Consumer Protection

Burlington County Restaurant Liquor License Suspended for COVID Violations

The New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control has suspended the liquor license of a restaurant in Burlington County for violations of COVID-19 executive orders. The specific establishment name, duration of suspension, and exact violations were not detailed in the available source content. This enforcement action represents one of several license actions taken by NJ ABC during the pandemic period.

NJ Settlement With Landmark Americana Bars, Drunk Driving Crashes

The New Jersey Attorney General's Office reached a settlement with Landmark Americana bars resolving allegations related to drunk driving crashes. The agreement establishes terms for the establishments' continued operation under enhanced compliance conditions.

NY DFS Industry Guidance for Banks and Financial Institutions

NY DFS Consumer Protection published an industry guidance landing page providing banks and financial institutions with access to best practices for complying with laws and regulations. The page includes links to exam reports and applications and filings.

IG4 Group / Petrobras / Braskem Concentration - Foreign Subsidies Review FS.100310

The European Commission completed its review under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation (Regulation 2022/2560) for the IG4 Group/Petrobras/Braskem concentration. The case involves economic activities in organic chemical manufacturing (NACE C.20.14) and plastics in primary forms (NACE C.20.16). The provisional deadline and suspension period expired on 20 April 2026, indicating the transaction cleared review without intervention.

Non-Opposition to Orange Masorange Merger, Case M.12247

The European Commission cleared the Orange/Masorange merger (Case M.12247) on 10 April 2026, declaring the concentration compatible with the internal market under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The decision indicates the merger raised no competition concerns warranting further investigation or remedies.

EFMS GIC Acquirers Kelda Group Merger Non-Opposition

The European Commission cleared the proposed acquisition of Kelda Group by EFMS and GIC Acquirers (Case M.12378). The Commission decided on 13 April 2026 not to oppose the notified concentration, declaring it compatible with the internal market under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (EU Merger Regulation). The full decision will be published after business secrets are removed.

Foreign Subsidies Case FS.100292, Orange / Masorange Concentration, NACE K.61.1/K.61.10

The European Commission has registered foreign subsidies case FS.100292 concerning Orange/Masorange under Regulation 2022/2560. The case involves a concentration in wired, wireless, and satellite telecommunication activities (NACE Rev. 2.1 codes K.61.1 and K.61.10). The notification was filed on 7 April 2026 with a provisional decision deadline of 13 May 2026. No decision has been issued as the case remains pending.

EU Approves €4.2 Billion State Aid for Temporary Electricity Price Relief in Bulgaria, Germany, and Slovenia

The European Commission approved three State aid schemes under the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF) to provide temporary electricity price relief for energy-intensive companies in Bulgaria (€334 million), Germany (€3.8 billion), and Slovenia (€90 million). The schemes run for three years, with Bulgaria's measure effective from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2028, and both Germany and Slovenia from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2028. Beneficiaries must reinvest at least 50% of the aid received in new or modernised assets to reduce electricity system costs without increasing fossil fuel use.

Revised Technology Transfer Block Exemption Regulation and Guidelines

The European Commission has adopted the revised Technology Transfer Block Exemption Regulation (TTBER) and accompanying Guidelines, updating rules in place since 2014. The revised rules address the strategic importance of data and standard-essential technologies in the digital economy, including new guidance on data licensing agreements and licensing negotiation groups. The TTBER exempts qualifying technology transfer agreements from the Article 101 TFEU prohibition on anti-competitive agreements. The new rules enter into force on 1 May 2026.

€411M Croatian Capital Injection Approved for Development Bank HBOR

The European Commission has approved under EU State aid rules a €411 million capital injection by Croatia into its national development bank Hrvatska Banka za Obnovu i Razvitak (HBOR). The measure, funded through the Recovery and Resilience Facility, will expand HBOR's remit to support SMEs, renewable energy projects and infrastructure development. Croatia committed to limiting HBOR's financial activities to relevant market failures and implementing no crowding-out measures to ensure the development bank does not undercut private financial institutions active in the Croatian market.

CPA Reprimanded $5K Fine for Unlicensed Practice New Jersey

The New Jersey State Board of Accountancy issued a Consent Order against Christopher Abruzzo for engaging in the unlicensed practice of public accountancy in New Jersey from 2004 through June 2009. Although licensed as a CPA in New York since 2004, Abruzzo never held a New Jersey license. The Board reprimanded Abruzzo and assessed a civil penalty of $5,000, payable within 30 days. Failure to pay will result in filing of a Certificate of Debt.

