United States

CPPA Fines Data Brokers for Registration Violations

The California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) has issued enforcement actions against two data brokers, Rickenbacher Data LLC (d/b/a Datamasters) and S&P Global, Inc., for failing to register as required by California's Delete Act. Datamasters was fined $45,000 and ordered to stop selling personal information, while S&P Global was fined $62,600.

California Bill for CCPA Whistleblower Protections and Awards

The California Privacy Protection Agency (CalPrivacy) is sponsoring AB 2021, a bill to establish whistleblower protections and an award program under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). The bill aims to incentivize individuals to report violations and protect them from retaliation.

NLRB Withdraws 2023 Joint Employer Standard

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has withdrawn its 2023 standard for determining joint employer status. This rule, effective February 27, 2026, removes the previous standard, reverting to prior interpretations of joint employer liability.

GAO Report on NNSA Nuclear Weapons Infrastructure Projects

A GAO report released February 26, 2026, highlights significant cost overruns and delays in the National Nuclear Security Administration's (NNSA) major construction projects. The report indicates cumulative cost overruns have risen to $4.8 billion and delays to 30 years as of June 2025, impacting the modernization of nuclear weapons infrastructure.

GAO Report on DOD Joint Base Facility Funding

A GAO report highlights that nearly all DOD joint bases received insufficient funding to sustain their facilities between fiscal years 2018-2022. The report also notes workforce shortages and a lack of clarity in funding distribution between military services on these bases.

GAO Report: Improvements Needed for Federal Workforce Senior Position Data Transparency

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report finding that the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) PLUM Reporting website, which tracks senior federal positions, has data quality issues. GAO recommended OPM improve data collection and reporting to increase transparency for the public and Congress.

Medicare Part D: Beneficiary Premium Stabilization Demonstration

The U.S. GAO has released a report on the Medicare Part D Premium Stabilization Demonstration, implemented by CMS in 2025. The demonstration aimed to prevent significant premium increases for beneficiaries following changes from the Inflation Reduction Act, costing an estimated $9.8 billion over 2025-2026.

GAO Report on DOD Efforts to Develop Domestic Biomanufacturing

The U.S. GAO has released a report detailing the Department of Defense's (DOD) efforts and investments in developing domestic biomanufacturing capabilities. Since 2020, DOD has invested approximately $965 million to build facilities and support industry partners, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers and enhance the defense industrial base. A forthcoming roadmap is expected in 2026.

DOL Proposes Rescinding 2021 Rule on Contractor Status

The Department of Labor (DOL) has proposed rescinding its 2021 rule concerning employee or independent contractor status under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This proposed rule seeks public comment before potentially reverting to previous interpretations of worker classification. The comment period closes on April 28, 2026.

Fisher v. Fisher - Published Opinion

The California 4th Appellate District Division 1 has published an opinion in the case of Fisher v. Fisher et al. The opinion was filed on March 1, 2024, under appellate case number D083806. This filing represents a new judicial decision in an ongoing legal matter.