass Land Management Plan and be analyzed under the National Environmental Policy Act. The official notice is scheduled for publication in the Federal Register on Oct. 29, 2020. A copy of the final Alaska Roadless Rule and the Record of Decision als...10-30-2020, 09:11 PM -
At Joint Open Meeting, SEC and CFTC Approve Final Rule on Security Futures Margin and Request for Comment on Portfolio Margining | site |
(October 22, 2020) - - Today, October 22, 2020, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) published the following information: Washington D.C., Oct. 22, 2020 — The Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, at their first joint open meeting to vote on rulemaking initiatives, today approved: (1) a joint final rule to harmonize the minimum margin level for security futures held in a futures account with the minimum margin level for security futures held in a securities portfolio margin account, and (2) the issuance of a joint request for comment on the portfolio margining of uncleared swaps and non-cleared security-based swaps. The joint final rule and request for comment are two components of the Commissions’ ongoing efforts to further harmonize their regulatory regimes to b...10-26-2020, 11:55 PM -
Agencies invite Comment on Proposed Rule under Bank Secrecy Act | site |
(October 23, 2020) - - Today, October 23, 2020, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System published the following information:
Agencies invite comment on proposed rule under Bank Secrecy Act
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
Financial Crimes Enforcement Network
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and the Federal Reserve Board today invited comment on a proposed rule that would amend the recordkeeping and travel rule regulations under the Bank Secrecy Act. FinCEN and the Board, pursuant to their shared authority, are proposing amendments to the recordkeeping rule jointly, while FinCEN, pursuant to its sole authority, is proposing amendments to the travel rule. Under the current recordkeeping and travel rule regulations, financial institutions must collect, retain, and...10-23-2020, 06:53 PM -
Agencies issue Final Rule to Strengthen Resilience of Large Banks| site |
(October 20, 2020) - - Today, October 20, 2020, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System published the following information:
Agencies issue final rule to strengthen resilience of large banks
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency The federal bank regulatory agencies on Tuesday finalized a rule strengthening the resilience of large banks by requiring them to maintain a minimum level of stable funding over a one-year period. The net stable funding ratio, or NSFR, final rule will require large banks to maintain a minimum level of stable funding, relative to each institution's assets, derivatives, and commitments. As a result, the NSFR rule will support the ability of banks to lend to households and businesses in both normal and adverse ec...10-21-2020, 08:32 PM -
Agencies Finalize Rule to Reduce the Impact of Large Bank Failures | site |
(October 20, 2020) - - Today, October 20, 2020, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System published the following information:
Agencies Finalize Rule to Reduce the Impact of Large Bank Failures
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
The federal bank regulatory agencies today finalized a rule to limit the interconnectedness and reduce the impact from failure of the largest banking organizations. The final rule is substantially similar to the proposal announced last year and complements other measures that the agencies have taken to limit interconnectedness among the largest banking organizations. U.S. global systemically important bank holding companies, or GSIBs, as well as U.S...10-21-2020, 08:17 PM -
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Enables Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change to Facilitate NYSE Electronic Auctions in Light of Temporary Closure of Physical Trading Floor | site |
(March 21, 2020) - - Today (March 21, 2020) the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) published the following information: Washington D.C., March 21, 2020 — The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission noticed for immediate effectiveness a proposed rule filing submitted by New York Stock Exchange LLC (NYSE) to facilitate electronic auctions in light of its decision to temporarily close its New York trading floor. NYSE announced that it will temporarily close its trading floor effective Monday, March 23, as a precautionary measure in response to COVID-19. The NYSE rule filing modifies certain rules to set wider price parameters, and to remove volume limits, within which NYSE designated market makers (DMMs) can facilitate auctions in an electron...03-23-2020, 06:54 AM -
U.S. Department of Labor Announces Final Rule To Increase Financial Transparency for Unions| site |
(March 5, 2020) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Labor published the following information:
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) today announced a final rule to establish the “Form T-1” Trust Annual Report that requires unions to file annual financial reports concerning their trusts. These annual reports will increase the financial transparency of unions and ensure that members have access to information about their union’s financial transactions. The Federal Register will publish the final rule on March 6, 2020.