CPA Reprimanded, $5,000 Penalty for Unlicensed NJ Practice

The New Jersey State Board of Accountancy issued a Consent Order reprimanding Christopher Abruzzo and assessing a $5,000 civil penalty for practicing public accountancy in New Jersey without a state license from January 2004 through June 2009. The Board found the unlicensed practice violated N.J.S.A. 45:2B-62(a). The $5,000 penalty must be paid within 30 days of the April 11, 2012 order date.

Acting AG Davenport Files Multistate Complaint Against Novartis and Sandoz Alleging Generic Drug Price Fixing

Acting New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Consumer Affairs filed a multistate antitrust complaint with 42 states and territories against Novartis AG and its generic subsidiaries Sandoz AG and Sandoz Group AG. The complaint alleges a systemic conspiracy to fix prices, allocate markets, and rig bids for 31 different generic drugs, driving up prescription drug costs for consumers, Medicare, and Medicaid. The complaint also alleges Novartis fraudulently transferred assets from Sandoz to shield itself from liability in three prior antitrust complaints.

NJ Sues OneMain Financial for Hidden Junk Fees in Add-On Loan Products

Attorney General Davenport and a bipartisan coalition of 12 state attorneys general sued OneMain Financial for allegedly charging consumers hundreds of millions of dollars in hidden junk fees through add-on products packed into subprime installment loans. The complaint alleges add-ons were hidden in fine-print disclosures, rushed through loan closings, and pressured onto borrowers even after repeated refusals. In New Jersey, OneMain operates 26 branches and sold approximately $27 million in add-ons between 2021-2022, averaging $826 per borrower.

AG Davenport Leads 27-State Push for Rental Fee Reform

New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport led a 27-state bipartisan coalition urging the FTC to initiate federal rulemaking on unfair and deceptive rental fees. The coalition seeks enforceable standards requiring total rental price disclosure and prohibiting hidden fees. Separately, the Division of Consumer Affairs published guidance clarifying New Jersey's $50 cap on rental application fees, effective May 1, 2026, warning landlords that violations may also constitute Consumer Fraud Act violations.

NJ Cannabis Sales Surpass $1 Billion Record in 2024

New Jersey's cannabis market surpassed $1 billion in combined medicinal and recreational sales in 2024, reaching $1,004,826,946 on December 21. This represents a nearly 25% increase from the prior year's $800,279,300. Since adult-use sales began in April 2022, total revenue has exceeded $2 billion. The state's licensed dispensary network has expanded to over 190 locations.

NJ-CRC Approves Four Cannabis Consumption Area Endorsements

The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission approved four consumption area endorsements for licensed cannabis retailers, allowing them to create designated on-site spaces where adults 21+ can legally consume cannabis. The endorsements were granted to High Rollers Dispensary and SunnyTien Dispensary in Atlantic City, Gynsyng in Merchantville, and URB'N Dispensary in Newark. All approved businesses are Diversely Owned Businesses certified by the New Jersey Department of Treasury. Retailers must pass a final site inspection before consumption areas can open to the public.

NJ-CRC Approves 26 Licenses, Two Consumption Areas

The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission approved 26 license actions at its September 10 public meeting, including 5 conditional-to-annual license conversions, 5 new annual licenses, and 16 annual license renewals across retail, manufacturing, and delivery business classes. The Commission also approved two new cannabis consumption area endorsements for Everest Dispensary in Atlantic City and Molly Ann Farms in Haledon.

NJ-CRC Extends SEEF Deadline, Approves Licenses, Fines Two Businesses

The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission extended the deadline for decisions on the Social Equity Excise Fee (SEEF), currently set at $2.50 per ounce of cannabis. The Board approved 11 license conversions from conditional to annual status, seven new annual licenses, 62 license renewals, and various permit modifications including location changes and ownership updates. Two enforcement actions resulted in fines totaling $7,500.

Virtual Regional Meetings for SEEF Social Equity Fund Input

The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission announces three virtual public hearings in January 2026 to gather community input on allocation of Social Equity Excise Fee (SEEF) funds generated from recreational cannabis sales. Hearings are scheduled for Northern region (January 15), Central region (January 21), and Southern region (January 29). Input collected will inform the Commission's recommendations to the Governor and Legislature regarding social equity investments under the CREAMM Act.

