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The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has finalized amendments to the Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA), which aim to enhance the protection of children's personal information online. The amendments update definitions and improve transparency by requiring operators of websites and online services to provide more detailed notices about their data collection practices, including information on data retention and third-party sharing. The FTC has also approved new methods for obtaining parental consent and instituted stricter data security and retention policies, while maintaining flexibility to accommodate different business sizes. Furthermore, these changes include additional reporting requirements for FTC-approved Safe Harbor programs, which are intended to increase oversight and accountability.

The U.S. Department of Labor has issued a new final rule to clarify the differences between employees and independent contractors under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This rule is intended to make these distinctions clearer by providing guidance based on economic realities, which consider factors like a worker’s control over their work and the potential for profit or loss. Two main factors, related to control and profit potential, are seen as more significant in determining a worker's status. The rule aims to increase predictability for both workers and businesses across all industries.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing changes to the listing and management of grizzly bears in the lower 48 states. They intend to redefine the grizzly bear's geographic boundaries as a distinct population segment (DPS) and retain its threatened status under the Endangered Species Act. The proposal aims to promote conservation by clarifying areas suitable for grizzly bears, including revisions to protective regulations under section 4(d) of the Act. Public comments on the proposed changes will be accepted until March 17, 2025, along with multiple public informational meetings and hearings scheduled in early 2025.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a final rule that requires its regulations to be reviewed periodically, with most regulations set to expire automatically every ten years unless reviewed. This is intended to ensure that regulations stay up-to-date and relevant. The final rule also includes processes for public comments and specifies the criteria for reviews, which include assessing whether the regulations significantly impact small entities, and if they are still necessary or need amendments. Certain regulations, such as those mandated by federal law and the annual Medicare payment update rules, are exempt from these reviews.

The U.S. Department of Labor is proposing to stop issuing certificates that allow employers to pay subminimum wages to workers with disabilities under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Section 14(c). This decision is based on the conclusion that such wages are no longer necessary due to improved employment opportunities and legal protections for individuals with disabilities. If enacted, the proposal would phase out new certificates immediately and existing ones over three years, ensuring that all affected workers transition to being paid at least the regular minimum wage. The Department believes that this change reflects broader societal shifts towards equality and inclusion for workers with disabilities.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has revised the air quality standards for sulfur dioxide (SO₂) to better protect the environment. The previous standard had a three-hour measurement period, but now it is an annual average over three years, limited to 10 parts per billion (ppb). The EPA decided to keep the existing standards for nitrogen oxides and particulate matter the same. This update comes after reviewing scientific evidence and public feedback to ensure the standards protect public wellness without being too strict.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has introduced a new rule to help businesses, especially small and medium-sized ones, raise capital more easily while still protecting investors. This rule simplifies and organizes the framework for certain types of exempt offerings, allowing these businesses to access investment opportunities while closing gaps and reducing complexities in the existing regulations. These changes also include specific new guidelines for how businesses can communicate their offerings and increased limits on how much they can offer and invest. The final rule is effective from March 15, 2021, with some specific provisions effective at varying dates.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a final rule to amend safety standards for child restraint systems in vehicles. The goal is to improve the ease of use and effectiveness of lower and tether anchorages in cars, fulfilling the MAP-21 mandate. The new regulations include clearer labeling, standardized anchorage configurations, and improved testing tools to ensure child safety systems are more user-friendly. The rule includes a phased implementation starting in September 2028 to allow manufacturers time to incorporate these changes into vehicle designs.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has proposed a rule to amend Regulation V, which implements the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This proposal aims to better regulate data brokers by clearly defining when they are considered consumer reporting agencies under the law, especially concerning sensitive personal information that could affect credit eligibility. Key aspects include ensuring consumer reports are only used for permissible purposes and preventing misuse of aggregated or de-identified data. The rule also seeks public input on these changes to enhance privacy protections and address evolving market dynamics.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a final rule amending the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208 to enhance seat belt warning systems. The rule requires new warnings for rear seats and updates existing ones for the driver and front passenger seats in vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or less. It mandates that these warnings be visible and audible to encourage seat belt use, aiming to address safety concerns and reduce injuries and fatalities. These changes must be implemented by September 1, 2027, for rear seat warnings and by September 1, 2026, for front seat warnings, with manufacturers given two years to comply.