The final rule requires a labor organization with total annual receipts of $250,000 or more to file a Form T-1, under certain circumstances, for each trust of the type defined by section 3(l) of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA). Such labor organizations...03-05-2020, 04:58 PM -
Federal Reserve Board Approves Rule to Simplify its Capital Rules for Large Banks, Preserving the Strong Capital Requirements Already in Place| site |
(March 4, 2020) - - Today, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System published the following information: The Federal Reserve Board on Wednesday approved a rule to simplify its capital rules for large banks, preserving the strong capital requirements already in place. The "stress capital buffer," or SCB, integrates the Board's stress test results with its non-stress capital requirements. As a result, required capital levels for each firm would more closely match its risk profile and likely losses as measured via the Board's stress tests. The rule is broadly similar to the proposal from April 2018, with a few changes in response to comments. "The stress capital buffer materially simplifies the post-crisis capital framework for banks, while maintaining the strong capital requirements that ar...03-05-2020, 03:46 PM -
U.S. Department of Transportation Announces Final Rule to Enhance Air Carrier Pilot Development| site |
(February 25, 2020) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Transportation published the following information:
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today announced a final rule aimed at enhancing the professional development of air carrier pilots. The Pilot Professional Development rule requires specific training for newly-hired pilots and supplemental training for captains. “When I met with the Colgan Flight 3407 families, they emphasized how important this rule on pilot training was in elevating safety in the aviation sector. I am glad that the Department has been successful in finalizing this rule,” said U. S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao. All captains are now required to receive leadership and command training, as well as mentoring training, so that they may effectively mentor ...02-26-2020, 05:19 AM -
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development issues Improved Fair Housing Rule| site |
(January 7, 2020) - - Today (January 7, 2020), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development published the following information:
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today published its proposed Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) rule, which offers clearer guidance to states and local governments to help them improve affordable housing choices in their community. Read HUD's proposed rule. "HUD's commitment to Fair Housing remains as steadfast as ever before, and this improved rule reaffirms our mission of giving people more affordable housing options in communities across the country," said Secretary Carson. "By fixing the old Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule, localities now have the flexibility to devise housing plans that fit their unique needs and provide families with more housing choices within their reach...01-17-2020, 11:02 PM -
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announces Proposed Rule regarding Equal Treatment of Faith-based organizations in VA-supported Social Service Programs| site |
(January 16, 2020) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs published the following information:
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposed a rule, Jan. 16, that would implement President Trump’s, May 3, 2018, Executive Order (EO) establishing a White House Faith and Opportunity Initiative, to remove regulatory barriers allowing religious and non-religious organizations equal treatment in VA-supported social service programs. The proposed rule ensures VA-supported social service programs are implemented in a manner consistent with the Constitution and other applicable federal law. Under current regulations governing these programs, religious providers of social services — but not other providers of social services — must make referrals und...01-17-2020, 05:17 AM -
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos Announces Proposed Rule Regarding Equal Treatment of Faith-Based Education Institutions, Provides Updated School Prayer Guidance| site |
(January 16, 2020) - - The U.S. Department of Education published (today) the following information:
Washington — Today, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced that the Department of Education is taking several concrete actions to protect religious liberty and ensure the Department is acting in accordance with the First Amendment. The Department announced a proposed rule ensuring the equal treatment and constitutional rights of religious organizations and faith-based institutions, as well as First Amendment freedoms owed to students on campus. As directed by Congress, the agency will also release updated guidance regarding constitutionally protected prayer in schools. "Our actions today will protect the constitutional rights of students, teachers, and faith-b...01-16-2020, 05:23 PM -
U.S. Department of Labor Announces Proposed Rule Regarding Equal Treatment of Faith-Based Organizations in U.S. Department of Labor-Supported Social Service Programs| site |
(January 16, 2020) - - The U.S. Department of Labor published (today) the following information:
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the U.S. Department of Labor (the Department) is proposing a rule that would implement President Trump’s Executive Order No. 13831 (May 3, 2018), remove regulatory burdens on religious organizations and ensure that religious and non-religious organizations are treated equally in Department-supported programs. The proposed rule is intended to better ensure that Department-supported social service programs are implemented in a manner that treats religious organizations fairly, consistent with the Constitution and other applicable federal law. The Department looks forward to public comments on the proposed rule. “Our nation has a proud heritage of religiou...01-16-2020, 05:02 PM -
U.S. Department of Transportation Issues Proposed Rule on Remote ID for Drones| site |
(December 31, 2019) - - Today (December 31, 2019), the U.S. Department of Transportation published the following information:
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today announced a proposed rule https://www.federalregister.gov/docu...rcraft-systems that would continue the safe integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly called drones, into the nation’s airspace by requiring them to be identifiable remotely. “Remote ID technologies will enhance safety and security by allowing the FAA, law enforcement, and Federal security agencies to identify drones flying in their jurisdiction,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao. The FAA seeks input on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for Remote Identification (Remote ID) of UAS that today was published in the Federal Register. I...01-03-2020, 05:22 AM -
U.S. Department of Agriculture says With Record Low Unemployment, USDA Finalizes Rule to Promote Work | site |
