Government & Legislation

VA Requests Comments on Disinterment Form Revision, OMB Control 2900-0365

The Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration submits a revision of OMB Control No. 2900-0365 (VA Form 40-4970, Request for Disinterment) to the Office of Management and Budget for review under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The form collects information from claimants seeking removal of decedents' remains from national cemeteries for reburial elsewhere. The revision updates burden estimates to 233 annual hours across 1,400 respondents at 10 minutes per response. Comments are due May 18, 2026.

Fuel Quality Standards (Petrol) Amendment Determination (No. 2) 2026

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has made amendments to the Fuel Quality Standards (Petrol) Determination 2024. The amendment modifies fuel quality standards applicable to petrol, with compliance obligations for industry participants. The instrument is administered by the department and takes effect from 17 April 2026.

Migration (Arrangements for Parent Visa Applications) Instrument 2026

The Australian Department of Home Affairs has issued the Migration (Arrangements for Parent Visa Applications) Instrument 2026 (F2026L00441), effective 17 April 2026. This legislative instrument establishes updated arrangements for parent visa applications including Parent (Migrant) (Class AX), Aged Parent (Residence) (Class BP), Contributory Parent (Migrant) (Class CA), Contributory Aged Parent (Residence) (Class DG), Contributory Parent (Temporary) (Class UT), and Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) (Class UU) visas. The instrument includes transitional provisions for applications received before commencement and repeals the Migration (IMMI 18/079: Arrangements for Parent Visa Applications) Instrument 2018.

National Health Act - Commonwealth Pharmaceutical Benefits Pricing Determination 2019 (April 2026)

The Australian Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has issued an amendment to the National Health (Commonwealth Price and Conditions for Commonwealth Payments for Supply of Pharmaceutical Benefits) Determination 2019, effective 1 April 2026. This legislative instrument sets Commonwealth prices and payment conditions for pharmaceutical benefits supplied under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme by approved pharmacists and approved medical practitioners. The Determination includes schedules covering ready-prepared pharmaceutical benefits, unstable or sterile ingredients, dangerous drug fees, complete pack requirements, and standard formula preparations.

Parliamentary Broadcasting Regulations 2026

The Australian Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts registered the Parliamentary Broadcasting Regulations 2026 on 17 April 2026. The instrument is made under the Parliamentary Proceedings Broadcasting Act 1946 and establishes the regulatory framework governing the broadcasting of federal parliamentary proceedings.

Public Governance, Performance and Accountability (Section 75 Transfers) Determination 2025-2026

The Australian Department of Finance has issued a determination under Section 75 of the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 to modify multiple Appropriation Acts for 2025-2026. The instrument modifies the Supply Act (No. 1), Supply Act (No. 2), Appropriation Act (No. 1), and Appropriation Act (No. 2) for the financial year. This enables intra-government fund transfers as authorized under the PGPA Act framework.

Italian Official Gazette Issue No. 88: Emergency Declarations, Drug Authorizations, Public Procurement Rules

The Italian Official Gazette (Gazzetta Ufficiale) Issue No. 88 dated 16 April 2026 publishes multiple acts including: declaration of state of emergency for Abruzzo, Basilicata, Molise, and Puglia due to severe weather events from March 28, 2026; ordinary modifications to PGI production specifications for Prosciutto di Sauris; six Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) communications granting or modifying marketing authorizations for human medicines (Safinamide Teva, Clindamicina Noridem, Tocalfa, Torvacol, Ruxolitinib Vivanta, and others); public procurement threshold determinations; and FSC 2021-2027 resource allocations for sports, youth, and culture ministries.

EU Official Journal - Regulations, Decisions, Directives Index No. 29

The Italian Official Gazette published EU Official Journal Special Series No. 29, compiling EU regulations, decisions, and directives adopted between October 2025 and February 2026. Documents include amendments to IFRS 18 accounting standards, customs transit rules for Moldova and Montenegro, UN vehicle regulations, food additive corrections, poultry marketing standards, and biocide approval extensions.

Corporate Assembly Convocation Notices - Italian Gazette

The Italian Official Gazette (Gazzetta Ufficiale) published Part Seconda n. 44 dated 16 April 2026, listing commercial notices including shareholder assembly convocation notices for 13 Italian companies and additional commercial announcements. Companies listed include ADLER RESORT SICILIA S.P.A., FINCRES S.P.A., CONFIDIMPRESA FARMAFIDI ITALIA, and others. Additional notices cover credit transfer and securitization transactions pursuant to Italian law.

