Government & Legislation

HB26-1336 Increases Access to Pharmacy Services

Colorado HB26-1336 proposes to mandate health benefit plans providing hospital, surgical, or medical expense insurance to cover health-care services provided by pharmacists within their scope of practice. The bill prohibits discrimination against pharmacists based on license type for participation, referral, reimbursement, or network membership. It also expands the definition of pharmacy practice to include independent prescriptive authority for non-controlled substances for patients under 12 with minor, self-limiting conditions and adds a definition for final product verification by pharmacy technicians.

Bill Adds Penalties for Parenting Time Noncompliance

Colorado House Bill 26-1314 proposes to expand remedies available to courts in parenting time disputes to include monetary penalties payable to the aggrieved party, community service, and court-approved tracking tools. The bill would also require priority kinship placements for children removed from homes, authorize post-adoption grandparent contact agreements, and create a foster care prevention services pilot program in participating counties.

Allow Treasury to Sell Tax Credits to Non-Insurance Entities

Colorado HB26-1346 proposes expanding who may purchase unsold insurance premium tax credits from the Department of the Treasury. Under current law (HB25B-1004, enacted 2025), only insurance companies could purchase these credits. The bill would extend eligibility to non-insurance entities that contract with the department. Once purchased by a non-insurance entity, the credit could be transferred once to an insurance company, but further transfers would be prohibited. The bill has passed the House Finance Committee and awaits third reading in the House.

Bill Requires Testing Entities Provide Disability Accommodations

Colorado House Bill HB26-1417 has been introduced in the 2026 Regular Session, proposing to require testing entities to provide disability accommodations under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act. The bill is currently assigned to the House Education Committee. If enacted, the legislation would impose new obligations on entities administering standardized or professional examinations to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

HB26-1075 Child Welfare Prevention Services Funding

Colorado HB26-1075 would increase funding for county child welfare prevention services by changing the source of reimbursement money transmitted to the Colorado child abuse prevention trust fund. Under current law, funds are distributed through a competitive grant process; the bill would redirect money received by the Colorado Department of Early Childhood from the federal Title IV-E prevention services clearinghouse. The bill also continues the trust fund and Colorado child abuse prevention board indefinitely, which were previously scheduled to repeal on July 1, 2027.

Online Add-on Transaction Fee Youth Service Enterprise

Colorado HB26-1418, introduced April 20, 2026, proposes creating a Youth Mental Health Services Access Enterprise funded by transaction fees on online gaming add-on purchases. The bill targets social media platforms that provide online gaming services, products, and features to young people, requiring them to impose a per-transaction fee and remit proceeds to the new enterprise. The enterprise would use fee revenue to operate and fund mental health programs serving youth.

Early Childhood Local System Consolidation Act (SB26-019)

Colorado SB26-019 proposes to expand early childhood council responsibilities and transfer functions from local coordinating organizations (LCOs) to councils effective July 1, 2026. The bill requires councils to develop community strategic plans addressing family program access, provider coordination, and workforce recruitment. It establishes annual department performance reviews and allows performance improvement plans or agreement termination for non-compliant councils.

Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation and Access Council Re-establishment and Nomination Notice

The U.S. Department of the Interior is re-establishing the Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation and Access Council for a 2-year charter period. The Council, which replaces the former Hunting and Wildlife Conservation Council, will provide recommendations to the Federal Government regarding wildlife and habitat conservation, hunting and shooting sports opportunities, and public access to hunting on Federal lands. Nominations for 18 primary representative member positions and up to 18 alternate representative member positions are now open.

Leading Pharma LLC Controlled Substances Importer Application Notice

The DEA published notice that Leading Pharma LLC, located in Fairfield, New Jersey, applied on March 25, 2026 to be registered as an importer of Diphenoxylate (Drug Code 9170, Schedule II). The company plans to import the controlled substance as an active pharmaceutical ingredient for research and development toward manufacturing a finished dosage product for FDA approval. Registered bulk manufacturers and applicants may submit comments or objections on or before May 21, 2026.

DoD Proposes CAAF Rules Changes, Ends May 21st

The Department of Defense published a notice of proposed changes to the Rules of Practice and Procedure of the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces. The proposal would remove Rule 8(f) concerning party designations when multiple petitions are filed, and amend Rule 24(e)(4) to reduce the time for service of joint appendix designations from 14 days to 7 days. Comments on the proposed changes must be received by May 21, 2026.

Environmental Assessment and FONSI for Constellation Energy Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Exemptions

The NRC has issued an Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) regarding Constellation Energy Generation LLC's exemption requests for nuclear decommissioning trust funds at Braidwood, Byron, and LaSalle stations in Illinois. The exemptions would allow the transfer of certain NDT earnings to subaccounts for broader decommissioning activities including spent fuel management and site restoration, while maintaining required principal for radiological decommissioning.

