Search Results for keywords:"regulatory changes"

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has issued a final rule that permits mortgage companies to disburse up to 1% of a mortgage amount before using all of the funds provided by the borrower. This rule is meant to simplify the process of combining mortgages into mortgage-backed securities and help ensure interest rates for FHA-insured mortgages remain competitive. Public comments suggested more flexibility in disbursement limits, but HUD maintained the 1% limit to manage risks effectively. This final rule also makes minor organizational changes to existing regulations.

The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC is proposing to change the credits they offer for certain stock transactions. Currently, there's a credit of $0.0030 per share for members providing substantial liquidity, but Nasdaq wants to add a new, slightly lower credit of $0.00295 per share for members meeting less strict volume requirements. This is meant to encourage more trading activity and improve the quality of the market by providing incentives for adding liquidity, especially in securities not listed on Nasdaq or NYSE. The changes are designed to be competitive and fair, with the understanding that participants dissatisfied with the credits can choose to trade elsewhere.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has proposed changes to its arbitration process to enhance the fairness and efficiency of selecting arbitrators. The new rules would give non-chair-qualified public arbitrators more opportunities to be selected and improve the list selection process's transparency. The proposal also introduces clear timelines for removing arbitrators and aligns rules with existing practices, ensuring better protection of investors and public interest by making the arbitration process more predictable and equitable. The Securities and Exchange Commission is inviting the public to comment on these proposed changes.

The Federal Communications Commission has issued a new rule that changes several unbundling and resale requirements for telecommunications services. The rule eliminates certain obligations that require incumbent local exchange carriers (LECs) to offer unbundled access to their network elements, such as loop and transport facilities, where there is sufficient evidence of competition. The rule also ends the Avoided-Cost Resale requirements, which previously allowed competitive carriers to resell services at discounted rates, except for 911/E911 databases and operations support systems used for remaining obligations. The decision aims to encourage the transition to next-generation networks and services by removing outdated regulations where competition now exists.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is proposing changes to the Pacific Halibut Catch Sharing Plan for the waters off Washington, Oregon, and California. These changes include adjustments to recreational fishery seasons and allocations for 2025. New measures are also proposed to transfer unused fishing quotas from Northern California to areas south of Point Arena to help maintain opportunities for anglers. The public is invited to provide comments on these proposed rules by January 27, 2025.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has proposed changes to improve the operations of the Electric Reliability Organization (ERO), which oversees the reliability of the Bulk Power System. Under the new proposal, the ERO would need to submit performance assessments every three years instead of every five years, ensuring more timely reviews. FERC also suggests including more detailed discussions in these assessments and setting up a formal public comment period for stakeholders to provide suggestions. These changes aim to enhance the effectiveness of the ERO and adapt to the rapid changes in the electric industry.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes to revise its Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). Key changes include redefining eligibility criteria, expanding definitions, and removing certain requirements like "need for supervision, protection, or instruction." The proposal aims to make the program more flexible during emergencies and ensure fairer stipend calculations based on the amount and degree of caregiving needed. Additionally, the proposal suggests extending the transition period for legacy applicants and participants to allow more time for reassessments under new criteria.

The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Labor have jointly proposed a new rule seeking public input on extending the Secretary of Labor's review system to specific temporary labor certification cases. This rule will allow the Secretary of Labor to review decisions related to H-2B temporary labor certifications made by the Board of Alien Labor Certification Appeals and the Department of Labor's Administrative Review Board. The proposal includes updates to existing regulations and aims to maintain efficient handling of cases without notable disruption. The departments are encouraging public comments on this proposed rule to ensure informed decision-making.