Continuation of National Emergency and Emergency Authority Relating to Regulation of Russian-Affiliated Vessel Anchorage and Movement to US Ports

President extends for 1 year the national emergency declared April 21, 2022, regarding Russian Federation actions affecting international relations. The emergency authority permitting regulation of Russian-affiliated vessel anchorage and movement to US ports remains in effect under the National Emergencies Act and Magnuson Act. This continuation preserves port access restrictions on Russian-affiliated vessels.

BOE 17 April 2026: International Maritime Treaties, Military Education Programs, Disability Recognition Rules

The Spanish Official Gazette published its daily summary for April 17, 2026 (BOE No. 94), listing 6 official legal instruments across multiple ministries. Key items include three international maritime training treaty amendments (IMO STCW Convention 1978 and Training Code amendments from 2023 and 2024), a military training program order (Avanza), an organizational modification to the Central Defense Academy, disability recognition regulations for Ceuta and Melilla, and a correction to the Andalusian University Law.

States Can and Should Regulate AI in Criminal Justice

Brookings Institution published a commentary arguing that state legislatures should regulate AI tools in criminal justice settings to protect civil rights and public safety while harnessing AI's potential benefits. The authors analyze the current landscape of AI adoption in law enforcement, noting risks of untested tools, and address concerns about a recent executive order that may limit state regulatory authority.

Ukraine Plan Partial Fulfilment Methodology Amendment

The European Commission has published Communication C/2026/2328 amending the methodology for handling partial fulfilment of steps in the Ukraine Plan under the Ukraine Facility Regulation, replacing Communication C(2025) 1725. The amendment adjusts the assessment methodology after approximately one year of application, accounting for disruptions caused by the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. Payment of financial support remains conditional on satisfactory fulfilment of pre-defined steps; partial fulfilment triggers proportional payments with a 12-month remediation period before potential suspension.

Position (EU) No 2/2026 on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Accounting of Transport Services

The Council of the European Union has adopted Position (EU) No 2/2026 at first reading with a view to adopting a Regulation on greenhouse gas emissions accounting of transport services. The proposed regulation aims to establish a harmonised framework requiring transport operators, transport service organisers, and hub operators to calculate and disclose greenhouse gas emissions from transport services. It specifically addresses disproportionate burdens on SMEs in the transport sector and seeks to incentivise sustainable transport choices among public bodies, enterprises, and consumers.

Council Position on GHG Emissions Accounting of Transport Services

The Council of the European Union adopted its first reading Position (EU) No 2/2026 on the proposed Regulation establishing common rules for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions accounting of transport services under the 'Count Emissions EU' initiative, part of the Greening Freight Transport package. The Regulation is based on an ISO standard and aims to incentivise behavioural change among customers to reduce GHG emissions from transport services through comparable and reliable GHG emission data. The use of primary data is prioritised but not mandated for all transport and hub entities, and administrative burdens are limited to entities already calculating and disclosing GHG emissions at a disaggregated level.

Council Position 3/2026 Amending Regulation (EU) No 806/2014 on Early Intervention Measures, Resolution Conditions and Funding of Resolution Action

The Council of the European Union has adopted Position (EU) No 3/2026 at first reading, proposing amendments to Regulation (EU) No 806/2014 (Single Resolution Mechanism Regulation) concerning early intervention measures, conditions for resolution, and funding of resolution action. The amendments aim to improve the effectiveness of the Union resolution framework for credit institutions and investment firms, addressing issues of inadequate incentives and the preference for national measures over industry-funded resolution financing arrangements. The position was adopted by the Council on 5 March 2026 with EEA relevance.

SRMR Amendment - Early Intervention Measures, Resolution Conditions and Funding

The Council of the European Union adopted Position (EU) No 3/2026 at first reading with a view to adopting a Regulation amending Regulation (EU) No 806/2014 (SRMR) regarding early intervention measures, conditions for resolution and funding of resolution action. The position was adopted on 5 March 2026 as part of the Crisis Management and Deposit Insurance (CMDI) review package.

Croatia Schengen Border Document Carry Notification

Croatia has published a notification in the EU Official Journal under Article 42 of the Schengen Borders Code (Regulation EU 2016/399), informing about national laws requiring certain persons to carry and present identity documents. The notification covers three Croatian acts: the Aliens Act, the Act on EEA Nationals and Their Family Members, and the Identity Card Act. This replaces the previous list published in OJ C 272 of 20.9.2013.

