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The Department of Agriculture has finalized a rule superseding the interim rule to establish the Domestic Hemp Production Program, as required by the 2018 Farm Bill. This rule outlines regulations for State and Tribal plans and a Federal plan for hemp production where State or Tribal plans are not USDA-approved. The program details requirements for record-keeping, THC level testing, disposal of non-compliant plants, producer licensing, and overall compliance. The rule also specifies procedures for land use data collection and cooperation with law enforcement and other agricultural agencies.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has introduced a final rule called the Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees. This rule aims to prevent businesses from misleading consumers about the prices of live-event tickets and short-term lodging. It requires businesses to clearly disclose the total price that includes all mandatory fees, to avoid bait-and-switch tactics that hide the real cost. The rule also prohibits businesses from lying about the nature, purpose, amount, or refundability of these fees, ensuring that consumers have a true understanding of the cost before making a purchase.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing amendments to the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) for the Polyether Polyols (PEPO) Production industry. The proposed changes, under the Clean Air Act (CAA), aim to address harmful emissions of ethylene oxide (EtO) and other hazardous air pollutants to improve air quality and public health. The EPA suggests tighter controls on process vents, storage vessels, equipment leaks, heat exchange systems, and wastewater, and plans to implement fenceline monitoring to measure and manage emissions more effectively. The agency estimates significant reductions in harmful emissions with these new standards.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has approved the application of 24X National Exchange LLC to register as a national securities exchange. 24X plans to operate an automated trading platform for trading listed stocks during extended hours, including overnight sessions on weekdays. The exchange will be supported by technology from MEMX Technologies and will use FINRA for certain regulatory functions. To protect investors, 24X must join several national market system plans and implement enhancements like customer risk disclosures before commencing operations.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has issued a final rule requiring public housing agencies (PHAs) and owners of properties receiving project-based rental assistance to give tenants a 30-day written notice before beginning eviction procedures for nonpayment of rent. This rule is intended to provide tenants with more time to resolve rent issues and seek assistance, aiming to reduce unnecessary evictions. The rule adopts and expands upon a previous interim final rule, and it allows for certain flexibility in emergencies declared by the President. Compliance with the rule is required by January 13, 2025, with specific conditions for different types of housing programs.

The U.S. Department of Labor has issued a new final rule to clarify the differences between employees and independent contractors under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This rule is intended to make these distinctions clearer by providing guidance based on economic realities, which consider factors like a worker’s control over their work and the potential for profit or loss. Two main factors, related to control and profit potential, are seen as more significant in determining a worker's status. The rule aims to increase predictability for both workers and businesses across all industries.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a final rule that requires its regulations to be reviewed periodically, with most regulations set to expire automatically every ten years unless reviewed. This is intended to ensure that regulations stay up-to-date and relevant. The final rule also includes processes for public comments and specifies the criteria for reviews, which include assessing whether the regulations significantly impact small entities, and if they are still necessary or need amendments. Certain regulations, such as those mandated by federal law and the annual Medicare payment update rules, are exempt from these reviews.

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.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has introduced a new rule to help businesses, especially small and medium-sized ones, raise capital more easily while still protecting investors. This rule simplifies and organizes the framework for certain types of exempt offerings, allowing these businesses to access investment opportunities while closing gaps and reducing complexities in the existing regulations. These changes also include specific new guidelines for how businesses can communicate their offerings and increased limits on how much they can offer and invest. The final rule is effective from March 15, 2021, with some specific provisions effective at varying dates.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a final rule to amend safety standards for child restraint systems in vehicles. The goal is to improve the ease of use and effectiveness of lower and tether anchorages in cars, fulfilling the MAP-21 mandate. The new regulations include clearer labeling, standardized anchorage configurations, and improved testing tools to ensure child safety systems are more user-friendly. The rule includes a phased implementation starting in September 2028 to allow manufacturers time to incorporate these changes into vehicle designs.