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The U.S. Copyright Office has issued a final rule to improve the process of recording notices of termination to enhance efficiency. This update clarifies timeliness rules for such notices and expands permissible methods for serving them, including reputable courier services and email if the recipient consents. It also broadens the definition of "harmless errors" to cover minor mistakes in compliance, which do not materially impact the notice. Additionally, the Office plans to explore the development of a directory for digital communication and public comments regarding form templates for these notices.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the US Department of Agriculture has issued a proposed rule recommending changes to pricing in 11 Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs). These proposed amendments update existing formulas for milk composition, surveyed commodity products, and milk pricing categories, among others, to better reflect current market conditions. The changes are aimed at improving the fairness and accuracy of milk pricing across different regions and market classes. The AMS will seek approval from milk producers before implementing any new rules, with the possibility of terminating the order if it doesn't receive enough support.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced changes to the way it manages records about unaccompanied children in federal custody due to their immigration status. The updated system, now called the ORR Unaccompanied Children Bureau (UCB) Administrative Program Records, aims to enhance privacy protections and clarify routine uses of data, especially concerning law enforcement and child welfare investigations. The revisions prohibit using children's information for immigration enforcement purposes without consent and specify situations where information can be shared, like health care coordination or missing children investigations. These changes are part of HHS's ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of unaccompanied children.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a final rule exempting certain records in its newly established system, DOE-42 Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs Files, from specific provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974. These exemptions are applied to protect investigatory materials used for law enforcement purposes, safeguarding against unauthorized access to sensitive data related to federal civil rights compliance investigations. The DOE addressed public comments on the rule and justified the need for exemptions to enhance the confidentiality and integrity of law enforcement processes while ensuring fairness and due process. The rule becomes effective on January 16, 2025.

The U.S. Department of Energy is updating its Privacy Act System of Records, specifically the DOE-24 Land Records System. This update is intended to align with new formatting requirements and improve Privacy Act coverage for business processes and information. Key changes include revised privacy measures, updated categories for individuals and records, and the incorporation of cloud-based services for data storage. The department is seeking public commentary on these changes before they take effect on January 21, 2025.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is planning to modify its Partner-Vetting System, a system used to vet directors, officers, and employees of non-governmental organizations seeking funds from USAID. The system collects personal data to ensure that USAID’s funds do not inadvertently support individuals or entities posing a risk to national security. Changes include removing certain categories of individuals from its coverage and clarifying details in the system’s records. USAID invites the public to submit comments on the proposed changes by February 12, 2021.

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 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.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is introducing a new system of records to be managed by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) within its Administration for Children and Families. This system, titled ORR Unaccompanied Children Bureau Child Abuse or Neglect Investigation Records and Central Registry, aims to document cases related to child abuse or neglect at ORR facilities and maintain a registry to vet individuals who may work with unaccompanied children. The information stored will be used for investigations and to ensure that those with a history of abuse or neglect are not allowed to work or volunteer in positions involving direct contact with children under ORR care. Importantly, the data recorded will not be shared for immigration enforcement purposes without prior written consent from the individual concerned.

The Department of Justice has extended the public comment period for a proposed consent decree involving Home Depot by 30 days. This extension gives the public until February 22, 2021, to submit their comments. The lawsuit claims Home Depot violated the Toxic Substances Control Act by performing renovations without using EPA-certified firms. The proposed agreement requires Home Depot to pay a $20,750,000 penalty and start a compliance program.