Croatia Schengen Border Penalties for Unauthorised Crossing

Croatia published penalties under Article 42 of the Schengen Borders Code (Regulation EU 2016/399) for unauthorised crossing of external borders. Natural persons face 30 days imprisonment or fines of EUR 260 to EUR 1,320 for crossing outside designated points or hours. Those assisting third-country nationals in illegal crossing, transit, or stay face up to 60 days imprisonment or EUR 3,000 fines per person, with mandatory confiscation of transport for owners.

Croatia Notifies Third-Country National Reporting Obligation Under Schengen

Croatia Notifies Third-Country National Reporting Obligation Under Schengen

Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026

The House Rules Committee is processing H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, with an amendment deadline of April 22, 2026. The bill as introduced covers agricultural production standards, livestock marketing regulations, and food supply chain provisions. Submitted amendments address ethanol fuel blends, conservation programs for ranchers, livestock production standards preemption, and a prohibition on Federal Reserve central bank digital currency issuance.

American Broadband Deployment Act of 2026

The House Rules Committee has scheduled a hearing on H.R. 2289, the American Broadband Deployment Act of 2026, for April 20, 2026. The bill text and comparative prints are available showing the legislation as reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce with modifications. This proposed legislation concerns broadband internet infrastructure deployment across the United States.

Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act

The House Rules Committee has scheduled a hearing on H.R. 4690, the Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act, for April 20, 2026. The bill was reported from the Committee on Energy and Commerce and is now before the Rules Committee. The hearing provides an opportunity for public input on the proposed legislation before potential Floor consideration.

H.R. 5587 Harnessing Energy At Thermal Sources Act of 2026

The House Rules Committee has announced a hearing on H.R. 5587, the Harnessing Energy At Thermal Sources Act of 2026, scheduled for April 20, 2026 at 4:00 PM in H-313 Capitol. The bill was reported from the Committee on Natural Resources (H. Rept. 119-613). The hearing provides an opportunity for stakeholder input before potential floor consideration.

Expressing Support for Rural Communities as Environmental Stewards, Energy Suppliers, Food Providers

The House Rules Committee announced a resolution (H. Res. ____) expressing support for rural communities across the United States as stewards of the environment, major suppliers of energy resources, critical providers of food production and manufacturing capacity, and drivers of national economic stability. A hearing is scheduled for April 20, 2026 at 4:00pm in H-313, The Capitol. The resolution recognizes the work of the House of Representatives in the 119th Congress in support of rural communities.

Expressing Support for Rural Communities Across the United States

The House Rules Committee has published a hearing announcement for H. Res. ____, a resolution expressing congressional support for rural communities as environmental stewards, energy resource suppliers, food production providers, and economic stability drivers. The resolution is being prepared for introduction in the 119th Congress. A hearing is scheduled for April 20, 2026 at 4:00pm in The Capitol.

House Resolution for Consideration of Clean Air Act Amendment Bills

The House Committee on Rules reported H. Res. 1174 providing procedures for floor consideration of three Clean Air Act amendment bills: H.R. 6387 (air quality monitoring data for wildfire events), H.R. 6398 (EPA review of proposed legislation), and H.R. 6409 (emissions from outside the United States), plus H. Res. 1156 on tax policies for working families.

House Resolution 1175 - FISA Amendments Act Extension Procedures

The House Committee on Rules reported H. Res. 1175 on April 15, 2026, establishing procedures for floor consideration of H.R. 8035. H.R. 8035 would amend the FISA Amendments Act of 2008 to extend the authorities of title VII through October 20, 2027. The resolution waives points of order, provides for one hour of debate, and permits a motion to recommit.

NSF Sunshine Act Meeting Cancelled April 16, 2026

The National Science Foundation cancelled a previously noticed Sunshine Act meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Eastern. The meeting was originally noticed at 91 FR 19206. No information was provided regarding rescheduling. Point of contact is Chris Blair at cblair@nsf.gov or 703/292-7000.