(December 6, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture published the following information: (Washington, D.C., December 6, 2019) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue released the following statement regarding the latest jobs report released today by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The jobs report shows the economy added 266,000 new jobs in November with an unemployment rate of 3.5%, which remains at a record 50 year low. Earlier this week, at the direction of President Donald J. Trump, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a rule to help move more able-bodied recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) towards self-sufficiency and into employment. The rule restores the system to what Congress intended: assistance through difficult times, not a way of life. “Today’s jobs report is further ...12-06-2019, 06:31 PM -
U.S. Small Business Administration Issues Final Rule to Expand HUBZone Opportunities to Small Businesses and Revitalize Communities | site |
(November 26, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) published the following information:
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration today issued a final rule that will implement changes to the Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) program that will make the program more attractive to small businesses and encourage them to invest in HUBZone communities and hire HUBZone residents. The new rule changes will also make it easier for federal contracting officers to identify and work with HUBZone-certified small businesses. The rule is published in the Federal Register and effective December 26, 2019. "The exciting improvements outlined in this rule were designed to address longstanding uncertainty from both small businesses contemplating an investment in a designated ...12-02-2019, 02:34 AM -
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services discuss Delay of Inclusion of Territories in Medicaid Drug Rebate Program; Covered Outpatient Drug Interim Final Rule (CMS 2345-IFC3) | site |
(November 21, 2019) - - Today (November 21, 2019), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services published the following information:
Delay of Inclusion of Territories in Medicaid Drug Rebate Program; Covered Outpatient Drug Interim Final Rule (CMS 2345-IFC3) On February 1, 2016, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published the “Medicaid Program; Covered Outpatient Drug” Final Rule with Comment Period (CMS-2345-FC) in the Federal Register (81 FR 5170). As part of that final rule with comment period, we amended the regulatory definitions of “States” and “United States” to include the U.S. Territories (American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) beginning A...11-30-2019, 03:54 AM -
U.S. Small Business Administration Issues Direct Final Rule that Will Allow Governors to Seek HUBZone Designation for Certain Rural Areas| site |
(November 18, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) published the following information:
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration today issued a direct final rule that will allow governors to petition the SBA’s Administrator to designate HUBZone status to certain covered areas. A covered area is an area in a state that is located outside of an urbanized area, as determined by the Census Bureau, with a population of not more than 50,000, and for which the average unemployment rate is at least 120 percent of the average unemployment rate. The rule is published in the Federal Register and effective January 1, 2020, unless significant adverse comment is received by December 15, 2019. “This expansion of HUBZone areas will provide a valuable resource to small businesses in underser...11-19-2019, 05:22 PM -
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Proposes Rule Amendments to Improve Accuracy and Transparency of Proxy Voting Advice| site |
(November 5, 2019) - - Today (November 5, 2019), the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) published the following information: Washington D.C., Nov. 5, 2019 — The Securities and Exchange Commission today voted to propose amendments to its rules governing proxy solicitations to enhance the quality of the disclosure about material conflicts of interest that proxy voting advice businesses provide their clients. The proposal would also provide an opportunity for a period of review and feedback through which companies and other soliciting parties would be able to identify errors in the proxy voting advice. The review and feedback period would only be available to companies that file definitive proxy materials 25 days or more in advance of the relevant meeting. The Commission’s proposal aims to enhance the accuracy and transpa...11-18-2019, 06:22 AM -
Agencies issue Final Rule to Exempt Residential Real Estate Transactions of $400,000 or Less from Appraisal Requirements| site |
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (September 27, 2019) - - Today, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System published the following information: The Federal Reserve, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency have adopted a final rule that increases the threshold for residential real estate transactions requiring an appraisal from $250,000 to $400,000. The appraisal threshold was last changed in 1994. Given price appreciation in residential real estate transactions since that time, the change will provide burden relief without posing a threat to the safety and soundness of financial institutions. For transactions exempted from the appraisal requirement, the final rule requir...09-27-2019, 02:47 PM -
Federal Housing Administration Issues new Condominium Approval Rule| site |
Comprehensive policy revisions include ability to approve individual units in nonapproved condo projects
(August 14, 2019) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) published the following information: WASHINGTON - In an effort to promote affordable and sustainable homeownership, especially among credit-worthy first-time buyers, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) today published a long-awaited final regulation, and policy implementation guidance, which establish a new condominium approval process. Designed to be flexible and responsive to market conditions, FHA's new condo rule and the new Condominium Project Approval section of the Single Family Housing Policy Handbook, provide a comprehensive revision to FHA condominium project approval policy. In particular, the new policy will allow certain individual condominium units to be eligible fo...08-14-2019, 06:42 PM -
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says Interim Final Rule will Aid Recall of Defective Takata Airbag Inflators, Protecting the Public and Reducing Costs
Rule Provides Clarity to Auto Dealers and Scrap Recyclers on Proper Disposal
Washington, DC - - (November 14, 2018) - - Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced an interim final rule to facilitate the urgent removal of defective Takata airbag inflators from vehicles and prevent defective Takata airbag inflators in scrap vehicles from being reused. The rule also advances the safe management of airbag wastes during accumulation, collection, storage and disposal. It is estimated to result in a net cost savings of 1.7 to 13 million dollars annually.
