FEC Launches New Rulemaking Search System, Retiring SERS April 23
The Federal Election Commission launched a new rulemaking search system on its website, replacing the legacy Searchable Electronic Rulemaking System (SERS). The new system offers advanced search capabilities including keyword and Boolean options, proximity filters, and mobile accessibility. SERS is scheduled for retirement on April 23, 2026. The update also notes routine litigation activity including Motions for Default Judgment in Bernegger v. FEC cases and a Notice of Lack of Quorum in SMP v. FEC.
Final Priority and Definitions on Career Pathways and Workforce Readiness
The U.S. Department of Education announces a final priority and definitions for career pathways and workforce readiness to be used in currently authorized discretionary grant programs or programs authorized in the future. The Secretary may use the entire priority or particular component parts for specific grant competitions. The final priority augments existing Secretary's Supplemental Priorities on Evidence-Based Literacy, Educational Choice, and Returning Education to the States, as well as priorities on Meaningful Learning Opportunities and Advancing AI in Education. The rule is effective May 13, 2026.
Day of Celebration in Honor of Henry Clay, 2026
President Donald J. Trump has proclaimed April 12, 2026, as a Day of Celebration in Honor of the Life of Henry Clay, commemorating what would have been his 249th birthday. The proclamation also directs the White House Office of Administration to redesignate Room 208 of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building as the Henry Clay Room. This is a ceremonial proclamation with no compliance obligations or penalties.
Federal Register Vol. 91, Issue 70, April 13, 2026
The Government Publishing Office published Federal Register Volume 91, Issue 70, dated April 13, 2026. This daily edition contains multiple regulatory documents and notices from federal agencies. The specific contents require accessing individual document entries within this issue.
SBA Offers Drought Disaster Loans to Colorado Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits
The U.S. Small Business Administration announced Economic Injury Disaster Loans for small businesses and private nonprofits in Colorado counties affected by drought beginning Nov. 1, 2025. The loan program, authorized through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, provides up to $2 million at interest rates starting at 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for nonprofits, with terms up to 30 years.
SBA Offers Drought Disaster Loans for California Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits
The U.S. Small Business Administration announced Economic Injury Disaster Loans for small businesses and private nonprofits in California counties affected by drought beginning Oct. 1, 2025. Eligible applicants in Fresno, Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Mono, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Tulare counties, as well as portions of Arizona and Nevada, may receive loans up to $2 million at rates as low as 4% for businesses and 3.625% for nonprofits. Applications must be submitted by December 7.
SBA Offers Drought Relief to Arizona Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits, Up to $2M Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration announced Economic Injury Disaster Loans for small businesses and private nonprofits in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah counties affected by drought beginning Jan. 1. Loans up to $2 million are available at 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for nonprofits, with terms up to 30 years. Applications must be submitted by Dec. 7.
SBA Offers Disaster Loans to Arkansas Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Drought
The SBA announced low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) for small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in Arkansas and surrounding states affected by drought beginning November 1, 2025. The declaration covers 75 Arkansas counties and parts of Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas. Loans up to $2 million are available at rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for nonprofits, with interest and payments deferred for 12 months.
Canton Lead SIP Final PTI P0120406
EPA Region 5 published final supporting material for Canton, Ohio's State Implementation Plan (SIP) concerning Lead (Pb) Permit to Install P0120406. The document was filed to the EPA-R05-OAR-2024-0461 docket on Regulations.gov. This action represents EPA's review and approval of the state-issued permit related to lead emissions.
Ohio DFFO Republic Steel Supporting Material
EPA Region 5 published supporting material for a Final Determination regarding Republic Steel's Ohio facility. The document provides technical and administrative documentation related to the agency's review of the facility's compliance with federal environmental requirements under the Clean Air Act. Republic Steel operates steel manufacturing operations subject to EPA air quality regulations in Ohio.
EPA Air Quality Data 2021-2025
The EPA has published air quality monitoring data covering the period 2021-2025 on Regulations.gov. This dataset provides ambient air quality measurements and related monitoring information for regulatory review. The document is filed as a Final Notice in docket EPA-R05-OAR-2024-0461.
Basic Lead Air Pollution Information
EPA Region 5 has published a document providing basic information on lead air pollution. The document is available for download via Regulations.gov under docket EPA-R05-OAR-2024-0461-0035. This appears to be informational material regarding lead pollution in the air.
