Search Results for keywords:"exemptions"

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued a notice regarding an application from HarbourVest Private Investments Fund and HarbourVest Registered Advisers L.P. for certain exemptions under the Investment Company Act of 1940. This application seeks permission for certain registered closed-end investment companies to issue multiple classes of shares and to charge early withdrawal fees and asset-based distribution or service fees. The application was filed on November 8, 2024, and interested parties can request a hearing by contacting the SEC by January 3, 2025. Further information and the application details can be accessed on the SEC's website or by contacting the SEC's Public Reference Room.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued an order requiring all passengers traveling to the United States from a foreign country to provide either a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from the virus. This rule applies to passengers aged two and above and aims to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and its variants. Airlines must verify this information before boarding passengers, and failure to comply may result in penalties. The order takes effect on January 26, 2021, and will remain in place until further notice.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is further delaying the start date of rules related to the "NIH Police Records," a new Privacy Act system managed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Initially set to take effect on February 18, 2025, these rules were delayed to March 21, 2025, following a Presidential directive. This notice extends the delay until May 5, 2025. The delay ensures these rules comply with a Presidential order to review new regulations before they become active.

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has decided to close its investigation into whether Canadian rules on ballast water management systems were harming U.S. shipping operations in the Great Lakes. Initially sparked by fears of unfair conditions for U.S. ships due to new Canadian regulations, the situation improved enough for the FMC to conclude that short-term issues have been resolved. However, a longer-term investigation remains open to address any potential ongoing concerns. The FMC encourages those affected to continue participating in this ongoing investigation to address any lingering disparities.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is proposing to approve new reliability standards related to frequency and voltage settings, known as PRC-024-4 and PRC-029-1. These standards, submitted by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), aim to ensure that electric generators and other inverter-based resources (IBRs) can handle changes in electrical disturbances without shutting down unexpectedly. FERC is seeking public comments on the proposal and plans to direct NERC to provide detailed information on any granted exemptions, especially for older equipment that can't easily meet the new requirements. Comments on this proposal are due by March 24, 2025.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing updates to the fees charged under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for fiscal years 2022 to 2024. This proposal aims to adjust existing fees and introduce new fee categories to ensure the fees offset a portion of the costs of the EPA's responsibilities under TSCA. New exemptions are also proposed for certain manufacturers to reduce the burden on smaller entities and those engaged in specific activities, like research and development. EPA seeks to redistribute the fees more equitably among manufacturers based on production volume, aiming to refine the fee process from previous implementations and ensure industries that contribute to chemical manufacturing support EPA's oversight and evaluation efforts.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) issued a final rule exempting certain records in its newly established system, DOE-42 Nondiscrimination in Federally Assisted Programs Files, from specific provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974. These exemptions are applied to protect investigatory materials used for law enforcement purposes, safeguarding against unauthorized access to sensitive data related to federal civil rights compliance investigations. The DOE addressed public comments on the rule and justified the need for exemptions to enhance the confidentiality and integrity of law enforcement processes while ensuring fairness and due process. The rule becomes effective on January 16, 2025.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is holding a closed meeting on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at their headquarters in Washington, DC, and possibly also online. Only Commissioners, select staff, and other authorized individuals will attend. The meeting will cover topics like initiating and settling legal actions, handling administrative proceedings, and other matters related to enforcement proceedings. If there are any changes to the meeting's schedule or location, the SEC will update their website.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has renewed exemptions for 19 drivers who have experienced seizures and are on anti-seizure medication, allowing them to continue operating commercial motor vehicles despite the usual medical restrictions. These exemptions are granted because the drivers have shown they can safely operate vehicles, and each exemption is valid for two years. The drivers must follow specific conditions, like remaining seizure-free and undergoing regular medical examinations. If any safety issues arise, FMCSA may revoke these exemptions. FMCSA is also seeking comments from the public regarding these exemptions.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued a final rule regarding the "NIH Police Records" system, which contains law enforcement records maintained by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Police Division. This rule establishes exemptions from certain requirements of the Privacy Act, allowing the NIH to withhold access to specific investigatory records to protect law enforcement procedures and sources. The exemptions apply to both criminal and non-criminal investigatory materials to prevent interference with ongoing investigations and safeguard the integrity of investigatory techniques. The rule is set to become effective on February 18, 2025, and it has been determined that it will not have significant economic impacts on small entities or impose significant expenses on state or local governments.