ERISA Advisory Opinion on Lifetime Income Strategy Program

The Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) issued Advisory Opinion 2025-04A, responding to a request from AllianceBernstein L.P. (AB) regarding its Lifetime Income Strategy (LIS) program. The opinion addresses whether the LIS program, which includes a guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit, meets the requirements to be a qualified default investment alternative (QDIA) under ERISA.

DOJ OIG Audits BOP Compliance with National Menu Requirements

The DOJ Office of the Inspector General has released an audit report detailing the Federal Bureau of Prisons' (BOP) compliance with national menu requirements. The report, number 26-021, was posted on February 11, 2026, and includes one recommendation.

CFPB Proposes Rules on Small Business Lending Data Collection

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) regarding small business lending data collection under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (Regulation B). The CFPB is seeking public comment on potential changes to transaction coverage, financial institution scope, small business definitions, data points, and compliance dates.

CFPB Rulemaking: Auto Financing, Debt Collection, Consumer Reporting

The CFPB is considering new rules to define larger participants in the automobile financing, consumer debt collection, and international money transfer markets. These actions are part of the Bureau's rulemaking process to address key consumer financial markets.

CFPB, FRB, OCC Announce 2026 Higher-Priced Mortgage Loan Appraisal Exemption Threshold

The CFPB, Federal Reserve Board, and OCC announced the 2026 threshold for higher-priced mortgage loan appraisal exemptions will increase to $34,200 from $33,500. This annual adjustment reflects changes in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers.

Truth in Lending and Leasing Rules: 2026 Dollar Thresholds Announced

The CFPB and Federal Reserve announced the 2026 dollar thresholds for Truth in Lending (Regulation Z) and Consumer Leasing (Regulation M) rules. These thresholds, adjusted annually based on CPI-W, determine which consumer credit and lease transactions are subject to federal protections. For 2026, the general threshold is $73,400 or less.

CFPB Final Rules and Regulatory Adjustments

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has issued final rules and regulatory adjustments, including updates to the Rules of Practice for Adjudication Proceedings and adjustments to exemption thresholds for higher-priced mortgage loans and consumer leases under TILA and Regulation M. These changes are effective in late 2025 and early 2026.

Gibson v. United States - Tax Deductibility of Contingent Environmental Expenses

Petitioners John A. Gibson, Jr., and Mary Lou Gibson are seeking review from the U.S. Supreme Court regarding the Fifth Circuit's decision on the deductibility of environmental remediation expenses. The core issue is whether the 'all events' test for tax accrual requires absolute certainty of expense amounts for contingent liabilities.

People v. Vesey Supreme Court Opinion

This document details the Supreme Court opinion in the case of People v. Vesey, concerning the discovery and validation of a missing will. The opinion outlines the narrative of Eleanor Vance's search for the will of Silas Blackwood and the conditions for inheritance.

Illinois Supreme Court Opinion in Concerned Citizens Case

The Illinois Supreme Court has issued an opinion in the Concerned Citizens case. The document details a historical narrative involving a professor discovering a lost manuscript by a reclusive author, Eleanor Vance, and a race against a figure known as 'The Collector' to find it. The opinion concludes with the discovery of the novel 'The Echoing Silence'.