Bain Capital Clears EC Merger Review for Tingstad Group Acquisition

The European Commission has cleared Bain Capital Investors, LLC's acquisition of sole control over Aktiebolaget Tingstad Papper (Tingstad Group) under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The decision, dated 21 April 2026, was issued via the simplified merger treatment procedure. Bain Capital is a US-based private equity firm; Tingstad Group is a Swedish family-owned distributor and manufacturer of non-food consumables including hygiene products, foodservice disposables, and paper carrier bags. The Commission declared the operation compatible with the internal market and the EEA Agreement.

Sirius Brookfield Paradise JV Merger Clearance Article 6(1)(b)

The European Commission cleared the joint acquisition of Paradise JV by Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. and Sirius Holdings Limited under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The transaction involves Paradise JV, which owns and operates the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. The Commission declared the operation compatible with the internal market and the EEA Agreement, adopting the decision under the simplified treatment procedure for certain concentrations.

VIG / NÜRNBERGER Merger Cleared by EU Commission

The European Commission issued a decision on April 15, 2026 (published April 22, 2026) not to oppose the notified concentration between VIG and NÜRNBERGER, declaring it compatible with the internal market. The decision is based on Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (the EC Merger Regulation). The full text of the decision will be made publicly available in the merger section of the Commission's Competition Policy website and on EUR-Lex after business secrets are removed.

Slovenia Direct Grants for Laying Hen Holdings Until 2028

The European Commission approved Slovenia's State Aid scheme SA.121698 for direct grants to laying hen holding operators. The scheme, registered on 7 January 2026, will run until 31 December 2028 and covers regions Vzhodna Slovenija and Zahodna Slovenija. The EC issued a decision not to raise objections on 17 April 2026, finding the aid compatible with the internal market under Article 107(3)(c) TFEU and the Agricultural Guidelines 2023.

HB26-1419 Over-Refund of Excess State Revenues

Colorado bill HB26-1419 was introduced on April 21, 2026, concerning the over-refund amount for state fiscal year 2024-25 of state revenues in excess of the state fiscal year spending limit under section 20 of article X of the state constitution. The bill has been assigned to the House Appropriations Committee and is currently under consideration. A committee hearing is scheduled for Friday, April 24, 2026 at 8:30 AM in the Old State Library.

Wind Energy Facilities Light-Mitigating Technology Approval Changes

Colorado HB26-1420 would modify the approval process for light-mitigating technology required at certain wind-powered energy generation facilities. The bill was introduced on April 21, 2026 by Representatives Amy Paschal, Chris Richardson, and Senators Chris Kolker and Rod Pelton. It has been assigned to the House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee for consideration. As a proposed bill, it has not yet been enacted and remains subject to committee review and potential amendment before any vote by the full legislature.

Prohibit Government Access to Historical Location Information Database SB26-070

Colorado SB26-070 would prohibit government entities from accessing databases storing historical location information about individuals or vehicles, subject to certain exceptions. The bill bars sharing such information with third parties or agencies outside their jurisdiction, and classifies historical location data as non-public under the Colorado Open Records Act. Government entities collecting this data must adopt compliance policies, the attorney general is empowered to enforce violations, and evidence obtained in violation would be inadmissible at trial.

Colorado Prison Population Management Measures

SB26-036 would require the Colorado Department of Corrections to report monthly on prison population management compliance and issue notifications within 48 hours when the prison bed vacancy rate falls below 3% for 30 consecutive days. The bill expands existing population management measures to include transitioning certain inmates to nonresidential community corrections status, granting 60 additional days of earned time to inmates within 120 days of mandatory release, finalizing inmate releases within 7 days of parole board conditional approval, and expediting parole reviews for eligible inmates past their parole eligibility date. Courts and sentencing entities receiving vacancy notifications would be encouraged to consider alternatives to prison sentences when lawfully available.

Requires Pollinator Habitat Practices on State Lands

Colorado HB26-1132, introduced February 4, 2026, requires covered state agencies (State Forest Service, Department of Natural Resources, Department of Personnel, and Department of Transportation) to prioritize ecoregionally specific native plant materials supporting pollinator habitats when planning vegetation projects. The bill mandates training programs for land managers and maintenance crews, integration of mowing and grazing practices based on recommendations from the 2022 DNR study under SB22-199, and sustainable site development on state capitol complex properties. Colorado State University Extension must conduct a Colorado native plant availability study and issue a report by August 1, 2031, contingent on acquiring sufficient gifts, grants, or donations. The bill has passed through three House committees (Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources; Finance; Appropriations) and awaits second reading.