NRC Form 313 Materials License Application Renewal - Comment Request

The NRC invites public comment on the renewal of OMB approval for an existing information collection covering NRC Form 313 (Application for Materials License) and the NRC Forms 313A series for Radiation Safety Officers, Authorized Medical Physicists, Authorized Nuclear Pharmacists, and Authorized Users. The collection applies to all applicants requesting a license, amendment, or renewal for byproduct or source material. The estimated annual burden for NRC respondents is 4,208 hours.

SEC Extends Review Period for Nasdaq IM-5101-4 Listing Rule

The SEC has extended its review period for SR-NASDAQ-2026-009, a proposed rule change to adopt Nasdaq IM-5101-4, which would grant Nasdaq authority to delist securities where the Commission has previously suspended trading. The SEC originally had until April 20, 2026, to act but has extended that deadline to June 4, 2026, to allow sufficient time to consider the proposed rule change and the issues raised.

UI Urbana-Champaign Construction Permit Application Notice

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is providing public notice of receipt and availability of a construction permit application from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for a single-unit research reactor designated the U. of I. KRONOS™ Micro Modular Reactor. The application, filed March 27, 2026 pursuant to Section 104c. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 and 10 CFR Part 50, proposes a high-temperature gas-cooled design utilizing solid tri-structural isotropic fuel to be located on the UI campus in Champaign, Illinois. The NRC staff is currently conducting its acceptance review; if accepted for docketing, subsequent Federal Register notices will address public participation provisions.

Extended Evaluation, National Tobacco Prevention Campaign, Deadline June 22

CDC published a final notice on Regulations.gov announcing an extended evaluation of the National Tobacco Prevention Campaign. The notice sets a submission deadline of June 22 for evaluation responses. The document is filed as CDC-2026-0628-0001 and invites participation from relevant public health stakeholders.

License Amendment Requests – Catawba, McGuire, Salem, Callaway Nuclear Stations – No Significant Hazards Consideration Determination

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission received and is considering three amendment requests for license modifications at Catawba Nuclear Station (Units 1 and 2), McGuire Nuclear Station (Units 1 and 2), Salem Nuclear Generating Station (Unit Nos. 1 and 2), and Callaway Plant (Unit No. 1). For each request, the NRC proposes to determine that the amendment involves no significant hazards consideration (NSHC) under 10 CFR 50.92. The notice invites public comment and requests for hearings within specified deadlines.

FERC Withdraws Notice, Terminates Rate Recovery Proceeding, Denies Petition

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission withdraws a Notice of Inquiry from December 23, 2021 (86 FR 72958) and terminates proceeding Docket No. RM22-5-000, effective April 16, 2026. The inquiry had examined rate recovery, reporting, and accounting treatment of industry association dues and certain civic, political, and related expenses under the Uniform System of Accounts. The Commission also denies a petition for rulemaking filed by the Center for Biological Diversity in Docket No. RM21-15-000 that sought to require utilities to record all industry association dues in Account 426.4 (Expenditures For Certain Civic, Political and Related Activities). FERC states it will continue to evaluate these matters on a case-by-case basis.

Nasdaq PHLX Proposes Adding TXSE to Data Feeds Table

Nasdaq PHLX LLC filed a proposed rule change with the SEC to amend Equity 4, Rule 3304, which governs the Exchange's data feeds table for handling, routing, and executing orders and related regulatory compliance. The change adds the Texas Stock Exchange as a new market center with a direct feed as primary quotation data source and CQS/UQDF as secondary source, and updates the names of two recently-renamed exchanges (Nasdaq Texas and NYSE Texas). The SEC published this notice to solicit public comments on the proposed rule change.

Duke Energy Catawba Spent Fuel Storage Environmental Assessment

The NRC has issued an Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for an exemption request from Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC (Duke) regarding spent fuel storage conditions at Catawba Nuclear Station (CNS) in South Carolina. The exemption request concerns one already loaded and nine planned transportable storage canisters (TSCs) in the MAGNASTOR® storage system, which deviate from the terms of Certificate of Compliance No. 1031, Amendment No. 15 due to a fabrication deficiency in neutron absorber panels identified by NAC International. The EA and FONSI are available as of April 21, 2026.