“Today’s action will help auto dealers and scrap recyclers across the country protect public health and properly dispose of these defective...11-15-2018, 07:40 AM -
U.S. Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security Issue New Asylum Rule
Applies President’s authority to suspend entry to asylum
(November 8, 2018) - - Acting Attorney General Matthew Whitaker and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen today announced an Interim Final Rule declaring that those aliens who contravene a presidential suspension or limitation on entry into the United States through the southern border with Mexico issued under section 212(f) or 215(a)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) will be rendered ineligible for asylum. The Acting Attorney General and the Secretary issued the following joint statement: “Consistent with our immigration laws, the President has the broad authority to suspend or restrict the entry of aliens into the United States if he determines it to be in the national interest to do so. Today's rule ...11-09-2018, 09:35 PM -
Federal Trade Commission Seeks Comment on Proposed Rule Implementing Law Providing Free Credit Monitoring for Active Duty Military Consumers
(November 1, 2018) - - Today, the Federal Trade Commission published the following information:
The Federal Trade Commission is seeking comment on a proposed rule to implement a 2018 law requiring the nationwide consumer reporting agencies to provide free electronic credit monitoring services for active duty military consumers.
The Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act, passed earlier this year, mandated that the FTC issue a rule regarding certain requirements of the law. The FTC’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) proposes a rule that would require the nationwide consumer reporting agencies (CRAs) to provide a free electronic credit monitoring service that would notify active duty military members...11-05-2018, 02:26 AM -
Agencies Approve Amendments to Swap Margin Rule
Joint statement by:
Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System
Farm Credit Administration
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Federal Housing Finance Agency
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
Washington, DC - - (September 21, 2018) - - Five federal agencies approved final amendments to swap margin requirements to conform with recent rule changes that impose new restrictions on certain qualified financial contracts of systemically important banking organizations (QFC Rules). Under the amendments, legacy swaps entered into before the applicable compliance date will not become subject to the margin requirements if they are amended solely to comply with the requirements of the QFC Rules. The amendments harmonize the definition of "Eligible Master Netting Agreement" in the swap...09-24-2018, 03:00 PM -
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Announces New Proposed Immigration Rule to Enforce Long-Standing Law that Promotes Self-Sufficiency and Protects American Taxpayers
Washington, DC - - (September 22, 2018) - - Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a proposed rule that will clearly define long-standing law to ensure that those seeking to enter and remain in the United States either temporarily or permanently can support themselves financially and will not be reliant on public benefits.
The term “public charge” as applied to admission of aliens to the United States has a long history in U.S. immigration law, appearing at least as far back as the Immigration Act of 1882. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries public charge was the most common ground for refusing admission at U.S....09-24-2018, 05:31 AM -
U.S. Department of the Interior Finalizes New Waste Prevention Rule
The new rule re-establishes long-standing requirements and eliminates duplicative regulations that hurt states and Tribes
Washington, DC - - (September 18, 2018) - - As part of the Trump Administration’s ongoing goal to reduce the regulatory burden on the American people and foster economic growth and energy development by using innovation, best science, and best practices, the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management (BLM) today announced a final rule that revises the 2016 Waste Prevention Rule (also known as the Venting and Flaring Rule). The new rule, which included a 60-day public comment period, will reduce unnecessary burdens on the private sector and restore proven regulations at a time when investment in Federal onshore oil and gas is skyrocketing. “S...09-21-2018, 09:52 PM -
Agencies Propose Rule Regarding the Treatment of High Volatility Commercial Real Estate
(September 18, 2018) - - Three federal banking agencies (The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency) on Tuesday invited public comment on a proposal to modify the agencies' capital rules for high volatility commercial real estate exposures, as required by the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act.
