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The Postal Service has issued an interim final rule to adjust the penalties for certain offenses under postal regulations, as required by federal law. These adjustments account for inflation and apply to civil monetary penalties related to consumer protection, deceptive mail practices, false representations, and hazardous materials. The changes impact various penalties, including those for using mail to make false claims, conducting lotteries, and mailing hazardous materials, with new penalty amounts specified for each type of violation. These updates ensure that penalties remain effective as deterrents.

The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (Agency), USDA released a correction notice to a previous announcement about the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) Program. The initial notice contained two incorrect funding amounts and did not mention that applicants could submit their applications via email. This correction updates the available funding to approximately $33 million and clarifies that applications can be submitted either in paper or electronically by specific deadlines. The notice also provides guidance on where and how to send applications.

The Postal Regulatory Commission is seeking public input on potential new regulations to improve the effectiveness of the Market Dominant ratemaking system in accordance with the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act (PAEA). This process aims to address challenges such as increasing efficiency, reducing costs, maintaining high-quality service standards, and assuring financial stability. To gather opinions and discuss potential changes, comments are invited until April 15, 2021, and reply comments until May 17, 2021. The Commission is also exploring how performance-based regulations and financial incentives might guide the Postal Service towards desired improvements.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking public input on two petitions that challenge the compensation rates set for Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Service (IP CTS). The current rates are $1.42 per minute from December 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021, and $1.30 per minute starting July 1, 2021. IDT Telecom believes the FCC should have lowered the contribution factor to the Telecommunications Relay Services Fund when it reduced the compensation rates. T-Mobile USA argues that the FCC's decision to adopt a single rate didn't consider all costs and lacked a proper basis. Public responses are due by March 9, 2021, with replies due by March 19, 2021.

The Department of Labor is proposing a new rule that would require attorneys and lay representatives to file documents electronically in cases before the Benefits Review Board. This rule aims to make the filing process more efficient and reduce traditional mailing costs by using an electronic case management system. Self-represented individuals can still choose to file documents either electronically or by traditional methods. The Department is inviting public comments on this proposed rule until February 10, 2021.

The Department of Labor issued a direct final rule requiring attorneys and lay representatives representing parties before the Benefits Review Board to use electronic filing (e-filing) and automatic electronic service (e-service) for submitting documents. This rule, effective on February 25, 2021, aims to streamline the process, reduce costs, and improve efficiency by moving towards completely electronic case files. Self-represented parties are given the option to use these electronic systems or continue with traditional methods. The rule is designed to be non-controversial and mimics procedures already familiar in federal courts.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has finalized a rule allowing the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to send immigration bond-related notices electronically, provided obligors agree to this method of communication. Although no significant changes were made from an earlier interim rule, this final rule clarifies text, updates terminology, and fixes typographical errors. Commenters raised concerns about technical issues, accessibility, and fairness, particularly regarding the new Cash Electronic Bonds Online System (CeBONDS), but the rule aims to make processes more efficient and reduce mail costs. This transition to electronic service is optional, and obligors can still opt for traditional mail service.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is asking for public comments about an information collection related to the Madrid Protocol, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This protocol allows trademark owners to seek international registration in multiple countries with one application. Comments can be submitted until May 12, 2025, and are aimed at evaluating the necessity, accuracy, and efficiency of the information collection. The USPTO estimates this will affect 91,024 respondents and involve various application forms, with an overall cost burden of over $42 million.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has issued an interim final rule allowing the collection of wage data for the Federal Wage System through various methods such as phone, mail, and electronic means, rather than just in-person visits. This rule aims to provide more flexibility in gathering accurate wage data amidst challenges posed by COVID-19. The rule was implemented based on recommendations from the Federal Prevailing Rate Advisory Committee and a request from the Department of Defense. Public comments are invited on this change until March 31, 2021, but the rule is already in effect temporarily due to urgency.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a proposed settlement agreement related to the "Delta Shipyard" Superfund Site in Houma, Louisiana. This agreement aims to recover response costs under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). The settlement involves Dean Services West, LLC, paying $350,000 based on an Ability to Pay Analysis. The public can comment on this agreement until February 16, 2021, by contacting EPA Assistant Regional Counsel Amy Salinas via email.