EU Sanctions Euromore and Pravfond for Russian Disinformation

The Council of the EU adopted restrictive measures against Euromore, a pro-Kremlin media relay platform, and the Foundation for the Support and Protection of the Rights of Compatriots Living Abroad (Pravfond), a Russian state-founded and financed organisation. Euromore amplifies and recycles Russian disinformation narratives targeting European audiences and justifying Russia's war against Ukraine. Pravfond produces legal and analytical output reinforcing Kremlin disinformation points on alleged 'nazification' of Ukraine and 'Russophobia'. Both entities are now subject to an asset freeze, with all EU persons prohibited from making funds, financial assets, or economic resources available to them.

CPPBSD Procurement List Additions and Deletions Comment Form

CPPBSD on Regulations.gov provides a comment submission form for proposed additions and deletions to the AbilityOne Procurement List. The page offers identity options (individual, organization, or anonymous), file attachment instructions, and references 25 days as the applicable comment period. No specific regulatory text, requirements, or obligations are contained in this submission interface itself.

Procurement List Deletions: High-capacity Hole Punch (NSN 7520-01-620-3826)

The Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled has deleted one product from the Federal Procurement List under the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act. The deleted item is a high-capacity 2-hole paper hole punch (NSN 7520-01-620-3826), previously supplied by Access: Supports for Living Inc. of Middletown, NY, on mandatory basis for the General Services Administration.

Proposed Procurement List Additions and Deletions for Products and Services Furnished by Nonprofit Agencies for Disabled Persons

The Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled proposes to add one product (Triangular Cravat Bandage, NSN 6510-00-201-1755) and one service (Navy HAZMAT San Diego) to the Procurement List, and delete two services (Shelf Stocking/Custodial/Warehousing at Camp Pendleton MCB Commissary and Base Supply Center at MCAS Cherry Point). Comments on these proposed changes must be submitted by May 16, 2026.

Governor, Lt. Gov. Public Schedule Released, April 20-26

The Office of the Governor of Iowa released public schedules for Governor Kim Reynolds and Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer for the week of April 20-26, 2026. The schedule lists four public ceremonial events including recognition ceremonies, a tree planting initiative kickoff, and a hall of fame ceremony, all taking place in Des Moines, Iowa.

Iowa Disaster Proclamation, Five Counties, Severe Weather

Governor Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation for Carroll, Crawford, Grundy, Harrison, and Washington Counties in Iowa following severe weather that occurred on April 13, 2026. The proclamation activates state resources for response and recovery, and makes the Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program (up to $7,000 per household) and Disaster Case Advocacy Program available to affected residents. The proclamation is effective immediately and will remain in effect for 30 days unless terminated or extended.

International Product Change-International Priority Airmail, Commercial ePacket, Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail International & First-Class Package International Service Agreement

The Postal Service gave notice that on April 14, 2026 it filed a request with the Postal Regulatory Commission to add a new International Priority Airmail, Commercial ePacket, Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail International & First-Class Package International Service contract to the Competitive Product List. Documents are available at www.prc.gov, Docket Nos. MC2026-207 and CP2026-206.

Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act Extends SBIR and STTR Programs, Bolstering Research Security

Public Law 119-83 extends the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs and adds security risk evaluation requirements for award decisions. Federal agencies must now assess whether small business concerns present security risks, including through due diligence, disclosures, and coordination with the intelligence community, law enforcement, and counterintelligence capabilities. The amendments add new denial grounds for concerns connected to entities on various federal restricted-lists including the UFLPA Entity List, OFAC's Non-SDN Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Companies List, the Section 889 Prohibition List, Chinese Military Companies List, Military End User List, Entity List, FCC's List of Equipment and Services, and CBP's Withhold Release Orders and Findings List.

Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2025

Congress has enacted the Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act of 2025 (S.1884, Public Law 119-82), amending the 2016 Act to strengthen recovery rights for Nazi-looted art claims. The new law explicitly precludes time-based defenses including laches, adverse possession, acquisitive prescription, and usucapion, as well as non-merits discretionary defenses such as the act of state doctrine, forum non conveniens, and international comity. It also extends recovery rights to cover artwork lost due to Nazi persecution by covered governments, regardless of victim nationality, notwithstanding the domestic takings rule.

FISA Title VII Extension Through April 30, 2026

Congress has enacted H.R.8322, amending the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 to extend the authorities of Title VII of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 through April 30, 2026. The bill extends the repeal date of Title VII and related transition procedures previously set to expire two years after enactment of the Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act. The amendments take effect on the earlier of the date of enactment or April 19, 2026.

Shapiro Statement on Medicaid Abortion Ban Struck Down

Governor Josh Shapiro released a statement applauding the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania's decision in Allegheny Reproductive Health Center vs. Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, which struck down the state's ban on Medicaid coverage for abortion care. The court held that the ban violates the Pennsylvania Equal Rights Amendment and equal protection provisions, and that the Pennsylvania Constitution guarantees a fundamental right to reproductive autonomy. Shapiro, who did not defend the ban, stated that a woman's ability to access reproductive care should never be determined by her income.