Medifund Committees Amendment No. 3 Order 2026, S 224

The Ministry of Health Singapore has issued Amendment No. 3 to the Medical and Elderly Care Endowment Schemes (Medifund Committees) Order 2015, inserting Friendship And Mind Enrichment Club (FAME Club) as item (45) in Part 1 of the Schedule. The amendment is made under section 14 of the Medical and Elderly Care Endowment Schemes Act 2000 and comes into operation on 20 April 2026. The Order was made on 13 April 2026 by Permanent Secretary Lai Wei Lin.

Medical and Elderly Care Endowment Schemes (Approved Institutions) (Amendment No. 3) Notification 2026

The Ministry of Health, Singapore has published Amendment No. 3 to the Medical and Elderly Care Endowment Schemes (Approved Institutions) Notification 2016, adding Friendship And Mind Enrichment Club (FAME Club) as item 214 in the Schedule of approved institutions. The amendment is made under section 8 of the Medical and Elderly Care Endowment Schemes Act 2000 and comes into operation on 20 April 2026.

Building Control (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2026

Singapore's Ministry of National Development has amended the Building Control Regulations 2003 via the Building Control (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2026 (No. S 222), effective 17 April 2026. The amendment modifies the Second Schedule (fee provisions) by inserting new sub-paragraph (f) and a new paragraph 7A establishing a tiered fee formula for building works involving alterations, additions, or repairs of general buildings carried out in connection with specified buildings in a development. The new fee formula comprises three components: A ($400/storey for non-residential general buildings), B ($200/storey for other general buildings), and C ($400/specified building not abutting or connected to general buildings), plus additional fees for floor area increases.

Income Tax (Exemption of Income of Approved Venture Company) (Amendment) Regulations 2026

Singapore's Ministry of Finance has amended the Income Tax (Exemption of Income of Approved Venture Company) Regulations (Rg 22) via S 221/2026, effective 15 April 2026. The amendments replace all references to 'approved investment(s)' with 'authorised investment(s)', introduce FIFO treatment for disposal calculations, and substantially revise the definition and scope of specified income and authorised investments for approved venture companies under section 13G of the Income Tax Act 1947.

Electricity Licensees Amendment Notification Adds Keppel Sakra Cogen and PLM Power

Singapore's Ministry of Trade and Industry has issued Amendment Notification S 220/2026 to the Electricity (Designated Electricity Licensees, etc., under Part 4A) Notification 2025, adding two new companies to the Schedule of designated electricity licensees. Keppel Sakra Cogen Pte. Ltd. and PLM Power Pte. Ltd. are added as items 10 and 11 respectively. The amendment comes into operation on 16 April 2026.

USPS International Price Changes, Comments Due May 18

The Postal Service proposes to revise the International Mail Manual (IMM) to reflect mailing services price adjustments effective July 12, 2026. The proposed changes include approximately 2.7% price increases for First-Class Mail International postcards, letters, and flats, along with fee adjustments for extra services including Certificate of Mailing, Registered Mail, and Return Receipt. Comments are due May 18, 2026.

FCC Seeks Comment on Drone Dominance Reforms

The FCC seeks public comment on regulatory reforms to advance American drone dominance, including spectrum allocation for drone operations, streamlined experimental licensing, and establishment of drone innovation zones. The consultation addresses reducing regulatory burdens on U.S. manufacturers and ensuring supply chain security from foreign adversaries. Comments are due May 1, 2026; reply comments due May 18, 2026.

MIAX Proposes Rule Change on Options for Multi-Crypto Commodity-Based Trusts

The SEC published notice that Miami International Securities Exchange (MIAX) filed a proposed rule change to amend Exchange Rule 402 and Rule 403 to establish listing criteria and withdrawal standards for options on Commodity-Based Trusts that hold multiple crypto assets. The proposal would extend current rules permitting single-crypto-asset trusts to include multiple crypto assets, with each underlying crypto asset required to meet a $700 million average daily market value threshold over 12 months. The change is substantively identical to a Nasdaq ISE proposal recently approved by the SEC. The notice solicits public comments on the proposed rule change.

FRTIB Board Meeting Notice - April 28, 2026 Telephonic Session

The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board issued a notice announcing its April 28, 2026 telephonic board meeting at 10:00 a.m. ET. The open session agenda includes approval of prior meeting minutes, monthly reports on participants and legislation, quarterly reports on investments, budget, and audits, plus updates on enterprise risk management and internal audit activities. A closed session will address information protected under 5 U.S.C. 552b(c)(9)(B) and (c)(10).