Canton Ohio Lead SIP Appendix B Emission Inventory - Final Approval
EPA Region 5 has published a final notice regarding the Canton, Ohio Lead State Implementation Plan (SIP) Appendix B, which contains the Lead Emission Inventory. This document finalizes EPA's action on Ohio's submittal for lead emissions documentation in the Canton area. The SIP establishes emission reporting requirements for lead-emitting sources within the designated nonattainment area.
Canton Pb SIP Appendix K Permit Exemption
EPA Region 5 published a final document regarding a State Implementation Plan (SIP) permit exemption under Appendix K for Canton, related to Lead (Pb) emissions. The document addresses air quality permitting requirements and compliance with SIP provisions. This final action confirms the permit exemption status for the affected facility under EPA's air quality regulations.
EPA Technical Memo on Lead Contribution to Visibility Impairment
EPA Technical Memo on Lead Contribution to Visibility Impairment
Ohio DFFO Republic Steel Air Quality Permit Supporting Material
The EPA Region 5 has published supporting material for an Ohio air quality matter related to Republic Steel. The document, filed under docket EPA-R05-OAR-2024-0461, is available for download via Regulations.gov. This appears to be a final administrative filing related to a state implementation plan or permit matter involving the steel manufacturing sector.
Stark County Consent Order Supporting Material
EPA Region 5 issued a consent order with supporting material for Stark County on April 11, 2024. The document provides supporting materials related to an agreed enforcement action addressing alleged regulatory violations. Specific terms, violations, and compliance requirements are detailed in the consent order documentation.
Ohio Canton Attainment Plan Proposed for 2008 Lead Standard
The EPA is proposing to approve Ohio's attainment plan for the Canton Nonattainment Area under the 2008 Lead (Pb) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The EPA is also proposing to determine that the Canton area has attained the 2008 Pb NAAQS and to approve Ohio's maintenance plan for continued attainment. Additionally, the EPA is proposing to approve Ohio's comprehensive Pb emissions inventory and to redesignate the Canton area from nonattainment to attainment status.
New York SIP Approval for 2010 SO2 Interstate Transport Requirements
The EPA is proposing to approve New York's State Implementation Plan demonstrating compliance with interstate transport requirements for the 2010 1-hour sulfur dioxide National Ambient Air Quality Standard. The good neighbor provision under the Clean Air Act requires states to prohibit interstate transport of air pollution in amounts that significantly contribute to nonattainment in other states. The public comment period closes May 11, 2026.
CCR Disposal Amendments for Electric Utilities - Legacy/CCRMU
EPA is proposing amendments to the Hazardous and Solid Waste Management System regarding disposal of Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) from electric utilities. The amendments address legacy CCR units and CCR management units (CCRMU). The proposal is open for public comment until June 12, 2026.
EPA Modifies PFAS Reporting Submission Period Start to 2027 Under TSCA 8(a)(7)
The EPA issued a final rule amending 40 CFR 705 to modify the start date of the submission period for Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) reporting and recordkeeping under TSCA Section 8(a)(7). The rule revises the reporting period start date to 2027. This is an administrative timing change to an existing PFAS reporting requirement that affects manufacturers and processors of PFAS substances.
Internet Architecture: A Layer-Based Analysis of Selected Internet Policy Issues
The Congressional Research Service published Report R48902 analyzing internet architecture using a five-layer model (application, transport, network, link, and physical layers). The report examines policy issues related to cloud computing and AI services, including considerations for safeguarding AI cloud infrastructure from foreign adversary access.
Treasury's Exchange Stabilization Fund: Overview, Authority, and Current Debates
The Congressional Research Service published a report on the Exchange Stabilization Fund (ESF), an emergency reserve established by Congress in 1934 under the Gold Reserve Act. The report explains the Treasury Secretary's broad authority to use the ESF without congressional approval for purposes including foreign government support, IMF transactions, and financial market stabilization. Recent Treasury use of the ESF to support Argentina in 2025 has renewed congressional debate about the fund's oversight and scope.
Soft Targets and the Nonprofit Security Grant Program
The Congressional Research Service issued a report (IF13201) summarizing the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), administered by FEMA within the Department of Homeland Security. Since its launch in 2005, the NSGP has grown significantly, with annual appropriations increasing over 1,000% between FY2005 and FY2025, making it one of the largest federal programs supporting security for nonprofit organizations. Eligible applicants include State Administrative Agencies and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations seeking funding for physical security and incident preparedness against terrorism or hate-motivated violence.