Fee Sharing with Nonlawyers in Legal Practice

Colorado House Bill HB26-1421 would prohibit certain compensation arrangements between lawyers and nonlawyers in legal practice, creating the 'Colorado Legal Practice Integrity and Fee-sharing Prohibition Act.' The bill was introduced on April 21, 2026 by Representatives Javier Mabrey, Jarvis Caldwell, and Senators Lindsey Daugherty and Lisa Frizell. It is currently under consideration and has been assigned to the House Judiciary Committee for review.

Modify Administration of Education Assessments

Colorado SB26-068 would require the state Department of Education to administer standardized summative assessments to students to the minimum extent possible and apply for federal waivers for assessment requirements if necessary. The bill is sponsored by Senators Kolker and Pelton and Representatives Hamrick and Garcia Sander, and is currently undergoing committee review in the Senate.

European S-SDLC and DevSecOps Market Study: Strategic Orientations

ANSSI has published a European market study on Secure Software Development Life Cycle (S-SDLC) and DevSecOps practices, positioning these as strategic priorities for 2025-2027. The study responds to increasing supply chain attacks (SolarWinds, Log4Shell), growing CI/CD complexity, and evolving EU regulatory requirements including the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), NIS2, and DORA. The publication introduces the concept of MLSecOps for integrating security and compliance into AI/ML workflows and includes concrete deliverables such as technical reminders, generic risk analysis, and adaptable roadmaps for all organization types.

Consumer Rights Amendment Transposes EU Directive 2023/2673 for Distance Financial Services

The MCCAA Office for Consumer Affairs has published user guidelines transposing EU Directive 2023/2673 into Maltese law, extending the scope of Directive 2011/83/EU to cover financial services contracts concluded at a distance between consumers and traders. The transposition requires traders to provide an accessible online withdrawal function enabling consumers to submit electronic withdrawal statements for distance contracts. These guidelines are published pursuant to Article 3 of the Small Business Act (Cap. 512).

Second Circuit: Reverse Splits Not Securities Sales

The Second Circuit affirmed the district court's dismissal of Securities Act claims in Knapp v. Barclays PLC, holding that a 4:1 reverse split of exchange-traded notes did not constitute a statutory "sale" under Section 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, and that a supplemental pricing statement was not sufficiently traceable to establish Section 11 liability. The court found that garden-variety reverse splits merely recast the number of securities held and do not bring about the significant changes in investment nature or risk required to qualify as a sale.

Singh v Minister for Immigration and Citizenship – Student Visa Appeal Dismissed

Jagnandan Singh appealed the dismissal by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) of his judicial review application challenging the Administrative Appeals Tribunal's decision to affirm refusal of his Student (subclass 500) visa. The Tribunal had found Mr Singh failed to satisfy the genuine temporary entrant (GTE) criterion in cl 500.212 of Sch 2 to the Migration Regulations 1994 (Cth), citing his nine sequential vocational qualifications over 11 years and the limited value of further study. On 21 April 2026, Justice McDonald dismissed the appeal with costs, finding no error in the primary judge's judgment and no jurisdictional error in the Tribunal's decision.

Nyangumarta Warrarn Aboriginal Corporation v Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation - Injunction Dismissed

The Federal Court of Australia, presided over by VANDONGEN J, dismissed an application by Nyangumarta Warrarn Aboriginal Corporation seeking injunctive relief under s 576-25 of the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (Cth) to restrain Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation and Ms Rena Tinker from convening a special general meeting scheduled for 22 April 2026 at the Bidyadanga Community Resource Centre. The application was dismissed on 21 April 2026, with costs adjourned and liberty to apply upon 24 hours notice.

ACCC v Jayco Corp - Application Dismissed View Permitted

Justice Bennett of the Federal Court of Australia dismissed the ACCC's interlocutory application dated 18 March 2026 seeking an advance ruling that expert evidence from Jayco Corporation Pty Ltd was inadmissible or should be excluded under s 192A of the Evidence Act 1995. The Court found an advance ruling was inappropriate given the evidence was largely complete and the dispute concerned the meaning of evidence and pleadings requiring full ventilation at trial. Separately, the Court permitted a view under r 14.03 of the Federal Court Rules 2011 at the Hellenic Museum Car Park, 280 William Street, Melbourne on or about 11 May 2026, subject to conditions including that statements made during the view would be submissions only, not evidence, and both parties would have opportunity to make submissions.

