Search Results for keywords:"Regulatory Flexibility Act"

The Department of Defense (DoD) has issued a rule to remove an outdated contract clause from the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS). The clause, 252.239-7006, known as "Tariff Information," required telecommunications contractors to submit certain information, which is no longer deemed necessary. This change is expected to save costs for both the DoD and contractors. The removal simplifies compliance for contractors, including small businesses, as it eliminates a reporting requirement that was previously mandated.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is proposing changes to the Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to better align it with international guidelines, specifically the United Nations' Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), Revision 7. This proposed rule aims to improve how chemical hazards are communicated to employers and employees, ensuring greater consistency and effectiveness. The updates included in the rule cover how hazards are classified, how labels are created, and technical updates to safety data sheets, among others. The public is invited to submit comments on these proposed changes by April 19, 2021.

The Coast Guard is establishing a new anchorage ground near Port Westward on the Columbia River, aiming to enhance the safety of navigation by providing more anchorage options for commercial vessels. This rule, effective from January 3, 2025, was developed in response to increased vessel traffic and size, and it has received supportive feedback from stakeholders during the comment periods. According to the Coast Guard, the impact on small businesses and routine navigation is expected to be minimal. The rule has been carefully evaluated under various legal frameworks, including the Regulatory Flexibility Act and the National Environmental Policy Act, ensuring compliance with federal standards.

The Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR) has issued a final rule to adjust its maximum civil monetary penalties for inflation experienced from October 2019 to October 2020. This adjustment is required by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act and affects penalties related to violations under the Federal Oil and Gas Royalty Management Act. The new rates are based on the Consumer Price Index and are effective immediately as of February 2, 2021. The rulemaking complies with various executive orders and acts, including the Regulatory Flexibility Act and the Paperwork Reduction Act.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a final rule that requires its regulations to be reviewed periodically, with most regulations set to expire automatically every ten years unless reviewed. This is intended to ensure that regulations stay up-to-date and relevant. The final rule also includes processes for public comments and specifies the criteria for reviews, which include assessing whether the regulations significantly impact small entities, and if they are still necessary or need amendments. Certain regulations, such as those mandated by federal law and the annual Medicare payment update rules, are exempt from these reviews.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is updating the rules for civil monetary penalties under the Commodity Exchange Act to account for inflation, as required by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act. This update adjusts the maximum fines for violations based on the change in the Consumer Price Index. The new penalties will apply to violations assessed after January 15, 2025. This rule aims to ensure penalties remain effective as deterrents over time and doesn’t require the standard notice and comment process normally needed for new regulations.

The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) issued a final rule to adjust civil monetary penalties (CMPs) for 2021. This adjustment follows the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015, which mandates annual inflation-based updates to penalties. For 2021, the penalties for certain violations are increased to a maximum of $1,125, rounded from a calculated amount based on an inflation multiplier. The adjustments ensure penalties maintain their deterrent effect and will be applied starting February 2, 2021.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has updated its rules for the Veterans Legacy Grants Program (VLGP) to align with new federal award regulations and to improve the grant administration process. These updates include changes to terms and timelines for reporting by grant recipients, without significantly impacting small entities receiving grants. The rule ensures that there are no new information collections required beyond those already approved and incorporates executive orders to maximize regulatory benefits. It will be effective from January 30, 2025, and does not impose significant economic impacts or unfunded mandates.

The Farm Credit Administration has introduced a final rule adjusting civil money penalties (CMPs) for inflation, in line with the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990, as updated. This adjustment ensures that penalties retain their deterrent effect and compliance is maintained with the Farm Credit Act and Flood Disaster Protection Act. The new maximum daily penalties for specific violations have been increased, such as $2,904 for violating a final order and $1,313 for breaching the Farm Credit Act, effective January 15, 2025. These changes, driven by mandatory annual updates, aim to keep CMPs in line with inflation without needing a public comment process.

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), part of the Treasury Department, issued a final rule to adjust certain civil monetary penalties based on inflation, as required by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act of 1990. These adjustments are calculated using a specific formula that considers changes in consumer prices, and the updated penalties will apply to violations occurring after the adjustments take effect. This rule does not require public notice or comments, as the changes are mandated by law and involve no new administrative procedures.