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In a new interim final rule, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced changes to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) regarding advanced computing and semiconductor manufacturing items. These changes include new controls on semiconductor equipment, high bandwidth memory, and software keys. The rule aims to limit specific exports to countries of concern, such as China, due to national security risks. The refinements include foreign direct product rules, license requirements, and clarifications to assist compliance.

The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Labor have issued a rule to expand the discretionary review authority of the Secretary of Labor to include certain H-2B temporary labor certification cases. This rule allows the Secretary to review cases that are pending before or have been decided by the Board of Alien Labor Certification Appeals (BALCA). The rule is part of a broader effort to ensure that internal processes are properly supervised by the Secretary and is expected to be used mainly for cases of notable importance. Public comments are encouraged, but significant adverse comments could halt the rule's implementation.

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.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is extending its test of using facial recognition technology to help airlines and ships meet passenger information regulations for two more years, now ending on February 16, 2027. This voluntary test allows participating carriers to use CBP's Traveler Verification Service (TVS) to compare travelers' facial images with images already on file, potentially speeding up passenger processing. Travelers can opt out if they do not want their photos taken, requiring the carriers to verify their identities manually. The test aims to improve accuracy and efficiency in verifying traveler identities while maintaining privacy and data protection standards.

The Department of Justice has issued an interim final rule removing outdated regulations about how the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) handles requests for exceptions to certain federal firearms restrictions. These regulations pertained to how individuals could apply for relief from disabilities imposed by firearms laws, but since 1992, funding has been blocked for processing these individual requests. The rule also withdraws the delegation given to ATF to oversee these applications, clearing the way for a new approach in the future. Interested parties are invited to submit comments on the changes until June 18, 2025.

The document is an annual report on actions taken under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act by the U.S. to address serious human rights abuses and corruption worldwide. It highlights the designation of 243 foreign individuals and entities involved in such activities, leading to the blocking of their U.S.-based assets and imposing economic sanctions. Key targets included officials from China, South Sudan, Uganda, and Russia, among others, who have been identified for severe human rights violations or corrupt practices. The report also details efforts to collaborate with other countries, like the UK and EU, in adopting similar sanctions measures.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is updating an existing system of records managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and renamed it to "NIH Loan Repayment Records." This update also includes proposed exemptions for some records from certain requirements of the Privacy Act, intended to protect the identity of those who provide information in confidence. The system is used to manage and evaluate educational Loan Repayment Programs, which help repay loans for individuals conducting biomedical and behavioral research. Public comments on these changes can be submitted until March 15, 2021, and the new system will be effective after any feedback is addressed.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has issued an emergency order that mandates the wearing of face masks by railroad personnel to reduce the spread of COVID-19 as directed by the CDC. This order, effective March 1, 2021, applies to all freight rail operations and certain passenger rail operations under FRA’s jurisdiction, though not in areas already covered by the TSA’s mask requirements. The FRA’s decision follows inconsistent mask-wearing practices observed by inspectors and aims to protect railroad workers, inspectors, and public health. Non-compliance may result in penalties, and specific exemptions exist for certain situations and individuals.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing new rules to reduce hazardous air pollutants from chemical manufacturing processes, particularly focusing on ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions. Under this proposal, the EPA aims to introduce stricter monitoring, reporting, and emission reduction standards for facilities using, producing, or emitting EtO. The proposed changes are expected to impact 280 facilities, reducing overall hazardous emissions by about 158 tons annually and EtO emissions by approximately 4.6 tons per year. These measures are intended to mitigate health risks, including cancer, for those living near these facilities.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued a final rule to update its regulations by incorporating the latest standards (Version 004) for business practices and communication protocols for public utilities. These standards, developed by the North American Energy Standards Board (NAESB), aim to enhance consistency in utility operations and bolster cybersecurity. FERC requires utilities to make compliance filings by June 27, 2025, and to implement cybersecurity standards by February 27, 2026, with the remaining standards by August 27, 2026. The rule ensures public utilities adhere to updated practices that support reliable and secure energy systems.