Search Results for type:"Rule"

The Department of Education has issued final regulations aimed at improving program integrity and institutional quality for programs under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. These regulations focus on two key areas: distance education and the return of Title IV funds. They introduce new requirements for institutions to report the enrollment status of students in distance and correspondence courses and streamline the process for returning unearned Title IV funds when a student withdraws. These changes, effective July 1, 2026, seek to enhance data collection and oversight while simplifying administrative procedures for educational institutions.

The Federal Communications Commission has issued a new rule that changes several unbundling and resale requirements for telecommunications services. The rule eliminates certain obligations that require incumbent local exchange carriers (LECs) to offer unbundled access to their network elements, such as loop and transport facilities, where there is sufficient evidence of competition. The rule also ends the Avoided-Cost Resale requirements, which previously allowed competitive carriers to resell services at discounted rates, except for 911/E911 databases and operations support systems used for remaining obligations. The decision aims to encourage the transition to next-generation networks and services by removing outdated regulations where competition now exists.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has issued a final rule updating the fee schedule for the use of government lands by hydropower licensees. This update, effective February 10, 2021, amends the per-acre rental fees as listed in Appendix A to Part 11 of the Commission’s regulations. These fees apply from October 1, 2020, to September 30, 2021, for fiscal year 2021. The update is procedural and doesn’t significantly impact the rights of non-agency parties.

The Coast Guard issued a final rule to modify the operating schedule of the State Road 609 highway bascule bridge in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. This change comes in response to increased road traffic, allowing the bridge to remain closed to vessels during peak traffic hours in the morning and afternoon on weekdays. The bridge will continue to open for boats after a 12-hour notice on certain holidays and during emergencies. The Coast Guard determined that these changes will not significantly impact marine navigation.

The Surface Transportation Board issued a final rule to update its civil monetary penalties by accounting for inflation, as required by federal law. This annual adjustment, effective January 14, 2025, follows a specific calculation method and does not allow for public comment because the Board is following a mandated federal formula. The rule applies only to violations occurring after the regulation's effective date. It also clarifies that the Board has no authority to adjust criminal penalties for inflation.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X airplanes, due to problems with crew oxygen mask stowage boxes. This directive mandates the inspection and possible replacement of certain stowage boxes that may have been assembled incorrectly, posing a risk of blocked oxygen flow, which could potentially lead to pilot oxygen deprivation and loss of plane control. The directive takes effect on February 22, 2021, and comments are due by March 22, 2021. The AD implements procedures specified in an emergency directive by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a final rule to amend the Class E airspace designation at the Bradford Regional Airport in Pennsylvania. This change was prompted by the removal of the Bradford VHF omnidirectional range (VOR) navigation aid, as part of the VOR Minimum Operational Network (MON) Program. The amendment involves adjusting the airspace dimensions and removing outdated navigation references to improve safety and efficiency for aircraft operations at the airport. The rule is set to take effect on June 17, 2021.

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has finalized a rule to make its Single Family Sale Program permanent, transitioning it from a pilot program. This program involves the sale of single family mortgage loans that have been assigned to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in exchange for claim payments. The rule aims to maximize recoveries from these sales, enhance HUD's Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund, and eliminate outdated regulations related to HUD's management of single family mortgages. It includes provisions to support nonprofit organizations in acquiring loans and ensures post-sale outcomes that benefit communities and homeowners.

The Coast Guard has established a temporary safety zone on the Ohio River from mile marker 452.0 to 454.0 near New Richmond, OH, to ensure safety during a planned demolition project. The safety zone will be in effect from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on February 26, 2021, with possible backup dates of February 27 or 28, 2021. During this time, entry, transit, or anchorage within the zone is prohibited unless authorized by the Captain of the Port Sector Ohio Valley or an appointed representative. The rule was implemented without prior public notice due to the urgent safety needs posed by the demolition.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) made corrections to a rule regarding trademark fees that was published on November 18, 2024. These changes fix minor errors in the rule's language without altering its substance to prevent confusion among those affected. The corrections clarify the references in the rule and ensure the right fees and requirements for different types of trademark applications are clear. These updates, which do not add any new rules or charges, take effect on January 18, 2025.