Nevada State Athletic Commission Official Statements and Resource Index

The Nevada State Athletic Commission maintains a public website index of official commission statements, licensing resources, event schedules, FAQs, and historical results. The page provides links to key documents including COVID-19 protocols (updated May 2022), a marijuana testing policy memorandum, confidential records guidance, and chairman statements. Navigation sections cover licensing requirements for boxers, officials, promoters, and amateur boxing/martial arts promoters.

Nevada Boxing Health Resources and Regulatory Information Hot Topics

The Nevada State Athletic Commission publishes an informational Hot Topics webpage consolidating health resources and regulatory information for boxing industry participants. The page links to concussion and CTE information from the Fighting Foundation, fighter MRI/MRA resources from the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center, nutrition guidelines, hydration information, and steroid health effects documentation. Additional resources include insurance memos, drug testing notices, boxer health and safety committee reports, and sample boxer/manager contract templates.

Nevada Combat Sports Results January–April 2026

The Nevada State Athletic Commission published an updated results page listing official outcome reports for boxing, MMA, and PowerSlap events held January 23 through April 11, 2026 across Nevada venues including The Meta Apex, T-Mobile Arena, MGM Grand Garden, Fontainebleau, Silver Legacy, The Palms, and The Cosmopolitan. The page provides hyperlinks to individual REDACTED PDF result sheets for 9 boxing events, 7 MMA events, and 1 PowerSlap event.

Nevada Boxing MMA Events Schedule and Venue Contact Numbers

The Nevada State Athletic Commission publishes an informational schedule webpage listing upcoming boxing and MMA events at Nevada venues, along with contact phone numbers for approximately 50 casino and hotel venues statewide. The schedule notes that all events are subject to change and promoters must submit Program Permit requests to the commission office in advance.

Nevada Boxing Online Licensing Portal - Nevada Residents

The Nevada State Athletic Commission maintains an online licensing portal for individuals seeking licensure as professional boxers, mixed martial arts contestants, officials, promoters, and amateur boxing promoters. The portal is accessible at online.nvboxing.org and replaces prior paper-based or in-person submission processes. A registration guide PDF is available for applicants needing assistance with the portal.

Combat Sports Dehydration Warning for MMA Fighters

The California Athletic Commission published a health warning document addressing dangerous weight-cutting and dehydration practices among MMA fighters. The publication cites research indicating 39% of MMA fighters compete in dehydrated states and outlines serious health risks including decreased kidney function, heat illness, brain injury, and cardiovascular problems. The document provides guidance on safe weight management and proper hydration practices for combat sports athletes.

AB 1703 Increases Gate Fee Cap to $200,000 for Combat Sports Events

The California State Athletic Commission announces that Assembly Bill 1703 has increased the statutory gate fee cap from $100,000 to $200,000, effective January 1, 2024. The legislation also raises the admissions revenue reporting threshold from $2,000,000 to $4,000,000 that promoters must report to the Commission.

License Denial for Child Support Delinquency - 150-Day Temporary Option

The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) notifies professional boxing and mixed martial arts license applicants, licensees, and registrants of Family Code Section 17520 requirements. Individuals delinquent in child support payments appearing on the Department of Child Support Services 'Absent Parent Master File' are prohibited from receiving permanent professional licenses or registrations. The Commission may issue a 150-day temporary license while individuals work to satisfy support obligations.

CSAC Strategic Plan 2026-2031 Adopted September 8

The California State Athletic Commission adopted its 2026-2031 Strategic Plan on September 8, 2025. The plan establishes six strategic goals focusing on participant health and safety, licensing and enforcement, legislation and regulation, organizational effectiveness, economic development and pension plans, and stakeholder outreach. No immediate compliance obligations are imposed by this strategic planning document.

Military SCRA Allows License Portability for Servicemembers

The California State Athletic Commission published informational guidance on the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), advising that servicemembers or their spouses who hold a valid professional license in another state may practice the same profession in California if they relocate due to military orders. The commission directs applicants to the California Department of Consumer Affairs military resources page for further details on exercising SCRA license portability rights.

Identity Theft Resources and Prevention Guidance

The Texas Attorney General Consumer Protection Division published identity theft resources on its website providing Texans with educational information about identity theft prevention, steps to take if identity is stolen, and explanations of what constitutes identity theft. The webpage serves as a central hub linking to three subpages: guidance on responding to identity theft, definitions of identity theft, and preventive measures. No new compliance obligations or regulatory requirements are imposed on businesses or consumers.