Doyle v Cooper - Liquidators' Application to Amend Court Orders Dismissed

The Federal Court of Australia, presided over by Justice Collier, dismissed an interlocutory application by Paul Cooper and Paul Appleton as Joint Liquidators of NQ Minerals PLC seeking to amend prior court orders from 18 February 2026. The liquidators invoked the slip rule under r 39.05 of the Federal Court Rules 2011 (Cth) and the Court's inherent jurisdiction to extend time for compliance with a bankruptcy notice issued against Walter Doyle. The Amended Interlocutory Application lodged on 14 April 2026 was dismissed with costs awarded to Mr Doyle, who will have his costs taxed if not otherwise agreed.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd v The Ship Yangze 22 (No 2) — Forum Non Conveniens Stay Granted

The Federal Court of Australia permanently stayed admiralty proceedings commenced by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd and Protea Navigation Inc against the vessel Yangze 22 on 28 April 2025, finding Australia a clearly inappropriate forum for the dispute arising from a 30 December 2024 collision in Chinese territorial waters. The key factual driver was the substantial difference in limitation funds—24,980,987 SDRs (approximately USD 34.5 million) under Australian law versus 6,903,375 SDRs under PRC law—with parallel proceedings already before the Shanghai Maritime Court. The plaintiffs were ordered to pay the defendant's costs.

Seemab v Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs - Partner Visa Appeal Dismissed

The Federal Court of Australia dismissed the appeal of Arsla Seemab challenging a Federal Circuit and Family Court decision. The appellant failed to demonstrate any appealable error in the lower court's dismissal of her judicial review application regarding the refusal of a Partner visa by a delegate of the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection. The case concerned whether Ms Seemab satisfied the criteria under cl 820.211 of sch 2 to the Migration Regulations 1994 (Cth), specifically the requirement to be a spouse of an Australian citizen at the time of her visa application. The Tribunal had affirmed the delegate's decision finding she was not her sponsor's spouse at the relevant time.

Damuni v Minister for Immigration and Citizenship – Leave to Extend Time Appeal Dismissed

The Federal Court of Australia dismissed an application by Mr Sivaviolo Damuni for leave to extend time to appeal a decision of the Administrative Review Tribunal, which had affirmed the non-revocation of his cancelled Subclass 155 visa. The applicant, a Fijian citizen who arrived in Australia in 1991 at age 5, had his visa cancelled under section 501(3A) of the Migration Act due to a 2023 armed robbery conviction resulting in two years and eight months' imprisonment. The Court held it was not necessary in the interests of the administration of justice to grant the extension, finding the 35-day appeal deadline had passed and the proposed grounds of appeal did not warrant relief.

Buksh v Minister for Immigration and Citizenship - Bogus Document Appeal Allowed

The Federal Court of Australia allowed Farid Buksh's appeal against a decision upholding visa refusal based on a 'bogus document'. The Court held that the Tribunal misconstrued the definition of 'bogus document' in section 5 of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth), finding that 'counterfeit' refers to a document that is not what it purports to be — not a document that is authentic but contains inaccurate information. The decision of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal dated 16 June 2022 has been quashed and proceedings remitted for redetermination. The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship was ordered to pay the applicant's costs.

Gleeson Trustee Appointed Receiver Over Eades Self-Managed Super Fund Property

The Federal Court of Australia appointed Bruce Gleeson as receiver and manager over real property located at 2/26 William Street, Brookvale NSW 2100, held by Stephen Philip Eades and Dianne Eades on trust for the Eades Superannuation Fund (ABN 73 813 825 934). The appointment was made pursuant to s 57(1) of the Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 (Cth) and s 30 of the Bankruptcy Act 1966 (Cth), without security, following an application by the trustee in bankruptcy. The respondents, including the Eades Superannuation Fund trustees who are undischarged bankrupts and disqualified persons under s 19 of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (Cth), must give vacant possession within 28 days.

