JD Supra

Executive Order on Mortgage Credit Access

President Trump signed an executive order directing federal financial regulators to consider changes aimed at reducing regulatory burdens in mortgage origination, servicing, and licensing. The order specifically targets community banks and smaller institutions, reflecting a view that current regulations have increased costs and limited credit availability.

CalPrivacy Fines PlayOn Sports $1.1M for Data Sales

The California Privacy Protection Agency (CalPrivacy) has settled with PlayOn Sports, a digital ticketing platform, imposing a $1.1 million civil penalty for selling personal information without providing consumers an opt-out. The settlement stems from violations occurring between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2024, and highlights CalPrivacy's focus on digital tracking and data sales.

Policy Week in Review - Federal Workplace Legislation and DHS Funding

This policy update covers federal workplace legislation and DHS funding issues. Key developments include the Senate passing partial DHS funding, President Trump issuing an executive order on DEI discrimination by federal contractors, and the DOL proposing a rule to increase wages for foreign workers in certain visa programs.

Executive Order on DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors

President Trump issued an executive order on March 26, 2026, establishing new requirements for federal contractors regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) activities. The order defines racially discriminatory DEI activities and mandates new contract clauses requiring contractors to report on and prevent such practices, with potential penalties for non-compliance.

Court Rulings Affirm Agency Procedural Safeguards for Climate Infrastructure Funds

Federal courts have ruled that agencies must follow procedural requirements when administering climate infrastructure funds. Decisions in Washington and D.C. invalidated agency actions that froze EV-charging funding and terminated DOE grants based on political affiliation, impacting billions in infrastructure projects.

Offshore Wind Projects Successfully Challenge BOEM Suspension Orders

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) issued suspension orders for five offshore wind projects, citing national security concerns. Developers successfully challenged these orders in court, obtaining preliminary injunctions by February 2, 2026, arguing the suspensions were arbitrary and capricious.

FEMA FY 2024-2025 BRIC Grant Funding Opportunity Released

FEMA has released the Notice of Funding Opportunity for the FY 2024-2025 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program, making $1 billion available for hazard mitigation. The program has narrowed eligible activities to focus on infrastructure and construction projects, with new compliance requirements for applicants. Applications are due July 23, 2026.

Renewable Market Distress: Preserving Value and Capturing Opportunity

Sheppard Mullin LLP hosted a panel discussing distress in the renewable energy market due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). Panelists warned of potential capital shortfalls and advised proactive contingency planning for project developers and investors facing valuation shifts.

Court Grants Summary Judgment, Finds No Copyright Infringement

The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York granted summary judgment to defendants in Freeman v. Deebs-Elkenaney, finding no copyright infringement. The court determined that similarities between the plaintiff's unpublished drafts and the defendants' bestselling novel series were limited to unprotectable tropes common to the genre.

Supreme Court: ISPs not liable for user copyright infringement without intent

The Supreme Court ruled that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are not liable for user copyright infringement solely based on knowledge of the infringement. The decision in Cox Communications Inc. v. Sony Music Entertainment clarifies that intent to encourage infringement or providing a service primarily for infringing uses is required for ISP liability. This ruling may impact how platforms are expected to enforce terms of service against infringing users.