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The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has issued a final rule to update the rules for civil money penalties by adjusting them for inflation. This adjustment is in line with the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act, ensuring penalties stay current with economic changes. The new penalty amounts will be effective from January 16, 2025, and apply to violations occurring on or after January 15, 2025. The FHFA will calculate penalties on a case-by-case basis, using a formula tied to changes in the Consumer Price Index, and these updates are mandated by law.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has released a final version of its updated Third-Party Contracting Guidance Circular (C 4220.1G), which replaces the old version (C 4220.1F). The update includes changes brought about by new laws and regulations and provides additional guidance for FTA's assistance programs. The FTA also addressed various public comments, making adjustments where needed, but mostly ensuring the guidelines align with existing federal standards. Most suggestions from stakeholders were acknowledged but not incorporated, as they often went beyond the scope of the federal requirements.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has proposed changes to the regulations implementing the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). These changes aim to clarify exemptions to the registration requirement, define what constitutes "informational materials," and modernize how information is submitted and labeled, especially considering new technology like the internet. The DOJ seeks public comments on the proposed rules by March 3, 2025, which are intended to ensure transparency about those acting as foreign agents in the U.S. while easing the filing process through an online system.

The Department of the Treasury's Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued final regulations for a program that offers bonus credits for clean electricity projects in low-income communities, under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Starting in 2025, these regulations outline how eligible projects can receive increased tax credits by meeting specific energy and environmental criteria, including generating electricity without combustion. Various categories, like projects sited in low-income areas or benefiting low-income households, are eligible for different levels of increased credits. The regulations also detail rules for applying, calculating financial benefits, and maintaining eligibility over time.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has updated its regulations to improve the management of antidumping and countervailing duty (AD and CVD) laws. These changes aim to make the rules clearer and increase transparency by detailing how duties are applied and calculated. The amendments address issues like determining duty rates for nonmarket economies and handling subsidies from foreign governments. These new rules will take effect on January 15, 2025, to better enforce fair trade practices.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has implemented a new rule that removes the requirement for non-geostationary-satellite orbit, fixed-satellite service (NGSO FSS) systems to provide continuous coverage across the entire United States. This change is intended to offer more flexibility and encourage the development of innovative satellite systems. The decision aims to allow satellite operators to focus on serving underserved areas, such as Alaska and remote islands, without mandating nationwide coverage. The FCC believes this elimination of the domestic coverage rule will enhance connectivity and promote efficient use of satellite technology.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is establishing a new system of records called the Community Care Provider Profile Management System (PPMS), as required by the Privacy Act of 1974. This system will maintain records of non-VA health care providers participating in VA community care programs. The information stored in this system includes providers' personal and professional details, such as name, contact information, and identification numbers. The VA outlines several routine uses for this information, primarily involving disclosure to appropriate agencies for purposes like verifying provider credentials or responding to legal requests, all while ensuring compliance with privacy laws like HIPAA.

The NCUA Board has issued a final rule amending regulations for corporate credit unions. This rule clarifies that corporate credit unions are allowed to purchase subordinated debt instruments from natural person credit unions and outlines how these investments will be treated in terms of capital. The rule aims to balance providing flexibility for these transactions while minimizing systemic risk to the credit union system by requiring such debt instruments to be deducted from Tier 1 capital. This amendment takes effect on January 1, 2022.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed rules to implement the Pallone-Thune Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence Act (TRACED Act). These rules aim to simplify how private entities can report illegal robocalls and caller ID spoofing to the FCC. The proposal includes setting up an online portal for submitting reports, which would be monitored by the FCC's Enforcement Bureau. The definition of "private entity" will exclude public entities, such as government agencies, ensuring the system is only used by individuals, companies, and organizations outside of the government.

The Sabine-Neches Navigation District (SNND) plans to levy port or harbor dues to fund the Sabine-Neches Waterway Channel Improvement Project. This project, which is supported by the 2014 Water Resources Reform and Development Act, will be partly financed by a user fee on vessels and cargo using the waterway. The ordinance outlines the responsibilities of vessels and cargo owners in paying the fees, along with the penalties for non-compliance. A public hearing on the proposed fee ordinance is scheduled for March 15, 2021, and public comments will be accepted until March 29, 2021.