Minister Jim O'Callaghan Garda Representative Association Annual Delegate Conference Speech

Minister Jim O'Callaghan delivered a policy address at the Garda Representative Association Annual Delegate Conference on 21 April 2026. The Minister highlighted record Garda recruitment, with over 200 trainees entering Templemore per intake and sworn numbers expected to reach 15,000 during 2026. Key technology initiatives include nationwide rollout of body worn cameras, expanded CCTV and drone use, and implementation of biometric identification to analyse footage. High Visibility Policing patrols in Dublin, Cork and Limerick have produced measurable results, including increased detections for public order, drug and weapons offences alongside reduced thefts and robberies.

€4.3M Allocated to 10 Crime Victim Support Organisations in Ireland

Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan announced over €4.3 million in funding for organisations supporting victims of crime in Ireland. €3.8 million will be distributed to 10 specialised victim support groups including Victim Support at Court, AdVic, Crime Victims Helpline, Ruhama, Support After Homicide, Missing in Ireland, Tourist SOS, Immigrant Council of Ireland, Doras, and Migrants Rights Centre Ireland. A further €480,000 will fund training, research, and advocacy commitments under prior agreements. The funding cycle (2025–2027) was designed to assist organisations with strategic and staffing planning, with applicant organisations required to demonstrate appropriate governance and financial controls.

German Lion SA Website Impersonation Warning

The CSSF published a public warning on 21 April 2026 alerting the public that the website www.german-lion-sa.eu and associated email addresses (official@german-lion-sa.eu, support@german-lion-sa.eu) are being used for identity theft and fraudulent activity. The website impersonates German Lion S.A., an issuer of securities. German Lion S.A. has confirmed it has no connection to the fraudulent website. Consumers and investors are advised to verify company identity through official channels before engaging with unfamiliar financial websites.

Luna.Store Figurative Mark Trade Mark Opposition

The UKIPO Appointed Person issued decision BL Number O/0330/26 on 21 April 2026 regarding a trade mark opposition concerning the figurative mark 'luna.Store'. The decision addressed grounds under Sections 5(1), 5(2) and 5(3), examining distinctiveness, dominant components, descriptive/allusive elements, and goods versus retail services distinctions.

Bot Verification Page Blocks Access to Decision

BAILII deployed Anubis, a proof-of-work anti-bot system, on its Northern Ireland Court of Appeal decision pages to deter AI scraping. The system uses a Hashcash-style computational challenge that adds negligible load for individual users but significantly increases the cost of mass automated access. Users with JavaScript-blocking extensions may need to disable them to pass verification.

Anthony Lennon, 10 Most Wanted Fugitive, Convicted of Failing to Register as Sex Offender

Anthony Lennon, 59, formerly of Moore, Oklahoma, was convicted on April 17, 2026 by a federal jury of failing to register as a sex offender — the charge arising from his 2012 disappearance while still required to register following a 2008 aggravated possession of child pornography conviction. Lennon spent 13 years as a fugitive before his October 2025 capture in upstate New York under the alias 'Justin Phillips.' He faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000 at sentencing.

Kansas OSBC Receives CSBS Reaccreditation for Regulatory Standards

The Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner (OSBC) has received reaccreditation from the Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) for financial regulatory supervision. The CSBS Bank Accreditation Program certifies that OSBC meets top national standards and practices for state bank supervision, including administration, finance, personnel training, examination, supervision, and statutory powers. The reaccreditation applies across bank, mortgage, and money services business supervision programs.

LDI Warns Consumers Against Unlicensed Healthcare Entities Innovative Partners and LifeX Research

The Louisiana Department of Insurance issued a consumer alert on April 21, 2026, warning residents that Innovative Partners and LifeX Research are not licensed to sell or solicit health insurance in Louisiana. The LDI has received multiple complaints from consumers who purchased what they believed were comprehensive health policies only to have their insurance cards rejected by medical providers, leaving them responsible for medical bills. Consumers are urged to verify an insurer's licensing status through the LDI Active Company Search tool before purchasing any plan.

Pennsylvanians With ALS, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's Highlight $5M Research Investment

The Pennsylvania Department of Health published a video featuring Stephen Cronin, a Pennsylvanian living with ALS, and Michael Dzuba, an Alzheimer's patient caregiver, highlighting the Shapiro Administration's $5 million investment in neurodegenerative disease research. The video includes personal testimonies emphasizing the importance of continued funding for ALS, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's research to support those affected by these conditions.

