Search Results for keywords:"regulatory compliance"

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has issued a final rule to update the rules for civil money penalties by adjusting them for inflation. This adjustment is in line with the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act, ensuring penalties stay current with economic changes. The new penalty amounts will be effective from January 16, 2025, and apply to violations occurring on or after January 15, 2025. The FHFA will calculate penalties on a case-by-case basis, using a formula tied to changes in the Consumer Price Index, and these updates are mandated by law.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is inviting comments on a proposal to reduce paperwork burdens related to information collection, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. This initiative is part of compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act and the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act. The FCC seeks feedback on enhancing data collection while minimizing difficulties, using automated techniques or technology, and ensuring that radio and television stations correctly disclose foreign sponsorship. The deadline for submitting comments is April 21, 2025, and people can send their feedback through www.reginfo.gov and email.

The Investors Exchange LLC (IEX) has proposed amendments to its compliance rules related to the National Market System Plan Governing the Consolidated Audit Trail to align with an exemption granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This proposal aims to streamline how allocation reports are submitted, focusing on reporting responsibilities for brokers involved in trade allocations. The changes intend to simplify the process by shifting certain reporting obligations from executing brokers to clearing brokers, especially when brokers do not have enough information to complete allocation reports. This amendment is designed to enhance efficiency and reduce unnecessary burdens on brokers while ensuring regulatory compliance.

The Securities and Exchange Commission gave notice of the Cboe Exchange's proposed rule change, allowing for listing and trading options on the Grayscale Ethereum Trust ETF, Grayscale Ethereum Mini Trust ETF, and the Bitwise Ethereum ETF. The proposal seeks to amend existing rules to facilitate these options trades, adding a position limit of 25,000 contracts per Ethereum Fund option. The Cboe Exchange argues that trading options on these funds will provide investors a cost-effective and transparent way to gain exposure to Ethereum without directly handling the cryptocurrency. The SEC is inviting public comments on this notice and has waived the typical 30-day waiting period, allowing the rule to take immediate effect.

The Surface Transportation Board issued a final rule to update its civil monetary penalties by accounting for inflation, as required by federal law. This annual adjustment, effective January 14, 2025, follows a specific calculation method and does not allow for public comment because the Board is following a mandated federal formula. The rule applies only to violations occurring after the regulation's effective date. It also clarifies that the Board has no authority to adjust criminal penalties for inflation.

The Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America, LLC is seeking permission from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to abandon a compressor unit at its station in the Keota Storage Field in Iowa. This compressor has become outdated and is not needed for the site's operation. This change aims to save costs while maintaining efficiency. The public can participate by sending comments or protests, and the deadline for these submissions is May 16, 2025.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is inviting public comments on ways to reduce paperwork burdens, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. This effort aligns with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2002. The FCC is also considering how to manage information collections, like requirements related to telephone and fax communications, and contests conducted by broadcast stations, while ensuring consumer protection and compliance with regulations. Comments should be submitted by February 24, 2025, using the given instructions.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is proposing a new rule to oversee certificate revocation decisions within the STIR/SHAKEN governance system, which aims to combat illegal robocalls by authenticating caller IDs. The FCC wants to ensure that if a voice service provider's certificate is revoked, making them noncompliant with regulations, they have a fair chance to appeal the decision. The proposal seeks public comments and outlines procedures for appeals, emphasizing the importance of maintaining secure and trustworthy communications systems while considering the burden on small businesses.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a direct final rule to correct and clarify errors in a previous rule regarding the management of coal combustion residuals (CCR) from electric utilities. Published on January 16, 2025, this rule focuses on legacy CCR surface impoundments and CCR management units, updating several regulatory sections to address inconsistencies and unclear language. Key changes include revised deadlines, more unified compliance guidelines, and enhanced definitions. These amendments ensure the rule aligns with existing standards and the EPA's original intent.

The Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) is inviting public comments on the continuation and extension of different information collection requests (ICRs) related to employee benefit plans. These ICRs cover various topics, including health plan enrollment notices, multiple employer welfare arrangements, and reporting procedures for top hat plans, among others. The public can submit their comments by March 7, 2025, and these comments will assist the Department in assessing the impact and effectiveness of these information requirements. The ICRs aim to help reduce the public's reporting burden and improve the understanding of the Department's data collection needs.