M/V Alegria Coastwise Trade Determination Request

MARAD is seeking public comments on a determination request for the M/V Alegria, a foreign-built small passenger vessel seeking coastwise trade endorsement to carry no more than 12 passengers for hire. Comments are due by May 18, 2026 and should address whether allowing this vessel in coastwise trade would have an adverse effect on U.S. vessel builders or U.S. coastwise trade businesses that use U.S.-built vessels.

Determination of Regulatory Review Period for UNLOXCYT Patent Extension

The Food and Drug Administration has determined the regulatory review period for UNLOXCYT (cosibelimab-ipdl), a human biologic product approved for treating adults with metastatic or locally advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. The determination was made at the request of the USPTO to assess eligibility for patent term restoration under the Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act of 1984. Comments on the determination may be submitted by June 15, 2026.

NYSERDA Annual Reporting Obligations Bill Amends Public Authorities Law

New York State Senate Bill S8019 amends Public Authorities Law §1867 to expand NYSERDA's annual reporting obligations. The bill requires NYSERDA to submit its semi-annual reports to additional recipients: the chairs of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee and the Assembly Energy Committee, in addition to existing recipients. The bill also requires the report to include a brief summary of all proceeds collected pursuant to public service commission orders, including assessments, fees, taxes, transfers, corporate income, or surcharges on energy consumers or power generators. The bill passed the Senate on April 15, 2025.

Resolution Expressing Support for Tax Policies That Support Working Families, Passed 219-207

The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.Res. a non-binding resolution expressing support for tax policies that support working families, with a vote of 219-207 along largely party lines (215 Republican yeas, 3 Democratic yeas, 207 Democratic nays). The resolution does not enact any tax legislation or create compliance obligations; it serves solely as a statement of congressional sentiment.

H.R. 1689 - Haiti Temporary Protected Status Designation - Passed 224-204

The U.S. House of Representatives voted 224-204 to pass H.R. 1689, a bill that would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate Haiti for temporary protected status (TPS). The vote was largely along party lines, with all 213 Democrats and 1 Independent voting in favor and 204 Republicans voting against. The bill now awaits consideration by the Senate and presidential action before becoming law.

H. Res. 965 Passes 220-207 to Advance Haiti TPS Consideration

The House passed H. Res. 965 by a 220-207 vote on April 16, 2026. This procedural resolution provides for floor consideration of H.R. 1689, a bill requiring the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate Haiti for Temporary Protected Status. The vote split largely along party lines, with 7 Republicans joining all Democrats in support.

H.R. 6398 RED Tape Act Passes House 222-205

The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 6398, the RED Tape Act, on April 16, 2026, by a vote of 222-205. Republicans supported the measure 214-1 while Democrats opposed it 204-7, with 4 members not voting. The bill now proceeds to the Senate for consideration.

H.R. 6398 RED Tape Act Motion to Recommit Fails 213-216

The House voted 213-216 on the motion to recommit H.R. 6398, the RED Tape Act. The motion failed, with all Democrats voting yea and all Republicans voting nay. The bill remains in legislative limbo as the underlying measure has not advanced.

FENCES Act Passes House 220-208

The US House of Representatives passed the FENCES Act by a vote of 220-208. The vote was largely along party lines with 213 Republicans and 6 Democrats voting in favor, while 207 Democrats and 1 Republican voted against. The bill now advances to the Senate for consideration and has not yet become law.

FENCES Act Motion to Recommit Fails 213-215

The House of Representatives voted on a motion to recommit the FENCES Act, with the motion failing 213-215. Republicans voted 214 Nay, 0 Yea with 3 not voting; Democrats voted 213 Yea, 0 Nay; and 1 Independent voted Nay. The narrow two-vote margin marks a procedural setback for the bill in the 119th Congress.

Iran War Powers Resolution Vote Fails 213-214

The U.S. House of Representatives voted on Roll Call 114 to pass a War Powers Resolution directing the President to remove U.S. Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution. The resolution failed 213-214, with 1 member voting present and 3 not voting. Because the measure did not pass, no compliance obligations, policy changes, or military deployment directives result from this vote.

Andrew Davis Confirmed to U.S. District Judge for Western District of Texas, 49-48

The U.S. Senate confirmed Andrew B. Davis to serve as a U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Texas. The cloture motion passed 49-48 on April 16, 2026, with 48 opposed and 3 not voting. This narrow party-line vote fills a federal judicial vacancy in the Texas Western District.