Pennsylvania Proposes $6M for EMS Workforce Investment in 2026-2027 Budget

The Shapiro Administration announced on April 20, 2026, that Governor Josh Shapiro's proposed 2026-2027 budget includes an additional $6 million from the EMS Operating Fund (EMSOF) for EMS agencies to purchase upgraded equipment and provide tuition support for recruitment and retention. The announcement, made by DOH Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen at Southern Allegheny EMS headquarters, highlighted that over the past three years the administration has invested nearly $56 million to equip EMS agencies across Pennsylvania, where more than 17,000 EMS providers respond to over 2.2 million calls annually. The funding is contingent on legislative approval as part of the budget process.

NC Legionnaires' Cases Rise to 310 in 2025

NCDHHS reports 310 confirmed Legionnaires' disease cases in North Carolina in 2025, a 54% increase from 201 cases in 2024. The press release raises awareness and provides prevention guidance for homes, commercial buildings, and healthcare facilities with shared water systems. No new regulatory obligations are imposed.

Melanie Bush Named Deputy Secretary of NC Medicaid

NCDHHS announced Melanie Bush as the next Deputy Secretary of Medicaid for the Division of Health Benefits, contingent upon confirmation by the North Carolina General Assembly. Bush previously served as Assistant Secretary and Chief Operating Officer for NC Medicaid, leading managed care transformation and Medicaid expansion that extended coverage to over 700,000 additional North Carolinians. NC Medicaid serves more than 3 million North Carolinians who rely on these critical services.

State Department Corrects Consular Fee for Certificate of Loss of Nationality

The Department of State issued a correcting amendment to 22 CFR Part 22, fixing an erroneous paragraph designation in amendatory instruction 2 of a March 13, 2026 final rule. The correction revises the fee schedule entry for administrative processing of a Certificate of Loss of Nationality. The corrected fee amount is $450, effective April 16, 2026, applicable as of April 13, 2026.

NIH/NIAID Offers West Nile Virus Neutralizing Antibodies for Licensing

NIAID announces availability for licensing of seven new fully human monoclonal antibodies (AIS-196, AIS-204, AIS-259, AIS-260, AIS-261, AIS-262, and AIS-265) that neutralize West Nile virus by targeting its envelope protein. The antibodies demonstrated strong virus-blocking activity in laboratory studies and protective effects in mouse models. Licensing inquiries should directed to Brian Bailey at 240-669-5128 or bbailey@mail.nih.gov, referencing HHS Reference No. E-021-2026-0.

Quarterly Publication of Individuals Who Have Chosen To Expatriate

The IRS published its quarterly list of individuals who expatriated during Q1 2026 (ending March 31, 2026), as required under IRC section 6039G of HIPAA of 1996. The publication contains approximately 600 individual names organized alphabetically with first and middle names or initials. Long-term residents treated as US citizens under section 877(e)(2) are also included.

Bank Holding Company Merger Applications Notice

The Federal Reserve published a notice announcing bank holding company merger applications under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956. GEBSCO, Inc. of Mondovi, Wisconsin applied to acquire Rushford State Bank of Rushford, Minnesota. The public comment deadline is May 22, 2026.

Change in Bank Control Notices; Acquisitions of Shares of a Bank or Bank Holding Company

The Federal Reserve System has published a notice seeking public comment on applications under the Change in Bank Control Act. The notice lists one pending acquisition: James Long of New Braunfels, Texas seeks to acquire voting shares of First Commercial Financial Corporation by becoming a co-trustee of its Employee Stock Ownership Plan, which indirectly owns First Commercial Bank, N.A. in Seguin, Texas. Comments must be received by May 7, 2026.

Idaho Power Company Hells Canyon Hydroelectric Tribal Consultation Meeting

FERC has scheduled a tribal consultation meeting for May 7, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. EDT via teleconference to discuss the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation's concerns regarding the Hells Canyon Hydroelectric Project (No. 1971-079). Intervenors in the proceeding may attend but participation is limited to Tribal representatives and Commission staff. Attendees may be excused if specific location information about archaeological or cultural resources is disclosed. Registrations must be submitted by April 30, 2026.

