Search Results for agency_names:"Investment Company Act Release No. 35487

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has issued a final rule to adjust maximum civil monetary penalties for inflation for the year 2021 as mandated by the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015. These adjustments apply to penalties for false loan guaranty certifications and fraudulent claims related to VA programs. The rule, which became effective on February 2, 2021, specifies increased penalty amounts based on changes in the Consumer Price Index. The VA has complied with requirements and regulations, finding no need for public comment or impact on small entities.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved a rule change for the Options Clearing Corporation's (OCC) stock loan programs. This change merges OCC's Hedge Program and Market Loan Program into a single, more efficient program. The update aims to simplify the loan process, enhance record-keeping, and expand accessibility for Canadian clearing members while also aligning practices with industry standards. The reform is expected to reduce operational burdens and improve overall effectiveness in managing stock loan transactions.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is updating an existing system of records, named Federal Advisory Committee/Subgroup Member, Subscriber/Registrant, and Guest Speaker Records. This update includes adding records about guest speakers at advisory committee meetings and changing the system's name. New routine uses for the records have been established, such as sharing limited information about guest speakers’ qualifications and financial interests. The update aims to enhance transparency and ensure compliance with federal advisory committee regulations. Comments on the new and revised policies are invited until January 27, 2025.

Louisiana Southern Railroad, L.L.C. (LAS), a small rail company, has filed a notice to continue leasing and operating about 165.8 miles of rail lines from the Kansas City Southern Railway Company (KCS). The lease agreements have been in place since 2005 and were recently amended to extend until November 2034. LAS must meet certain conditions, such as informing employees and unions about the transaction, because their annual revenues exceed $5 million. However, LAS has requested a waiver for the 60-day advance notice requirement, which will be decided separately. The document mentions the possibility of legal challenges but notes that LA's operations are exempt from environmental and historic preservation reporting.

The United States filed a proposed Consent Decree and Environmental Settlement Agreement with a bankruptcy court involving Vertex Energy, Inc. The agreement requires Vertex Energy and its associated companies to retire renewable identification number credits valued at about $15 million to meet their obligations. The public can comment on this proposal for ten days after its announcement. During this time, the document can be accessed and reviewed on the Justice Department's website.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is proposing new procedures to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), including the addition of new categorical exclusions (CEs). These CEs are actions usually not expected to impact the environment significantly. NIST seeks public input on these draft procedures and the justification for the new CEs by January 10, 2025. The proposal is part of a larger effort to streamline and ensure consistency with environmental regulations.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) budget and annual accounting support fee for 2025, in accordance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The SEC reviewed the PCAOB's proposed budget, ensuring it aligns with recoverable expenses, and emphasized the importance of operational efficiency. The PCAOB is directed to maintain regular communications with the SEC regarding any budget adjustments and to submit a reduced spending plan due to sequestration cuts. The Budget Control Act of 2011 requires sequestration of $22.8 million for 2025, slightly reducing available funds for the PCAOB.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is seeking public comments on the extension of an information collection under Regulation S-ID, which aims to safeguard investors against identity theft risks. This regulation mandates SEC-regulated financial institutions and creditors to create programs to detect and address "red flags" of identity theft and communicate with cardholders about address changes. Annually, these entities must assess their accounts and report to their boards, incurring additional costs and time. Comments on this proposal are open until May 27, 2025.

The Department of Justice has proposed a Consent Decree to resolve a lawsuit against Meyer Distributing, Inc. for allegedly violating the Clean Air Act. Meyer is accused of selling over 600 types of devices that interfere with vehicle emission controls. As part of the settlement, Meyer is required to pay a $7.4 million penalty, comply with the Clean Air Act, and undertake actions to offset the emissions their devices contributed to. The public can comment on this proposal until 30 days after the notice's publication date.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved a rule change by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) to create a New Issue Reference Data Service for corporate bonds. This service will require underwriters to report specific data on new corporate bond issues to FINRA, which will then make this information publicly available. The goal is to reduce information asymmetry and improve market efficiency by ensuring all market participants have timely access to essential bond reference data. The SEC found that this change is consistent with the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and will enhance transparency and competition in the corporate bond market without imposing unnecessary burdens on competition.