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The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has published its 37th edition of Supervisory Highlights, which outlines recent findings from examinations of financial institutions completed in 2024. The report highlights unfair practices in the areas of deposits, such as unauthorized overdraft and non-sufficient funds fees, and issues with credit reporting related to identity theft and dispute investigations. It also discusses problems with short-term lending, including misleading loan terms and denial of credit under unfair conditions. The document emphasizes the importance of accurate information and consumer protection in financial services, noting efforts to correct violations and implement safeguards.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has announced a proposal to update regulations concerning inventions funded by federal grants, especially those created by nonprofit organizations and small businesses. These updates aim to simplify existing rules, correct outdated sections, and better define terms and processes. NIST seeks public feedback on these proposed changes by April 5, 2021, and plans to hold a public webinar to discuss these revisions further. These changes are intended to enhance the commercialization and application of federally funded innovations, in line with efforts to boost American innovation.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has issued an interim final rule to grant presumptive service connection for certain cancers, including acute and chronic leukemias, multiple myelomas, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and myelofibrosis, for veterans exposed to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in specific locations during their service. This rule applies to veterans who served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations, Somalia, or certain countries affected by the Gulf War after specified dates. This decision is based on scientific evidence suggesting a connection between PM2.5 exposure and these diseases, which often have severe outcomes. The rule aims to allow veterans to receive related benefits more quickly, given the typically high morbidity and mortality associated with these conditions.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing changes to its existing information collection process related to special use permits for activities on national wildlife refuges. They plan to introduce a new, simplified application form (Form 3-1383-EZ) to reduce the burden on applicants involved in non-economic activities. In addition, they are updating other forms to include more relevant activity options and improve the wording for clarity. Public comments on these changes are invited until February 18, 2025.

The Executive Order establishes the Wildland Fire Management Policy Committee to improve coordination among federal agencies dealing with wildland fire management. It aims to reduce unnecessary duplication and to manage resources more efficiently by consolidating existing interagency working groups. The order sets policies for better coordination with state, local, and tribal governments, and focuses on workforce development and reducing wildfire risks. It also requires the newly formed Subcabinet to create and implement a strategic plan for wildland fire management, developing performance measures and integrating new technologies.

The Department of Commerce, through the Economic Development Administration (EDA), has issued a notice requesting public comment on a revised information collection concerning the Tech Hubs initiative. This initiative aims to enhance U.S. economic and national security by promoting regional innovation and competitiveness. The revised information collection will help ensure that investments in designated Tech Hubs are data-driven and accountable. Public comments are sought to evaluate the necessity, efficiency, and burden of this data collection to improve its effectiveness.

The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is announcing its plan to revise and extend an information collection related to feral swine, as mandated by the 2014 Farm Bill. This survey aims to assess the damage caused by feral swine in several states to both crops and livestock, with past surveys indicating significant economic impact. NASS plans to gather data from farm and ranch operators via mail and phone, with a total estimated response burden of 9,700 hours annually. The survey supports a $20 million program to help states manage the rapidly growing population of feral swine. Public comments on this notice are invited until April 9, 2021.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is issuing an interim final rule to allow veterans who served in specific locations during and after the Gulf War to have a presumed service connection for urinary bladder, ureter, and related genitourinary cancers. This is related to exposure to fine particulate matter, particularly from burn pits, which can be hazardous to health and has been shown to have a connection to these types of cancers. This new rule is part of the effort to implement the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022 (PACT Act), which aims to simplify the process for veterans to receive health care and benefits for conditions linked to toxic exposures during their military service. The rule is effective January 2, 2025, with comments open until March 3, 2025.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is proposing a temporary waiver under the Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) that would allow the use of domestically assembled solar modules for certain federally funded projects, as fully BABA-compliant solar modules are currently not available in sufficient quantities. The waiver aims to consolidate waivers for multiple projects, reduce paperwork, and support the growth of domestic solar manufacturing. This proposal supports creating a supply chain for American-made solar products and promoting the benefits for communities receiving HUD assistance. HUD is inviting public comments on this proposed waiver, which would be effective until December 31, 2025, with installation by June 30, 2026.

The Department of Justice has proposed changes to the regulations of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to comply with the 2022 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022. The proposal includes adding new definitions and procedures to incorporate local and Tribal firearms prohibitions alongside existing federal and state laws. It also covers enhanced background checks for firearm buyers under 21, introduces denial notifications to law enforcement when a gun sale is denied, and suggests improvements like identifying agencies that can't share certain records due to state laws. The Department seeks public comments on these proposed changes to refine and ensure their effectiveness in preventing prohibited individuals from acquiring firearms.