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The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a final rule that modifies work requirements and exemptions for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in response to the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023. This rule expands work requirements to include adults aged 50 to 54, but also provides new exemptions for homeless individuals, veterans, and young adults who have aged out of foster care. These changes are expected to affect federal spending and administrative processes while impacting SNAP eligibility for some participants. The rule will take effect on January 16, 2025, with certain provisions expiring on October 1, 2030.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has set up rules to protect US communications networks from equipment considered a national security threat. Specifically, they are mandating that carriers using federal funds remove and replace risky equipment, which includes creating a reimbursement program to help small service providers cover the costs. This program prioritizes funding based on the size of the provider and the type of network equipment being replaced. A carefully monitored process ensures transparency and accountability, including regular updates and compliance checks, to prevent misuse of the funds.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has updated its regulations to improve the management of antidumping and countervailing duty (AD and CVD) laws. These changes aim to make the rules clearer and increase transparency by detailing how duties are applied and calculated. The amendments address issues like determining duty rates for nonmarket economies and handling subsidies from foreign governments. These new rules will take effect on January 15, 2025, to better enforce fair trade practices.

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 final rule from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Treasury Department provides new guidelines for implementing the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). It includes plans for reducing user fees for issuers using federal platforms in 2022 and introduces a new direct enrollment option allowing states more flexibility in how they facilitate health insurance plans through private entities. Additionally, the rule seeks to ensure that State Innovation Waivers can be more predictable by codifying policies into regulations, offering states more room for innovation while ensuring the availability of affordable health coverage. The rule clarifies that plans without provider networks are exempt from network adequacy certification while maintaining their other requirements.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has updated its regulations to give asylum officers (AOs) the authority to apply certain mandatory bars against asylum and statutory withholding of removal during credible and reasonable fear screenings. This change aims to help DHS efficiently remove noncitizens who are deemed ineligible due to these bars, primarily focusing on those who might pose security risks or public safety concerns. The update is designed to enhance the processing of asylum claims by making decisions on these cases more quickly, reducing the burden on immigration courts. The rule also states that noncitizens who receive a negative determination due to these bars can still seek a review of the decision by an immigration judge.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made comprehensive updates to the regulations overseeing Clean Water Act (CWA) section 404 programs, which involve the management of dredged and fill material by Tribes and States. These updates aim to clarify requirements for how Tribes and States can assume these programs, enhance procedures for public and inter-agency coordination, and strengthen oversight and enforcement aspects. They also allow for greater Tribal involvement in commenting on permits that might impact Tribal resources. The EPA has also streamlined the process for withdrawing State programs if they are not compliant with the CWA requirements, ensuring effective and efficient program operations.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is proposing a new rule to set a maximum nicotine level in cigarettes and other combusted tobacco products. This measure aims to decrease the addictiveness of these products, making it easier for people who want to quit to do so, and to prevent youth from becoming addicted. The rule is expected to benefit public health by reducing the number of individuals who start smoking or continue smoking over time. The proposal could potentially improve health outcomes by reducing the overall harmful effects of tobacco addiction.

The regulations issued by the IRS and Treasury Department relate to changes in energy credits, specifically around defining energy property and determining eligibility for tax credits. These changes are largely driven by amendments from the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, aiming to spur investments in renewable energy projects. The rules set performance and quality standards for different types of energy properties, introduce provisions for energy storage technology, and adjust eligibility criteria based on new construction, usage, and ownership rules. The regulations also highlight how various projects can qualify for increased credit amounts if they meet certain requirements, like prevailing wage and apprenticeship standards.

The United States Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service has issued a final rule aiming to make payments to poultry growers fairer. This rule under the Packers and Stockyards Act prohibits certain unfair practices used by live poultry dealers, especially in the competitive systems that determine how much growers are paid. It also requires dealers to provide more information to growers before asking them to invest in expensive farm updates, helping to reduce confusion and unfair advantage. Overall, the rule strengthens transparency, fairness, and accountability in the industry.