Search Results for keywords:"regulations"

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) held a Board of Directors meeting via video conference on January 19, 2021. The meeting covered several topics, including discussions on the final rule regarding supervisory guidance, and proposed rules on various regulations affecting state savings associations and banks. The Board decided to hold the meeting with less than seven days' notice due to urgent business needs. The meeting was open to the public and was webcast online.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a notice inviting public comments on a proposed information collection to reduce paperwork burdens. The FCC aims to specifically gather input on how to alleviate this burden on small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. The notice outlines various sections of regulations and the obligations imposed on entities concerning station identification, pay-per-call services, competitive networks, and technical support. The FCC seeks feedback on whether these requirements are necessary and suggestions to improve them, ensuring transparency and compliance with existing laws.

The Copyright Royalty Judges are proposing an amendment to their regulations to allow flexibility in how they conduct hearings. Traditionally held in person at the Library of Congress, the hearings could also take place at an alternative location or virtually, depending on the situation. This change aims to adapt to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced many hearings to shift online. The Judges are inviting public comments on this proposed rule change.

NOAA is expanding the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary by about 104 square miles, adding 14 new reefs and banks in the Gulf of Mexico. This expansion will bring the total sanctuary area to approximately 160.4 square miles, and existing regulations will apply to these new areas. The expansion aims to protect the unique marine biodiversity, including coral reefs and habitats for endangered species like sea turtles and whale sharks. This decision follows extensive public consultation and scientific research to enhance marine conservation while balancing oil, gas, and fishing interests.

The Department of Education has decided to withdraw a proposed rule that aimed to change certain regulations under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The proposed changes would have removed the need for public agencies to get parental consent before using public benefits or insurance for services required by IDEA. This decision follows a review of over 9,700 public comments, many of which opposed the changes due to concerns about potential negative impacts on Medicaid services for students with disabilities. Instead of changing the rules, the Department will focus on providing technical assistance to better support the use of Medicaid for school-based services.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has announced the renewal of the charter for the Mine Safety and Health Research Advisory Committee. This committee's charter has been extended for another two years, until November 30, 2026. The renewal is in accordance with federal regulations to ensure continued oversight and support for mine safety and health research. For more information, Robert Randolph is the designated contact person from the CDC.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has announced a notice regarding an application submitted by Hamilton Lane Private Assets Fund and others. The applicants are seeking permission for certain investment companies to make joint investments with affiliated funds, which would otherwise be prohibited under existing regulations. They aim to allow a closed-end management investment company to invest in portfolio companies alongside related investment funds. The application includes various conditions to ensure that such investments are fair and equitable for all parties involved.

The Postal Service has made changes to the Postal Operation Manual regarding the ratio of parcel lockers in apartment buildings. Previously, the requirement was 10 apartment units for each parcel locker, but now it has been changed to 5 units per locker to handle more packages. Public comments on these changes were invited through the Federal Register from December 18, 2020, to January 19, 2021, but no comments were received. The updated manual can be accessed online for more details.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is holding a public hearing on March 25, 2021, for proposed regulations to exclude certain partnership-related items from the centralized partnership audit system. This hearing will take place by teleconference, and anyone wishing to speak must email an outline of their discussion topics by March 12, 2021. If no outlines are received by this date, the hearing will be canceled. Those interested in attending or speaking must email publichearings@irs.gov with specific details to obtain access information.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a final rule aimed at increasing transparency and fairness in their civil enforcement actions. This rule ensures that individuals and companies receive clear notices about which laws and regulations apply to them and must be given a chance to respond before the agency takes any action with legal consequences. It also specifies that HHS cannot use guidance documents to impose binding requirements unless explicitly allowed by law and must rely on statutes and regulations when taking enforcement actions. The rule highlights the importance of fairness, especially avoiding "unfair surprise," and outlines how the Department should handle these processes to promote efficiency and clarity.