The proposal also asks for comment on certain terms contained in the revised definition of high volatility commercial real estate. The changes, when finalized, would apply to all banking organizations subject to the agencies' capital rules. Comments will be accepted for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.
Courtesy: Board of Governors...09-20-2018, 07:10 PM -
Joint Statement Between the White House, DOT, EPA, and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) on SAFE Vehicles Rule
(August 29, 2018) - - Today, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) published the following information:
“Today Administration officials from the White House, DOT, and EPA met with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to discuss the proposed SAFE Vehicles Rule. The Administration and CARB agreed to future meetings to discuss technical, legal, and policy issues with the shared goal of achieving one national set of standards for vehicle fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions.”...09-20-2018, 07:51 AM -
Agencies Extend Comment Period for Proposed Rule Simplifying and Tailoring the "Volcker Rule"
Editor's note: In a joint press release, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Securities and Exchange Commission announced that the comment period for proposed rule simplifying and tailoring the "Volcker rule" has been extended.
(September 4, 2018) - - Five federal financial regulatory agencies on Tuesday extended until October 17, 2018, the comment period for a proposed rule to simplify and tailor compliance requirements for the "Volcker rule." The Volcker rule generally restricts banking entities from engaging in proprietary trading and from owning or controlling hedge funds or private equity funds. With the extension, the Federal...09-07-2018, 10:14 PM -
Federal Reserve Board Issues Interim Final Rule Expanding the Applicability of the Board's Small Bank Holding Company Policy Statement
(August 28, 2018) - -The Federal Reserve Board on Tuesday issued an interim final rule expanding the applicability of the Board's small bank holding company policy statement, as required by the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act of 2018. The policy statement facilitates the transfer of ownership of small community banks by allowing their holding companies to operate with higher levels of debt than would normally be permitted. While holding companies that meet the conditions of the policy statement are excluded from consolidated capital requirements, their depository institutions continue to be subject to minimum capital requirements. The interim final rule raises the statement's asset threshold from $1 billion to $3 b...09-03-2018, 07:18 PM -
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING - About EPA's New Affordable Clean Energy Rule
Link
(August 22, 2018) - - Today, using the title "WHAT THEY ARE SAYING - About EPA's New Affordable Clean Energy Rule", the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published the following:
Senator Mitch McConnell (KY), Senate Majority Leader – “The Obama Administration’s so-called ‘Clean Power Plan’ offered a typical story from that era. An innocent-seeming name. A pleasant-sounding objective. But underneath, an intrusive regulatory regime -- built not on effective policy, but on far-left ideology. That’s why I am so grateful that, today, the Trump Administration is unveiling its plan to pare back this unfair, unworkable, and likely illegal policy… My colleagues and I have been at this for some time. That’s why the president’s actions today are so encouraging. Today’s proposed rule is...08-25-2018, 03:40 AM -
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Seeks to Streamline and Enhance 'Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing' Rule
Notice solicits public's comments on ways to improve fair housing choice
Washington, DC - - (August 13, 2018) - - The U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today published a notice inviting public comment on amendments to its Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) regulations. HUD's goal in pursuing new rulemaking is to offer more helpful guidance to states and local communities to effectively promote fair housing choice through the use of their federal funds. Read HUD's Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. As HUD begins the process of amending the existing AFFH regulations, it is soliciting public comment on changes that will: (1) minimize regulatory burden while more effectively aiding program participants to meet their statutory o...08-14-2018, 11:10 PM -
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issues Proposed Additional Rule to Address Risk Adjustment Program for the 2018 Benefit Year
Proposed rule seeks to provide certainty and sustain consumer choices and affordability
(August 8, 2018) - - Today’s notice of proposed rulemaking, “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Methodology for the HHS-operated Permanent Risk Adjustment Program for 2018 Proposed Rule,” proposes to adopt the risk adjustment methodology that HHS previously established for the 2018 benefit year which uses the statewide average premium in the payment transfer formula. “Today’s proposed rule continues our effort to help stabilize the individual and small group markets,” said CMS Administrator Seema Verma. “Our goal has been, and will continue to be, to stabilize the market and provide American consumers with more affordable health cove...08-08-2018, 10:21 PM -
Treasury and IRS Announce Proposed Rule Regarding Increasing Depreciation Deduction to 100 percent, Helping American Businesses
