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The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is proposing changes to the regulations for low-value shipments, where the retail value does not exceed $800. Merchandise affected by specific trade or national security measures would no longer be eligible for an administrative exemption from duties and taxes. This proposal aims to protect U.S. revenue and ensure compliance with trade laws. Public comments are requested before March 24, 2025, and additional details can be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has updated its Statement of Organization for the Office of the General Counsel (OGC). This update clarifies the roles, responsibilities, and structure of the OGC, including the addition of their participation in the Inter-Agency False Claims Act Working Group. Key components such as the Mission, Organization, and Functions of the OGC are detailed, emphasizing the legal services provided to the Secretary and other parts of the department. The revised document also outlines how it nullifies all previous statements of organization.

The Department of Education announced an opportunity for public agencies and private non-profits to apply for grants to operate Equity Assistance Centers. These centers will provide technical help to schools on developing desegregation plans, ensuring all students have a safe and equitable learning environment, and addressing issues arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. The department plans to fund four centers, one in each geographic region outlined, and encourages applications from entities that have not received similar grants recently. Applying organizations must follow specific guidelines and should aim to improve knowledge, change policies, and enhance the capacity to support equal educational opportunities.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve updates to Florida's regional haze state implementation plan (SIP), addressing pollution that affects visibility in national parks and wilderness areas. These updates, submitted by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) in 2021 and 2024, comply with the Clean Air Act and EPA's Regional Haze Rule requirements for the second planning period. The plan focuses on reducing pollutants like sulfur dioxide from major sources in Florida and includes cooperative efforts with neighboring states to address cross-border pollution effects. If approved, the updates will become enforceable under federal law.

The National Park Service is proposing new rules for using powered micromobility devices, like electric scooters, hoverboards, and Segways, in national parks. These devices will be classified separately from motor vehicles and bikes, and specific regions within parks can be designated for their use. The proposal ensures that these devices aren't allowed in wilderness areas and provides clear guidelines for where and how they can be used, giving park superintendents the flexibility to manage their use. Public comments on this proposed rule are invited until March 17, 2025.

The Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council has announced a new rule that includes mining as a sector eligible for coverage under the Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (FAST-41). This means that mining projects can now benefit from improved coordination and transparency in the federal permitting process. The rule aims to make the permitting process for mining projects more efficient without bypassing any environmental reviews or public consultations. By adding mining to the list of FAST-41 sectors, it is expected to help streamline the project review process for eligible mining endeavors.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is proposing a rule to require testing of talc-containing cosmetic products to detect and identify asbestos, which is a known carcinogen. This rule would mandate the use of standardized testing methods involving both Polarized Light Microscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy to ensure that cosmetics do not contain asbestos, which poses health risks to consumers. Manufacturers would need to test each batch or lot of their products or rely on certified analysis from suppliers, and they must maintain records of the testing. This rule aims to enhance consumer safety by reducing the risk of asbestos exposure from cosmetic products.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has accepted a proposed consent agreement to address anticompetitive practices by Guardian Service Industries, Inc. The company was found to have used "No-Hire Agreements" that prevented other businesses from hiring its employees, which the FTC claims are unfair methods of competition under federal law. The proposed consent order will make these agreements void and includes measures to inform affected parties. Some FTC commissioners have expressed dissent, arguing that there was insufficient evidence of antitrust violations. The public can submit comments on this proposed agreement until January 6, 2025.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has finalized a rule that implements the Accessibility Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way (PROWAG), as part of its regulations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This formalizes standards ensuring that new and altered transit stops in public spaces are accessible to persons with disabilities. The rule becomes effective on January 17, 2025, and applies to relevant constructions or alterations started after that date. This regulatory update aims to harmonize public transportation facilities' accessibility with standards already set out by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board.

The U.S. Department of Labor is proposing to stop issuing certificates that allow employers to pay subminimum wages to workers with disabilities under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Section 14(c). This decision is based on the conclusion that such wages are no longer necessary due to improved employment opportunities and legal protections for individuals with disabilities. If enacted, the proposal would phase out new certificates immediately and existing ones over three years, ensuring that all affected workers transition to being paid at least the regular minimum wage. The Department believes that this change reflects broader societal shifts towards equality and inclusion for workers with disabilities.