Applying the ADA to Ridesharing Companies: DOJ Sues Uber
A CRS Legal Sidebar analyzes the Department of Justice's September 2025 lawsuit against Uber Technologies Inc. under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act. DOJ alleges Uber discriminated against passengers with disabilities by failing to make reasonable accommodations. On March 5, 2026, a district court denied Uber's motion to dismiss. The report reviews ADA provisions applicable to ridesharing companies and summarizes prior ADA litigation against Uber and Lyft by blind passengers and wheelchair users.
Strait of Hormuz Non-Oil Shipments and U.S. Shipper Effects
CRS report R48903 examines the Strait of Hormuz situation following U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran beginning February 28, 2026. The report finds that ship transits have dropped from approximately 130 daily to only a handful, with an estimated 1,000 ships in a holding pattern. Iran has asserted control over the Strait, with 17 attacks on vessels recorded since March 1, 2026. A two-week ceasefire was announced April 7, 2026. Five U.S.-flagged ships in the Persian Gulf are affected, and the Trump Administration issued a Jones Act waiver allowing foreign-flagged ships to carry certain products between U.S. ports.
Section 408 Permission to Alter Army Corps Works: Developments and Congressional Considerations
CRS provides an informational report on Section 408 permissions under the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, which govern alterations to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers public works. USACE receives approximately 1,200 Section 408 requests per year, with about 3% of federal infrastructure permitting dashboard projects referencing Section 408 permissions. The report discusses the existing review process, NEPA compliance requirements, and potential legislative considerations for Congress.
Mandatory Welding NOC Certification Assessments Required
The Bermuda Department of Workforce Development announces mandatory National Occupational Certification (NOC) assessments for all welders working in Bermuda. Bermudian welders must obtain NOC certification and CWB 47.1 certification, while work permit holders must complete CWB B31.3 certification. Assessments are scheduled for the week of 20 April 2026 with a $310 fee payable to TTech.
Extends Emergency Order 26-33 - Winter Weather, Drought, Wildfire Risks
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed Executive Order 26-80, extending Emergency Order 26-33 for sixty (60) days from April 10, 2026. The original order declared a state of emergency due to severe winter weather impacts, including record low temperatures and life-threatening wind chills from January 31 to February 3, 2026. The extension maintains emergency provisions to support ongoing recovery efforts for the agricultural industry and communities affected by freezing temperatures, extreme drought, and increased wildfire activity statewide.
Dr. Mark Paramlall Appointed Deputy Chief Medical Officer
The Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability has appointed Dr. Mark Paramlall as the Cayman Islands' first Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO), effective March 2026. The newly established position strengthens senior medical leadership within government and supports national public health oversight. The DCMO holds statutory responsibilities under the Mental Health Act, 2023, Public Health Act, 2026, Health Practice Act, 2026, and Pharmacy Act, 2024.
47 Native Trees Planted at Caribbean Haven Centre in Bodden Town
The Cayman Islands Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability planted 47 native, medicinal, and fruit trees at Caribbean Haven Residential Centre in Bodden Town on April 2, 2026. The initiative, part of the National Tree Planting Programme, commemorates the centre's 25th anniversary and themes of renewal, resilience, and hope. Tree species include the critically endangered Cayman sage, medicinal plants such as leaf of life and vervain, and fruit trees including mango, guava, pomegranate, and mulberry.
SB26-020 Child Care Provider Licensing & Quality Digital File System
Colorado SB26-020 proposes requiring the Department of Early Childhood to expand a digital provider file system integrating professional development, background checks, and policy documents. The bill mandates phasing out third-party inspections by July 1, 2026, with standardized training protocols. It creates provisional license provisions (up to 9 months) for facilities awaiting local zoning resolution and establishes a child care licensure and quality task force to report recommendations by January 1, 2027.
Energy Affordability Bill Establishes FARE Service Program for Income-Qualified Utility Customers
Colorado SB26-002 proposes establishing a First Allotment of Residential Electricity (FARE) service program for income-qualified utility customers. The bill requires investor-owned electric utilities to submit proposals to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) offering a minimum level of electricity at a marginal cost rate below standard residential rates. The PUC would approve proposals found to be in the public interest. The bill is currently in draft form, pending consideration by the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee.
