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The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved the application of MX2 LLC to become a national securities exchange. MX2 will operate similarly to the existing MEMX exchange but will not list new securities; instead, it will trade existing ones through unlisted trading privileges. The exchange will use automated systems with no physical trading floor and partner with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) for regulatory functions. Several conditions accompany this approval, including joining specific national market system plans and forming regulatory agreements.

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) issued a final rule to change how Federal Wage System (FWS) wage area boundaries are defined, making them more similar to those used for General Schedule (GS) locality pay areas. This rule, effective October 1, 2025, and impacting about 10% of FWS employees, aims to address pay disparities by reducing the number of FWS wage areas and aligning them more closely with GS locality pay areas. It is based on recommendations from the Federal Prevailing Rate Advisory Committee (FPRAC) and is expected to result in pay increases for some workers while others may see little change or enter pay retention due to the restructuring.

The Coast Guard has issued a final rule allowing for electronic submission of mariner credential applications and the payment of fees through an online system, aiming to modernize and streamline the process. The rule eliminates the requirement for prospective mariners to take an oath in person, updates certain procedures related to the issuance of credentials, and makes technical amendments like adopting gender-neutral language. The changes, effective January 19, 2025, are designed to improve efficiency and clarity, making it easier for mariners to manage their credentials.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a final rule to modify event data recorders (EDRs) requirements. The rule changes the duration and frequency at which EDRs record pre-crash data from 5 seconds at 2 Hz to 20 seconds at 10 Hz. These changes, effective by September 2027 for most manufacturers, aim to provide investigators with better data to understand vehicle crashes. The rule responds to a mandate by the Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act and includes allowances for small-volume and limited-line manufacturers to comply by later dates.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a final rule amending its Uniform Administrative Requirements to realign with statutory nondiscrimination provisions stated by Congress, thus significantly altering previous regulations. This rule focuses on requiring recipients of HHS awards to adhere to applicable federal statutory nondiscrimination laws and ensures compliance with relevant Supreme Court decisions. The action also addresses concerns that previous rules might violate the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) by causing undue burdens on religious organizations. This change aims to provide clarity and stability for grantees, while planning to avoid issues related to RFRA compliance.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed listing the Clear Lake hitch, a type of fish found only in California's Clear Lake watershed, as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. This decision comes after reviewing scientific data showing threats such as habitat loss, predation, and climate change impacts. The proposal includes protective measures to help conserve the species, such as controlling illegal pesticide use and managing habitats. The agency is accepting public comments on this proposed rule until March 17, 2025.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is implementing a new rule, titled Rule 2a-5, under the Investment Company Act of 1940. This rule sets requirements for how investment companies should determine the fair value of their investments. Key elements include the management of valuation risks, specification of suitable fair value methodologies, and supervision of pricing services used to assess investment value. Additionally, the rule allows investment companies to designate a valuation expert to handle these assessments, provided they remain under the company's board's oversight. Furthermore, a new accompanying Rule 31a-4 mandates recordkeeping requirements to support these fair value determinations.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has adopted a final rule under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to improve transparency in the extraction industry. This rule requires companies involved in the extraction of oil, natural gas, or minerals to report payments made to foreign governments or the U.S. federal government for resource development. Companies must include details about the type and amount of payments, and this information must be presented publicly in a specific electronic format. The rule aims to deter corruption and promote accountability, although some exemptions and delayed reporting options are available to reduce the compliance burden on smaller companies.

The Coast Guard has issued a final rule to update and harmonize approval requirements for lifejackets, also known as personal flotation devices (PFDs), by adopting new standards that improve compatibility with Canadian regulations. This change allows for the production of more innovative and comfortable lifejackets and includes revisions to labeling requirements. The rule also permits the use of new lifejacket designs approved under these standards and eliminates certain outdated approval requirements, which can reduce costs and inspection burdens for manufacturers. The rule aims to enhance safety and streamline the process for lifejacket approval while supporting better compliance and improved usage among recreational and commercial vessel operators in both the U.S. and Canada.

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.