Washington, DC - - (August 3, 2018) - - The U.S. Department of the Treasury and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) today announced proposed regulations on increasing and expanding the first year depreciation deduction for qualified property. This increased benefit will expand opportunities for small and mid-sized businesses to expense equipment purchases and make capital investments in their companies. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), passed into law in December 2017, increased the first year depreciation deduction from 50 to 100 percent for qualified property acquired and placed in service after September 27, 2017. “The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is making it easier for businesses of all sizes to grow and create jobs for hardworking Americans,” said Secretary Steven T...08-06-2018, 11:17 PM -
U.S. Department of Agriculture Seeks Comments on Proposed Rule for National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard
Washington, DC - - (May 3, 2018) - - The U.S. Department of Agriculture today invited public comment on the proposed rule to establish the National Bioengineered Food Disclosure Standard mandated by Congress in 2016. The standard will provide a uniform way to offer meaningful disclosure for consumers who want more information about their food and avoid a patchwork system of state or private labels that could be confusing for consumers and would likely drive up food costs. “This rulemaking presents several possible ways to determine what foods will be covered by the final rule and what the disclosure will include and look like,” said Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. “We are looking for public input on a number of these key decisions before a final rul...05-03-2018, 05:12 PM -
Federal Banking Agencies Issue Final Rule to Exempt Commercial Real Estate Transactions of $500,000 or Less from Appraisal Requirements
Washington, DC - - (April 2, 2018) - - The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency issued a final rule that increases the threshold for commercial real estate transactions requiring an appraisal from $250,000 to $500,000. The agencies originally proposed to raise the threshold, which has been in place since 1994, to $400,000, but determined that a $500,000 threshold will materially reduce regulatory burden and the number of transactions that require an appraisal. The agencies also determined that the increased threshold will not pose a threat to the safety and soundness of financial institutions. The final rule allows a financial institution to use an e...04-07-2018, 11:35 PM -
U.S. Labor Department Proposes Extension to Fiduciary Rule Applicability Date
March 3, 2017
Washington, DC - - March 1, 2017 - - The U.S. Department of Labor has announced a proposed extension of the applicability dates of the fiduciary rule and related exemptions, including the Best Interest Contract Exemption, from April 10 to June 9, 2017. The announcement follows a presidential memorandum issued on Feb. 3, 2017, which directed the department to examine the fiduciary rule to determine whether it may adversely affect the ability of Americans to gain access to retirement information and financial advice. The proposed extension is intended to give the department time to collect and consider information related to the issues raised in the memorandum before the rule and exemptions become applicable. The department will accept public comments on the proposed extension for 15 days following its publication. Comments on issues raised in the pr...03-03-2017, 02:41 PM -
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Issues Proposed Rule to Increase Patients’ Health Insurance Choices for 2018
March 1, 2017
(February 15, 2017) - - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today issued a proposed rule for 2018, which proposes new reforms that are critical to stabilizing the individual and small group health insurance markets to help protect patients. This proposed rule would make changes to special enrollment periods, the annual open enrollment period, guaranteed availability, network adequacy rules, essential community providers, and actuarial value requirements; and announces upcoming changes to the qualified health plan certification timeline. “Americans participating in the individual health insurance markets deserve as many health insurance options as possible,” said Dr. Patrick Conway, Acting Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. “This proposal will take steps ...03-01-2017, 12:44 AM -
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to Act on Waters of the United States Rule
Washington, DC - - (February 28, 2018) - - President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order at the White House today, directing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to review and then rescind or revise the 2015 Clean Water Rule: Definition of “Waters of the United States”. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt joined the President for this announcement and afterward issued the following statement: “EPA intends to immediately implement the Executive Order and submit a Notice to the Office of the Federal Register announcing our intent to review the 2015 Rule, and then to propose a new rule that will rescind or revise that rule. The President’s action today preserves a federal role in protecting water, but it also restores the states’ important role in the regulation of water.” View the Executive Order and the Federal Register No...02-28-2017, 11:12 PM