Modify 2026 Interim Committee Activities
The Colorado General Assembly has introduced HB26-1331 to modify 2026 interim committee activities. The bill limits interim committees to 5 bill drafting requests and 3 introductions, prohibits per diem and travel expenses for interim committee members, suspends certain committee meetings and reports for one year, and repeals the legislative emergency preparedness committee and statewide health care review committee. The bill decreases appropriations by $396,469 total across the General Assembly ($126,971), Legislative Council ($161,162 and 1.9 FTE), and Committee on Legal Services ($108,336 and 1.4 FTE).
SB26-160 Meatpacking Personal Protective Equipment Protections
Colorado Senate Bill SB26-160, introduced April 10, 2026, would establish personal protective equipment requirements for meatpacking workers. The bill is assigned to the Senate Business, Labor, & Technology Committee. If enacted, the bill would create new employer obligations related to providing and requiring use of PPE in meatpacking facilities. The bill is currently under legislative consideration and has not been enacted.
SB26-080 Creates Cradle to Career Grant Program
Colorado Senate Bill SB26-080 proposes creating the Cradle to Career Grant Program within the state Department of Human Services to provide grants promoting coordinated community-based supports and services for economic mobility from poverty. Eligible entities include local governments, education providers, higher education institutions, Indian tribes, and community nonprofits. Grant recipients must submit economic mobility needs assessments and annual performance reports.
Public Health (Tobacco and Other Products) Regulations 2024
The Australian Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has issued the Public Health (Tobacco and Other Products) Regulations 2024, a comprehensive legislative instrument governing tobacco products. The regulations establish requirements for retail packaging, permitted tobacco advertisements, prescribed amounts for personal possession, and point-of-sale advertising rules. The instrument is authorized under the Public Health (Tobacco and Other Products) Act 2023 and is currently in force.
Agri-Vet Chemicals Code Regulations 1995 (Superseded Version, 01 Mar 2016 - 31 May 2016)
The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry published a superseded version of the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Code Regulations 1995, valid from 1 March 2016 to 31 May 2016. The instrument was backcaptured in accordance with Section 36 of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003. A citation change is noted. The current version of the regulations is available via the provided link.
National Environment Protection Measures (Implementation) Regulations 1999
DCCEEW publishes the consolidated National Environment Protection Measures (Implementation) Regulations 1999 (F2026C00304). The regulations, authorised by the NEPM (Implementation) Act 1998, establish the framework for accreditation of environmental auditors, define matters of national environmental interest, set out reviewable decisions, and require annual reporting by the administering body.
VA Funding Fee Payment System PRA Revision Comment Notice
The Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, is seeking public comment on a revision to the VA Funding Fee Payment System information collection (OMB Control No. 2900-0474). The revision updates the estimated number of respondents from 800,000 to 465,000, reflecting a decrease in VA-guaranteed loan volume, with an estimated annual burden of 15,500 hours. Comments are due May 11, 2026.
VA-DoD GI Bill Records Matching Program
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announces a re-established computer matching program with the Department of Defense (DoD) to verify eligibility for GI Bill education benefits. The program matches DoD military personnel records with VA benefit records for recipients of the Montgomery GI Bill—Active Duty, Montgomery GI Bill—Selected Reserve, and Post-9/11 GI Bill. The matching program will be valid for 18 months from the effective date and may be renewed for an additional 12 months.
SBA Information Collection Under Paperwork Reduction Act Review
The Small Business Administration (SBA) published a 30-day notice seeking OMB approval for renewal and revision of information collection requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The collection covers SBA's Surety Bond Guarantee program forms. SBA is adding two new forms: SBA Form 900 (Prior Approval Surety Bond Surety Participation Agreement) and SBA Form 901 (Preferred Surety Bond Surety Participation Agreement). Comments on the information collection request must be submitted within 30 days of publication.
SBA Disaster Declaration #21486/#21487 - Louisiana Severe Winter Storm (LA-20014)
The SBA issued Administrative Disaster Declaration #21486 and #21487 for West Carroll Parish, Louisiana following the January 23-27, 2026 severe winter storm. The declaration enables SBA disaster loans for physical damage and economic injury with established interest rates ranging from 2.875% to 8.000%. Physical loan applications must be submitted by June 8, 2026, and economic injury (EIDL) loan applications by January 8, 2027.
