UTSA Center Completes NAGPRA Inventory, Human Remains

The University of Texas at San Antonio Center for Archaeological Research has completed a NAGPRA inventory identifying human remains of at least two individuals and five associated funerary objects (four pot sherds and one projectile point). The remains and objects, donated in 1979 with no records other than a note indicating Georgia origin, have been determined to be culturally affiliated with the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas and The Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Repatriation may occur on or after May 26, 2026, upon written request to the authorized representative.

OSHA Gear Certification OMB Extension, Comments Solicited

OSHA is soliciting public comments on extending OMB approval of information collection requirements under the Standard on Gear Certification (29 CFR 1919). The agency requests a burden hour increase of 20 hours (from 109 to 129 hours) due to an increase in certifications from 5,000 to 6,187. The notice affects 629 respondents with an estimated cost of $3,243,500. Comments must be submitted by June 22, 2026.

Joint Employer Status Under FLSA, FMLA, MSPA

The Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division proposes to clarify joint employer status determination under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA). The rulemaking would restore guidance previously in effect before 2021 and establish a uniform nationwide standard to replace varying federal and state judicial tests. The proposal offers a 60-day comment period closing June 22, 2026.

DOL OFCCP VEVRAA Recordkeeping ICR Renewal, OMB No. 1250-0004

The Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) has submitted an information collection request (ICR) to OMB for renewal of VEVRAA recordkeeping requirements under 38 U.S.C. 4212 and 41 CFR Part 60-300. The collection covers federal contractors' obligations to track and report on the employment of protected veterans. Public comments are invited through May 26, 2026. Estimated annual burden is 32,482,058 responses requiring 4,267,338 hours and $356,313 in other costs.

BLS Requests OMB Review for Contingent Work Supplement Information Collection

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has submitted an information collection request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 for the Contingent Work Supplement to the Current Population Survey. The ICR covers questions about contingent and temporary workers, alternative employment arrangements, and digital labor platform workers. Public comments are invited on burden estimates, accuracy of methodology, quality enhancements, and ways to minimize respondent burden. The OMB will consider comments received by May 26, 2026.

DOL OFCCP Section 503 Recordkeeping PRA Comment Request

The Department of Labor is seeking public comment through May 26, 2026, on its request to extend OMB Control Number 1250-0005 for OFCCP Section 503 recordkeeping requirements under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 793) and 41 CFR part 60-741. Federal contractors should expect no change to existing recordkeeping obligations; this is a routine PRA renewal covering an estimated 41,647,328 respondents with 1,838,752 total annual burden hours and $475,085 in annual costs.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Advisory Council Notice of Open Meeting

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Advisory Council will hold an open meeting on June 9, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the National Institutes of Health Claude D. Pepper Building in Bethesda, MD. The session will address program policies and issues and is open to the public with attendance limited to space available. Individuals requiring special assistance such as sign language interpretation must notify the Contact Person at least 10 days prior to the meeting.

Center for Scientific Review Amends Panel Name for May 13-14 Meeting

The NIH Center for Scientific Review has amended a previously published meeting notice (Doc. No. 2026-07338, 91 FR 20473) to change the panel name from 'Training and Career Development: Behavioral Neuroscience' to 'Training and Career Development Review'. The meeting, scheduled for May 13, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to May 14, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the NIH Rockledge II facility in Bethesda, MD, remains closed to the public. The amendment is dated April 21, 2026, signed by Sterlyn H. Gibson, Program Specialist.

Request of Nominations: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

AHRQ is soliciting nominations for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) by May 23, 2026. The USPSTF, established in 1984 under the Public Health Service Act and supported by AHRQ, is a federal advisory body of prevention and evidence-based medicine experts that makes recommendations on clinical preventive services including screening tests, counseling, and preventive medications. New members appointed by the HHS Secretary will serve four-year terms beginning July 2026, with selections based on qualification and current expertise needs of the Task Force.

NIH Center for Scientific Review Announces Four Closed Grant Review Meetings, May–June 2026

The NIH Center for Scientific Review published a notice announcing four closed advisory committee meetings scheduled between May 28 and June 11, 2026. The meetings will review grant applications for cancer therapeutics and mammalian models (May 28), cellular signaling systems (June 2), basic visual neuroscience (June 4), and combined cardiovascular biology and hematology (June 11). All meetings will be held virtually and are closed to the public pursuant to Federal Advisory Committee Act exemptions for confidential trade secrets, commercial property, and personal privacy.

10-Year Import Ban Kimberly Schaff Kiehl Final Debarment Order

The FDA has issued a final order debarring Kimberly Schaff Kiehl for 10 years from importing or offering for import any drug into the United States under section 306 of the FD&C Act. The debarment is based on Ms. Kiehl's July 3, 2025 conviction in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida on two federal felonies: mail fraud and causing counterfeit drugs to be made, sold, or held for sale. Ms. Kiehl was the registered agent and authorized member of Focus Beauty, LLC, which marketed and sold drugs via a website. She imported drugs from China and other foreign countries between January 2020 and September 2021, and received prior notices from the FDA and CBP about the violative nature of her imports. Ms. Kiehl failed to respond to the proposed debarment notice within 30 days, waiving her right to a hearing. The order is applicable April 23, 2026.