FERC Combined Notice of Filings, 22nd Apr

FERC published a Combined Notice of Filings listing multiple electric rate filings received from various power companies and ISOs. The filings include tariff amendments, compliance filings, initial rate filings, and requests for waiver from applicants including Duke Energy, Southern Company affiliates, PJM Interconnection, MISO participants, and NYISO. Comment deadlines range from May 1 to May 8, 2026.

Stacey L. Burbure; Notice of Filing - Interlocking Positions Under Section 305(b) Federal Power Act

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission published a notice of filing by Stacey L. Burbure on April 22, 2026, seeking authority to hold interlocking positions pursuant to section 305(b) of the Federal Power Act. Any person desiring to intervene or protest must file in accordance with Rules 211 and 214 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure by May 7, 2026.

Kinder Morgan Louisiana Pipeline Texas Access Project Scoping Period Notice

FERC has opened a 26-day public scoping period for the Texas Access Project proposed by Kinder Morgan Louisiana Pipeline LLC (KMLP), Docket No. CP26-136-000. The project would extend KMLP's interstate natural gas pipeline approximately 3 miles from Jefferson County, Texas into Cameron and Calcasieu Parishes, Louisiana, with capacity of up to 1,300,000 dekatherms per day. FERC will use the resulting environmental document in its determination of whether the project serves the public convenience and necessity under the Natural Gas Act.

Draft Section 9.0 Security Program for Hydropower Guidance, Comments Due

FERC's Office of Energy Projects has revised Section 9.0 of its Security Program for Hydropower Guidance to modernize cybersecurity practices at licensed projects. The revisions update definitions, applicability criteria, and technical measures for evaluating and protecting cyber and control-system assets. FERC is requesting public comments from hydropower owners and operators, federal and state agencies, and other interested parties by May 18, 2026.

FERC Combined Notice of Filings 22nd Apr

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has published a Combined Notice of Filings listing three natural gas pipeline rate and refund report filings received. Black Hills/Kansas Gas Utility Company filed under Section 284.123 (AVTS Filing effective 4/1/2026); Portland Natural Gas Transmission System filed an administrative tariff update (effective 6/1/2026); and Transwestern Pipeline Company filed a negotiated rate filing (effective 5/1/2026). The notice establishes comment deadlines and instructs interested parties on intervention procedures.

Pinnacles Hydroelectric License Application Filed

FERC announces Northbrook Virginia Hydro, LLC and the City of Danville, Virginia have filed a Notice of Intent to submit a new license application for the Pinnacles Hydroelectric Project (No. 10896-027), located on the Dan River in Patrick, Henry, and Pittsylvania counties, Virginia. The Director of the Division of Hydropower Licensing approved their request to use the Traditional Licensing Process on April 17, 2026. The Commission is initiating informal consultation under the Endangered Species Act and National Historic Preservation Act. All license applications for the project must be filed by April 30, 2029.

Department of Education Updates Privacy Act System for Student Aid Records

The U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid office has published a modified system of records notice for the Common Origination and Disbursement (COD) System (18-11-02). The modifications add new purposes for tracking legacy borrowers enrolled as of June 30, 2026 and revised aggregate loan limits including tiered unsubsidized caps for graduate and professional students, aggregate limits for Parent PLUS borrowers per dependent, and non-PLUS lifetime maximums. Institutions of higher education participating in Title IV, HEA programs must update procedures to apply these new loan limits and legacy borrower tracking requirements.

Education Dept Seeks Comments on FLAS Fellowship Employment Survey

The Department of Education has published a notice in the Federal Register (91 FR 21489) requesting public comments on a new information collection: a Survey of Postgraduate Employment for the Foreign Language and Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowship Program. The survey is intended to collect employment outcome data from FLAS Fellowship recipients. Comments are due by June 22, 2026, with the docket number ED-2026-SCC-1486.

Privacy Act System of Records Notice — National Student Loan Data System

The U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid office published a modified Privacy Act system of records notice for the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) (18-11-06), effective April 22, 2026. The modifications add two new purposes: tracking "legacy" borrowers of Graduate PLUS and Parent PLUS loans with reduced annual limits, and supporting financial aid administrators in applying revised aggregate loan limits including tiered caps for graduate students, gross lifetime limits for Parent PLUS borrowers, and universal non-PLUS lifetime maximums. Record source categories are updated to replace the Student Aid Internet Gateway (SAIG) with Federal Student Aid Partner Connect (FSA Partner Connect). Comments are due by May 22, 2026.