List of Common Scams and Prevention Tips for Texans

The Texas Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division published an educational resource identifying common fraud schemes targeting Texans. The page covers advance fee scams, tech support scams, phishing, emergency/grandparent scams, IRS/government imposter scams, foreign money exchange scams, and counterfeit cashier's check scams. Each section includes practical prevention tips and links to additional resources on the office's website.

Data Breach Reporting Requirements for Texas Businesses

The Texas Attorney General's Office provides guidance on mandatory data breach reporting under the Texas Identity Theft Enforcement and Protection Act. Businesses and organizations experiencing a data breach affecting 250 or more Texans must report electronically to the OAG within 30 days of discovery. Reports must specify the number of affected consumers notified by mail or email.

Division of Banks Co-Sponsors Community Bank Leadership and Governance Forum, April 14

The Massachusetts Division of Banks is co-sponsoring the Community Bank Leadership and Governance Forum on April 14, 2026 from 3:00-7:00 PM at the Aries Club in Boston. The event is jointly organized with the Massachusetts Bankers Association, Bank on Women, Inc., and Covington. Massachusetts Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley will deliver the keynote address.

92 Massachusetts Schools Receive $383,420 for Financial Education Grants

MA OCABR, the Division of Banks, and the Office of Economic Empowerment announced 92 Massachusetts schools as 2025-2026 recipients of the Financial Education Innovation Fund Grant, totaling $383,420. Schools will use funding to host Credit for Life Fairs for students. Twenty-four schools received seed funding as first-time applicants, and 25 schools with large low-to-moderate income populations received an additional $500. Funding derives from a settlement over alleged unlawful lending practices.

Uniform Standards for Substance-Abusing Healing Arts Licensees

The California Department of Consumer Affairs Substance Abuse Coordination Committee published 16 Uniform Standards for healing arts licensees with substance abuse problems, implementing Senate Bill 1441. The standards establish requirements for clinical diagnostic evaluations, temporary practice removal, employer notification, random drug testing (minimum twice weekly), and return-to-practice criteria (minimum 30 days negative tests). The standards apply to 16 healing arts boards including Medical Board of California, Board of Registered Nursing, California State Board of Pharmacy, Dental Board of California, and Board of Behavioral Sciences.

Annual Reports 2020-2025 Fiscal Years Available

The California Department of Consumer Affairs has made annual reports for fiscal years 2020-2025 available on its publications webpage. The reports cover agency operations, licensing activities, and enforcement outcomes. This is an informational index providing access to historical agency publications.

State Leadership Accountability Act Report, Biennial Period 2025

The California Department of Consumer Affairs submitted its biennial State Leadership Accountability Act report to the California Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, covering the review period ending December 31, 2025. The report addresses internal control and monitoring systems across DCA divisions, 36 boards, and 8 bureaus including the Arbitration Certification Program, Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, Bureau of Automotive Repair, Cemetery and Funeral Bureau, Bureau of Security and Investigative Services, Bureau of Household Goods and Services, Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers, and Professional Fiduciaries Bureau. The report documents governance structures, control environments, risk management processes, and strategic goals including policy advocacy, communication, organizational effectiveness, technology, enforcement, and licensing.

DCA Rulemaking Manual Procedures Exhibits Index

The California Department of Consumer Affairs published an index of exhibits and templates used in its rulemaking procedures. The index includes 21 exhibits covering forms such as Initial Statement of Reasons, Notice of Proposed Changes, Standardized Regulatory Impact Assessment, Fiscal Impact Statement, and Final Statement of Reasons. These exhibits are available in MS Word and PDF formats for use by California regulatory agencies.

Media and Digital Platforms Market Inquiry (MDPMI) Provisional Report and Annexures

The South Africa Competition Commission published its Media and Digital Platforms Market Inquiry (MDPMI) provisional report with findings and recommendations covering news media, digital advertising, search, social media, generative artificial intelligence, and digital advertising technology sectors. The launch programme and accompanying annexures are available on the Commission's website. The provisional report and six annexures provide detailed analysis of competition dynamics across these digital markets.

