USITC Institutes Section 337 Investigation of Power Converters

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has instituted an investigation (337-TA-1484) into certain power converters, circuit board assemblies, and computing systems. The investigation is based on a complaint alleging infringement of patent claims related to imported products.

State AGs Condemn EPA's Rescission of Endangerment Finding

Ten State Attorneys General, led by Washington AG Nick Brown, have condemned the EPA's final rule rescinding the 2009 Endangerment Finding for greenhouse gas emissions. The AGs argue this action is illegal, ignores scientific consensus, and will endanger public health and welfare by eliminating federal standards for motor vehicle emissions.

State AGs Sue Trump Administration Over Public Health Grant Cuts

Attorneys General from four states, including Colorado, have sued the Trump administration over a directive to cut over $600 million in federal public health grants. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court Northern District of Illinois, alleges the directive violates the Constitution and the Administrative Procedure Act. The cuts could take effect as early as February 12, 2026.

Florida Orders Cease and Desist for Unregistered Securities

The Florida Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) issued an immediate final order against GSB LTD, d/b/a GS Partners, and other members of GSB Group. The order requires them to cease and desist from alleged unregistered and fraudulent securities and banking services, citing a multilevel marketing scheme and misleading profit generation information.

Alliance Credit Union of Florida Placed into Conservatorship

Florida's Office of Financial Regulation placed Alliance Credit Union of Florida into conservatorship on November 8, 2024, appointing the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) as conservator. Member accounts remain protected by the NCUA's Share Insurance Fund, and services will continue uninterrupted.

Bayview Fined $20M for Cybersecurity Lapses

The Office of Financial Regulation and 52 state agencies fined Bayview Asset Management and its affiliates $20 million for deficient cybersecurity practices and failure to cooperate following a data breach impacting 5.8 million customers. The companies must also implement corrective actions and undergo independent assessments.

Vanguard Agrees to $106 Million Multistate Settlement

Vanguard has agreed to a $106 million multistate settlement with state securities regulators and the SEC for failing to supervise registered persons and disclose tax consequences to investors. The settlement aims to compensate over 10,000 Florida investors and potentially hundreds of thousands nationwide for capital gains taxes incurred due to fund changes.

OFR Settles with Binance.US Money Transmitter in Florida

The Florida Office of Financial Regulation (OFR) has reached an agreement with BAM Trading Services, Inc. (Binance.US), a licensed money transmitter. This settlement addresses procedures to protect Floridians and the marketplace, following a prior multi-state settlement related to a felony conviction.

WHD Updates Child Labor Penalty Assessment Procedures

The Wage and Hour Division (WHD) has updated its Field Assistance Bulletin regarding child labor civil money penalty assessments. This update introduces new assessment procedures for non-serious injury and non-injury violations, aiming to ensure consistent and full utilization of the agency's penalty authority.

DOL WHD Guidance on FLSA Independent Contractor Enforcement

The Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (WHD) issued Field Assistance Bulletin No. 2025-1, providing new guidance to its staff on enforcing the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) regarding independent contractor misclassification. Effective May 1, 2025, WHD will no longer apply the 2024 Rule's analysis and will revert to the standards outlined in Fact Sheet #13 (July 2008) and Opinion Letter FLSA 2019-6.