Informal Video Conference of Transport Ministers, 21 April 2026

The Council of the EU has published a media advisory for an informal videoconference of transport ministers scheduled for 21 April 2026. The meeting will be chaired by Alexis Vafeades, Cyprus Minister of Transport, Communications and Works. Ministers will exchange views on the impact of recent geopolitical developments in the Middle East on the EU's transport system and sector.

Press Briefing Advisory for Informal EU Heads of State Meeting, 23-24 April 2026

The European Council has issued a media advisory announcing a press briefing scheduled for 21 April 2026 at 14:30 in the Justus Lipsius building press room. The briefing will preview the informal meeting of EU heads of state or government taking place on 23-24 April 2026. The press briefing will be held in hybrid format, allowing EU accredited journalists to participate in person or remotely. Registration deadline is 21 April 2026 at 13:30.

EU Council Adopts New Genomic Techniques Rules to Boost Sustainable and Competitive EU Food Systems

The Council of the EU has adopted new rules on new genomic techniques (NGTs) establishing a two-category framework for NGT plants. Category 1 plants are considered equivalent to conventional varieties and exempt from GMO labelling requirements, while Category 2 plants remain subject to existing EU GMO legislation including authorisation, traceability and mandatory labelling. The regulation aims to enhance food security, reduce external dependencies and ensure a level playing field for European operators while maintaining high standards for human and animal health and environmental protection.

Regulation on Forest Reproductive Material: Quality, Traceability and Market Certification Requirements

The Council of the EU adopted a regulation on forest reproductive material (FRM) to improve quality, availability and traceability of seeds and plants used in forest regeneration across the EU. The rules require that only approved and certified seeds and plants be placed on the market and strengthen traceability to track seeds and seedlings across member states. The regulation encourages the use of planting material resilient to climate change and resistant to pests, supporting forest resilience, biodiversity and sustainable forest management.

EU Council Adopts Directive Harmonising Corruption Offences and Penalties Across Member States

The Council of the EU has adopted a new directive harmonising the definition of corruption offences across all 27 member states and establishing common minimum penalty levels. The directive replaces two existing EU instruments from 1997 and 2003, and covers bribery in both public and private sectors, misappropriation, trading in influence, obstruction of justice, and illicit enrichment. Individuals face prison sentences of three to five years depending on the offence, while companies face fines of either 3–5% of total worldwide turnover or €24–40 million.

Foreign Affairs Council Meeting - 21 April 2026

The Council of the European Union issued a media advisory for the Foreign Affairs Council meeting of 21 April 2026 in Luxembourg, chaired by Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The indicative programme lists items for discussion including Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, an informal discussion with Lebanon's Prime Minister, the situation in the Middle East, South Caucasus, and Sudan. A press conference is scheduled at approximately 17:00 following the meeting.

New Postal Products Notice - Comment Invited on Competitive Negotiated Service Agreements

The Postal Regulatory Commission published a notice on April 21, 2026, informing the public of USPS filings for three competitive negotiated service agreements and inviting public comment. The dockets involve modifications to Priority Mail Express International and First-Class Package International Service Contract 68, addition of Priority Mail Contract 954, and a new Fulfillment Standardized Distinct Product (PM-GA Contract 965). Comments on the public proceedings are due April 24, 2026.

Inbound Parcel Post Rate Changes at UPU Rates for CY 2027

The Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) is informing the public of the Postal Service's filing of changes in rates not of general applicability for Inbound Parcel Post (at Universal Postal Union rates) and Inbound International Proof of Delivery, effective January 1, 2027, along with related proposed changes to the Mail Classification Schedule (MCS). The filing reflects amendments to Article 33 of the Universal Postal Convention adopted by the UPU Dubai Congress in September 2025, which allow designated operators to establish self-declared 'Inward Land Rates' beginning in calendar year 2027. The Commission invites public comments on whether the filing is consistent with applicable statutes and policies.

Rescinds Hearing Office Tracking System of Claimant Cases (60-0010)

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is rescinding system of records 60-0010, the Hearing Office Tracking System of Claimant Cases, effective upon Federal Register publication. The workload-tracking functionality currently handled by 60-0010 will be consolidated into the existing Hearings and Appeals Case Control System (60-0009), last published in full at 91 FR 754 (January 8, 2026). SSA invites public comment on this rescindment during a 30-day period ending May 20, 2026.

