The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has issued a final rule to adjust the maximum amount of civil monetary penalties (CMPs) for inflation under the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA). This annual adjustment is required by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990, as amended, and ensures that penalties maintain their deterrent effect over time. The rule applies to penalties assessed after January 15, 2021, and is based on the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index. This adjustment process is exempt from the typical notice and comment procedures under the Administrative Procedure Act.
Simple Explanation
The rules for how much money people have to pay as a penalty when they break certain laws are being updated to keep up with inflation. This change helps ensure that these penalties are still a good way to stop people from breaking the rules.