Search Results for keywords:"Legal Compliance"

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a final rule to adjust civil monetary penalties for inflation, effective January 2, 2025. These adjustments are in line with the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015 and guidance from the Office of Management and Budget. This rule increases penalty amounts for violations occurring after November 2, 2015, and applies to various DHS components like the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Coast Guard. The updated penalty amounts are designed to maintain their deterrent effect and comply with mandatory legislative requirements.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued a circular addressing whether credit card issuers or their partners can violate the law by lowering the value of rewards or making it hard for consumers to redeem them. According to the CFPB, such actions might be unfair, deceptive, or abusive, especially if rewards are reduced, canceled, or denied due to unclear conditions. The circular also warns that technical issues affecting the redemption of rewards could be considered unlawful. This guidance aims to ensure that financial practices are fair and transparent for consumers.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued a final rule updating regulations for the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract Program. This rule introduces new definitions, aligns regulations with current laws, and standardizes language across SBA's contracting programs to clarify control and employment requirements. Additionally, it modifies how SBA reviews certification applications and encourages consistency in regulation across various government contracting programs. These updates aim to reduce confusion and streamline processes without significantly impacting small businesses economically.