Policy & Government Affairs

PBM Fee Disclosure Proposed Rule: Comment Period Extended

The Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) has extended the public comment period for its proposed rule on Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) fee disclosure. The comment period, originally set to end soon, will now close on April 15, 2026.

EPA Removes Reformulated Gasoline Program from Kentucky Portion of Louisville Area

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized the removal of the federal reformulated gasoline (RFG) program from the Kentucky portion of the Louisville metropolitan area. This rule is effective May 27, 2026, allowing Kentucky to opt out of the RFG requirements for this specific region.

H.R. 528 Reforestation Act Cost Estimate

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has provided a cost estimate for H.R. 528, the Post-Disaster Reforestation and Restoration Act of 2025. The estimated cost associated with the bill is approximately $1 million.

Bill Repeals Conflict Minerals Disclosure Requirements

A bill, H.R. 7085, has been reported by the House Committee on Financial Services to repeal certain conflict minerals disclosure requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Congressional Budget Office estimates this repeal will reduce federal costs associated with compliance.

Senate Bill Requires Amtrak Baby Changing Tables

A Senate bill, S. 71, the Baby Changing on Board Act, requires Amtrak to provide baby changing tables on its trains. The Congressional Budget Office estimates no federal budget effect from this legislation.

H.R. 4284: Convey National Forest cemeteries to local governments

The House Committee on Natural Resources reported H.R. 4284, the Small Cemetery Conveyance Act, on January 14, 2026. This bill proposes to allow the conveyance of certain National Forest cemeteries to local governments. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) provided a cost estimate on February 27, 2026.

Higher Education Fee Limits (Wales) Regulations 2026

The Welsh Ministers have issued the Higher Education (Fee Limits) (Wales) Regulations 2026, setting maximum tuition fee limits for higher education courses in Wales. These regulations, effective March 1, 2026, establish specific fee caps for standard academic years, final years of courses, teacher training, sandwich courses, and overseas study periods.

UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Act 2026 - Ticket Touting Prohibition

The UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Act 2026 prohibits the touting of tickets for the UEFA European Championship in Glasgow. The Act defines ticket touting as selling or offering to sell tickets for more than face value or with a view to profit, with specific exceptions for authorized sellers and charity auctions. The legislation received Royal Assent on February 27, 2026.

Ouse and Derwent Internal Drainage Board Reconstitution Order 2026

The UK Secretary of State has confirmed the reconstitution of the Ouse and Derwent Internal Drainage Board, effective February 27, 2026. The Board will now comprise 11 elected members, with the first members to be appointed by the Secretary of State.

GAO Report: K-12 COVID-19 Relief Funding Grant Monitoring Lessons

A GAO report released January 29, 2026, found that the Department of Education could have improved its oversight of K-12 COVID-19 relief funding to ensure states protected low-income schools. The report highlights issues with data reliability and the lack of internal procedures for providing technical assistance to states.