Stakeholder Non-Confidential Comments on MDPMI Provisional Report

The South Africa Competition Commission published non-confidential stakeholder comments received in response to the Media and Digital Platforms Market Inquiry (MDPMI) Provisional Report. Submissions were received from major digital platforms including X, Google, Meta, and OpenAI, as well as South African media organizations such as Maroela Media, Daily Maverick, and MDDA. The compiled comments reflect industry responses to proposed findings and potential remedies for competition concerns in the digital media sector.

Media and Digital Platforms Market Inquiry Final Report Launch

The South Africa Competition Commission has launched the final report of the Media and Digital Platforms Market Inquiry (MDPMI). The report, which includes eight annexures, contains findings on competition dynamics within South Africa's media and digital platform sectors. Annexure 8 outlines specific remedial actions recommended by the inquiry.

Content Moderation Framework for Social Media Platforms Working Paper CC2025/08

The Competition Commission of South Africa published Working Paper CC2025/08 seeking public input on three complementary regulatory models for content moderation on social media platforms: the AAVMS Draft White Paper framework, amendments to Chapter XI of the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act to introduce an Industry Representative Body model, and a proposed Online Integrity Ombud mechanism. The paper invites stakeholder feedback on feasibility, legal sufficiency, institutional design, and risk mitigation.

Extension of Media and Digital Platforms Market Inquiry to 28 November 2025

The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition has extended the completion deadline for the Media and Digital Platforms Market Inquiry (MDPMI) from 22 August 2025 to 28 November 2025. The extension of three months was requested by the Competition Commission under section 43B(4)(b) of the Competition Act to allow time to finalise remedial actions and recommendations. The delay is attributed to ongoing stakeholder engagements and emerging policy frameworks requiring further consultation before the final report is concluded.

Safety Standard for Infant and Cradle Swings

The Consumer Product Safety Commission published a direct final rule updating the safety standard for infant and cradle swings at 16 CFR 1223. The rule becomes effective 32 days after publication unless the Commission receives significant adverse comment. Manufacturers and importers of infant and cradle swings must ensure their products meet the updated requirements once the rule takes effect.

PRA Extension for Informal Dispute Settlement Procedures Rule

The FTC is seeking public comment on extending OMB clearance (Control No. 3084-0113) for the Informal Dispute Settlement Procedures Rule (16 CFR part 703) under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. Comments must be filed by June 16, 2026. The Rule covers informal dispute settlement mechanisms (IDSMs) that automobile manufacturers incorporate into written warranties, with two currently operating IDSMs: BBB AUTO LINE and NCDS.

FTC Seeks Comment on Risk-Based Pricing Rule Information Collection Extension

The FTC is seeking public comment through June 16, 2026 on extending for three years its OMB clearance (3084-0145) for information collection requirements under the Fair Credit Reporting Risk-Based Pricing Rule (16 CFR Part 640), covering approximately 294,612 entities including 60,963 motor vehicle dealers under FTC jurisdiction. The estimated annual burden is 10,667,220 hours with labor costs of $239,052,400. The current clearance expires July 31, 2026.

Blockchain Security Standards Council Membership Changes

The DOJ Antitrust Division published a notice pursuant to the National Cooperative Research and Production Act of 1993 disclosing membership changes in Blockchain Security Standards Council, Inc. Four entities were added as parties: Mastercard, Coinbase, Fireblocks, and Kraken. Payward, Inc. withdrew from the venture. No changes were made to the planned activity of the group research project.

8 Merger Cases, Land Transportation Sector (NACE H.52.21)

The European Commission competition cases portal lists 8 merger cases in the land transportation sector (NACE Rev. 2.1 code H.52.21). Cases include MACQUARIE GROUP/LA CAISSE/MAPLE (M.12368), I SQUARED/RAMUDDEN (M.12318), CIMIC GROUP/SOJITZ/UGL RAIL SERVICES (M.12204), and BESTINVER/TAGES/IP/IPLANET HOLDING (M.12197). All displayed cases proceeded under the super-simplified procedure and received clearance under Article 6(1)(b) of the EU Merger Regulation (Council Regulation 139/2004).

Macquarie Group / La Caisse / Maple Merger Case M.12368 - Prior Notification

The European Commission received notification on 20 March 2026 of a proposed concentration where Macquarie Group (Australia) and La Caisse (Canada) will acquire joint control of Maple (infrastructure/road concessions in India). The notification was filed under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The Commission invites interested third parties to submit observations on the proposed concentration.