Administrative Declaration of Tennessee Disaster Due to Winter Storm Fern
The SBA declared an administrative disaster for Tennessee (Disaster #21484 and #21485) due to Severe Winter Storm Fern, which occurred January 22-27, 2026. The declaration makes disaster loans available to homeowners, businesses, and private non-profit organizations in Hardin County and contiguous counties in Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi. Physical loan applications are due June 8, 2026, and economic injury (EIDL) applications are due January 7, 2027.
New Postal Products Notice, Negotiated Service Agreement, Public Comment
The Postal Regulatory Commission issued a notice on new postal products and a negotiated service agreement, opening a public comment period. Comments are being accepted on the proposal, with the comment period closing on April 16, 2026. This is a standard regulatory consultation process for postal service modifications.
Daily Federal Register Issue - April 13, 2026
The Federal Register published its daily issue on April 13, 2026, comprising 93 documents from 30 federal agencies across 290 pages. The issue contains 81 notices, 4 proposed rules, and 8 final rules. Two documents are designated as significant. This index provides access to the full text of individual documents via links to govinfo.gov.
Italian Official Gazette Serie Generale No. 83 - April 10, 2026
The Italian Official Gazette (Serie Generale No. 83, April 10, 2026) publishes multiple legislative instruments including Law No. 45/2026 ratifying the trilateral gas supply security agreement between Italy, Germany, and Switzerland signed in Berlin on March 19, 2024, and Law No. 46/2026 on adherence to the Montreal Convention amendments. Additional decrees dissolve four municipal councils and confirm an olive oil consortium designation.
Italian Official Gazette Serie Generale No. 83, 10 April 2026
The Italian Official Gazette (Gazzetta Ufficiale della Repubblica Italiana) published its Serie Generale No. 83 on 10 April 2026. The edition lists legislative and regulatory contents including Ratification Laws No. 45 and 46 of 1 April 2026 (gas supply agreement with Germany and Switzerland, Montreal Convention amendment on air incidents), dissolution of three municipal councils with appointment of extraordinary commissioners (Valvestino, Serracapriola, San Martino Canavese), and AIFA marketing authorizations for lacosamide and perampanel medications.
Spanish Official Gazette Daily Summary April 11
The Spanish Official Gazette (BOE) published its daily summary for April 11, 2026, issue number 89. The index lists publications across multiple sections including general provisions, personnel appointments, other dispositions, and administration of justice. Government departments publishing in this issue include Banco de España, multiple autonomous communities, and various ministries.
H.R. 6387 – FIRE Act
The House Rules Committee has announced a hearing on H.R. 6387, the FIRE Act, scheduled for April 14, 2026 at 4:00pm in H-313, The Capitol. The bill, which was reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce (H. Rept. 119-595), is advancing through the legislative process toward House floor consideration.
H.R. 6398 RED Tape Act Hearing
The House Rules Committee announces a hearing on H.R. 6398, the RED Tape Act, scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 4:00 PM in H-313, The Capitol. The bill would reduce regulatory and administrative burden on businesses and government contractors. Links to the bill text (as reported) and House Report 119-596 from the Committee on Energy and Commerce are provided.
H.R. 8035 Extends FISA Amendments Act to October 2027
H.R. 8035 has been introduced in the 119th Congress to amend the FISA Amendments Act of 2008, extending the authorities of title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 through October 20, 2027. The bill, sponsored by Representative Mike D. Rogers for Chairman on the House Armed Services Committee, is currently being considered by the House Rules Committee with a hearing scheduled for April 14, 2026. If enacted, the extension would continue warrantless surveillance authorities for foreign intelligence targets outside the United States.
H.R. 6409 - FENCES Act Hearing April 14, 2026
The House Rules Committee has scheduled a public hearing on H.R. 6409, the FENCES Act, for April 14, 2026 at 4:00pm in H-313 The Capitol. The bill was reported from the Committee on Energy and Commerce (H. Rept. 119-594) to accompany H.R. 6409. The hearing provides an opportunity for public testimony and comments on the proposed legislation.
Expressing Support for Tax Policies That Support Working Families
H. Res. 1156 is a non-binding House resolution expressing congressional support for tax policies that benefit working families. The resolution was introduced in the 119th Congress and represents an expression of legislative sentiment rather than enacted law. It does not create any new tax obligations, penalties, or compliance requirements.
Ohio SIP Revisions Cleveland VOC NOx RACT Requirements
Ohio SIP Revisions Cleveland VOC NOx RACT Requirements