Search Results for type:"Rule"

The Department of Justice has updated its regulations to better describe the current functions of the Office of Legal Policy (OLP). This rule simplifies certain sections by removing outdated references to a non-existing entity and details the responsibilities of the Assistant Attorney General in charge of the OLP. It is considered an internal matter, so it does not require public comment or a delayed start and will not significantly impact state governments or federal-state relations. The changes take effect on January 17, 2025.

The Department of Labor has amended Prohibited Transaction Exemption (PTE) 2002-51, linked to the Voluntary Fiduciary Correction (VFC) Program, which aims to help correct breaches in fiduciary duties without facing penalties. These changes include a new self-correction feature allowing certain plan contributions to be fixed without filing a full application, and updates to improve notice procedures to interested parties while providing an appendix with a model notice. The amendment aims to make it easier and less expensive for employers to correct errors and comply with regulations under the VFC Program.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), part of the Department of Transportation, has withdrawn a proposed rule regarding the investigation of railroad accidents and incidents. The rule, initially published in October 2024, aimed to establish a standard process for information gathering and consultation with stakeholders during investigations. The decision to retract follows two negative comments criticizing insufficiencies and potential issues, including vague definitions and conflicts with existing practices. The withdrawal allows FRA to revisit the proposal and work with stakeholders to address concerns.

The Department of Commerce has issued a final rule to adjust civil monetary penalties (CMPs) for inflation as mandated by federal law. This rule applies to CMPs with specific dollar amounts and is set to become effective on January 15, 2025. The adjustments are based on the Consumer Price Index changes from October 2023 to October 2024, ensuring that penalties keep their deterrence value. These changes apply only to penalties assessed after the rule's effective date and do not involve prior public notice or comment since the adjustments follow a prescribed methodology.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has amended regulations for educational assistance programs involving veterans, implementing acts such as the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010 and others. Under these updates, the VA has refined how benefits and eligibility are managed, specifically focusing on criteria for receiving Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, enhancing the clarity of rules for on-site and online courses, and addressing overpayment policies. Additionally, the amendments adjust various educational and training benefit programs while emphasizing the importance of timely certification and managing eligibility for veterans and their dependents.

The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS), known as AmeriCorps, revised its rules for the National Service Criminal History Check (NSCHC), effective May 1, 2021. The new regulations aim to simplify and clarify the process and require grant recipients to conduct checks on individuals in specific positions. The rule does not mandate using CNCS-approved vendors, although it is recommended. Also, the revised rule includes waivers for individuals under 18 and new positions starting after November 1, 2021, ensuring checks are consistent and conducted before starting work or service.

The Coast Guard is implementing a temporary safety zone on Lake Erie around the Avon Lake Power Plant in Ohio due to potential hazards from demolition activities. This safety zone, which extends within a 750-yard radius of the plant, will be active on December 19, 2024, with a backup date of December 20, 2024, in case of bad weather. Only personnel and vessels with permission from the Captain of the Port, Eastern Great Lakes, are allowed to enter this area, ensuring the safety of people and the environment.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an interim final rule in response to a petition from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation. This rule addresses when to increase the civil penalty rate for automobile manufacturers that do not meet corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards. The updated penalty rate will be enforced starting with the 2022 model year, unless a court decision is overturned. NHTSA has decided this rule to ensure fairness and avoid retroactive penalties, especially as manufacturers have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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 Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the USDA has issued a final rule revising the fee structure for Section 8e import inspections of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other products. Inspections will now be charged on a per-pound basis instead of a per-carlot basis, with a significant reduction in additional sublot fees by 50%. This change aims to better reflect the actual inspection costs and reduce financial impact on smaller shipments. The rule is expected to result in equal or lower fees for about 77% of the inspections conducted over recent years and is designed to avoid disproportionately burdening small businesses.