Private Health Insurance (Incentives) Rules 2012 (No. 2)

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing administers the Private Health Insurance (Incentives) Rules 2012 (No. 2), a legislative instrument authorized under the Private Health Insurance Act 2007. The instrument establishes rules governing incentives related to private health insurance in Australia. The latest version is F2026C00338, effective 1 April 2026.

ASIC Corporations (Short Term Trading Market) Instrument 2021/218 — Exemption from AFS Licence Requirements for AEMO and Trading Participants

ASIC Corporations (Short Term Trading Market) Instrument 2021/218 exempts AEMO (Australian Energy Market Operator) and Trading Participants of AEMO from the requirement to hold an Australian Financial Services (AFS) licence under the Corporations Act 2001. The instrument is administered by the Department of the Treasury and is currently in force under version F2026C00337, effective 27 March 2026.

Presidential Declaration of Major Disaster for Public Assistance Only, Alaska

The SBA published notice of Presidential disaster declaration FEMA-4904-DR for the State of Alaska following a severe storm incident occurring December 6-9, 2025. The declaration, designated Disaster Numbers 21509B (physical damage) and 215100 (economic injury), applies to Matanuska-Susitna Borough. Private non-profit organizations may apply for SBA disaster loans through the MySBA Loan Portal.

Presidential Declaration of Major Disaster for Public Assistance, Montana

The SBA published notice of Presidential Declaration of Major Disaster FEMA-4901-DR for Public Assistance Only for the State of Montana, effective April 7, 2026. The incident, Severe Storms and Flooding, occurred December 9–11, 2025, with Lincoln County designated as the primary county. Physical loan applications are due June 10, 2026; Economic Injury (EIDL) applications are due January 7, 2027. Interest rates are set at 3.625% for private non-profit organizations.

Presidential Major Disaster Declaration - Straight-line Winds for South Dakota

The SBA published notice of Presidential Disaster Declaration #21517 and #21518 (FEMA-4903-DR) for South Dakota following straight-line winds that occurred December 17-18, 2025. Private non-profit organizations in Custer, Fall River, and Pennington counties may now apply for physical disaster loans and economic injury loans through SBA's disaster assistance program. Physical loan applications are due June 10, 2026; economic injury loan applications are due January 7, 2027. The interest rate for physical damage loans is 3.625% for private non-profit organizations.

Presidential Declaration, Hawaii Major Disaster, Severe Storms

The Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for Hawaii (FEM-4909-DR) activates SBA disaster loan assistance for the March 10–24, 2026 Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides. SBA published this notice to inform eligible businesses, homeowners, and nonprofits in Honolulu, Maui, Kalawao, and Kauai counties of available physical damage and economic injury loan programs and associated application deadlines.

Montana Major Disaster Declaration Public Assistance Severe Winter Storm

The U.S. Small Business Administration announces a Presidential major disaster declaration (FEMA-4902-DR) for the State of Montana due to a Severe Winter Storm and Straight-line Winds occurring December 17-18, 2025. The declaration makes SBA disaster loans available to affected private non-profit organizations and small businesses in 29 Montana counties and 4 tribal areas.

Idaho Major Disaster Declaration - Straight-line Winds, FEMA-4905-DR

SBA published notice of the Presidential major disaster declaration for Public Assistance Only for the State of Idaho (FEMA-4905-DR), dated April 7, 2026, as a result of straight-line winds occurring December 16-18, 2025. Private non-profit organizations in ten primary Idaho counties may apply for physical damage and economic injury disaster loans through the MySBA Loan Portal.

Oregon Major Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance Only

The SBA announces Presidential disaster declaration FEMA-4907-DR for Oregon due to Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides occurring December 15-21, 2025. Nine Oregon counties are designated as primary disaster areas. Physical disaster loan applications are due June 10, 2026; Economic Injury (EIDL) loans are due January 7, 2027. Private non-profit organizations may apply at MySBA Loan Portal.

Information Collection Renewal: Bonding Requirements for Suspensions Pending Appeal

The Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR) within the Department of the Interior is seeking public comment on renewing an existing information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The collection covers paperwork requirements for posting a surety or bond or demonstrating financial solvency under 30 CFR Part 1243. This 30-day notice excludes Osage content that appeared in a prior 60-day notice, as the Bureau of Indian Affairs did not finalize its related proposed rule. Comments are due May 21, 2026.

S. 1350 Modifies Talladega National Forest Boundaries

The Congressional Budget Office has published a cost estimate for S. 1350, a bill to modify the boundaries of the Talladega National Forest. The estimate was prepared as reported by the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry on October 27, 2025. The document provides CBO's assessment of the bill's budgetary impact.