FDA Amends CNPV Voucher Pilot Program Hearing, Changes Dates

The FDA has amended its March 23, 2026 notice of public hearing for the Commissioner's National Priority Voucher (CNPV) Pilot Program. The hearing date has been moved from June 12, 2026 to June 4, 2026, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, with both in-person and virtual participation options. Requests for participation must now be received by April 24, 2026. Contact information has been updated to Mallika Mundkur, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Office of the Commissioner. No other substantive changes have been made to the original notice.

National Heart Lung and Blood Institute Notice of Closed Meeting

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) has published notice of a closed meeting of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Advisory Council scheduled for June 9, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in person at the NIH Claude D. Pepper Building, 31 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20894. The meeting is closed to the public pursuant to sections 552b(c)(4) and 552b(c)(6) of Title 5 U.S.C. to review and evaluate grant applications containing confidential trade secrets, commercial property, and personal information. Charisee Lamar, Ph.D., M.P.H., R.R.T., Director, Division of Extramural Research Activities, is the contact person.

Advisory Board for Exceptional Children Public Meeting

The Bureau of Indian Education announces a two-day public meeting of the Advisory Board for Exceptional Children on Thursday, April 30, 2026 (12:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m. MDT) and Friday, May 1, 2026 (8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. MDT), held in-person at the National Indian Programs Training Center in Albuquerque, NM, and virtually via Zoom. The meeting will address Special Education Part C Early Childhood Program information, BIE Special Education Handbook rollout updates, and FFY 2024 SPP/APR updates, with public comment sessions on April 30 (2:00-2:15 p.m. MDT) and May 1 (9:45 a.m.-4:00 p.m. MDT). The Advisory Board was established under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 to advise the Secretary of the Interior on the needs of Indian children with disabilities.

All Stations Accessibility Program Information Collection Under OMB Review

The Federal Transit Administration has submitted information collection requirements for the All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) to the Office of Management and Budget for review and approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The collection covers grant application and reporting activities for transit agencies upgrading legacy rail stations for accessibility compliance. FTA estimates 20 respondents submitting 40 responses annually with a total burden of 280 hours. Comments on the collection must be submitted to OMB within 30 days of publication.

OMB Review of Public Transportation Emergency Relief Program Information Collection

The Federal Transit Administration has forwarded information collection requirements for its Public Transportation Emergency Relief Program to the Office of Management and Budget for review, announcing a 30-day public comment period ending May 26, 2026. The collection, under OMB Control Number 2132-0575, covers paperwork burden for transit agencies, states, tribes, and local governments participating in the Emergency Relief program, which provides federal funding to protect, repair, or replace transit equipment and facilities damaged by emergencies or major disasters. FTA received no comments during the prior 60-day notice period published December 23, 2025. Estimated annual burden is 4,680 hours across 26 responses.

OMB Reviews Transit Research Information Collection Requirements

The Federal Transit Administration has forwarded information collection requirements for its Transit Research, Development, Demonstration, Deployment and Training Projects (OMB Control No. 2132-0546) to the Office of Management and Budget for review and comment under the Paperworkwork Reduction Act. The collection covers grant programs supporting research, development, demonstration, deployment, cooperative research, technical assistance, standards development, and workforce training in public transportation. An estimated 175 respondents will provide 775 annual responses totaling 20,550 burden hours on a biennial basis. Public comments must be submitted to OMB by May 26, 2026.

Freeport LNG Motion to Vacate Certificate in Part

Freeport LNG Development, L.P. filed a motion on April 6, 2026, in Docket No. CP03-75-000 to partially vacate the 2004 Certificate Order authorizing regasification facilities at its LNG terminal on Quintana Island, Texas. The company states it has operated exclusively for liquefaction and export purposes for over a decade and no longer needs the regasification infrastructure, which it says will enhance safety and operational efficiency through removal. FERC invites public comments, interventions, and protests, with a deadline of May 11, 2026.

Combined Notice of Filings #2 - Electric Rate and Generator Filings

FERC published Combined Notice of Filings #2 listing 21 dockets received between April 17-20, 2026, including one exempt wholesale generator self-certification (Framingham BESS LLC) and 20 electric rate filings under Section 205(d) and tariff amendments from entities including Atlas Solar V and VI, California ISO, Southwest Power Pool, Florida Power & Light, and others. Comment deadlines range from April 27 to May 11, 2026. The notice advises persons desiring to intervene or protest to file per Rules 211, 214, or 206 of the Commission's Regulations.

FERC Combined Notice of Filings, Natural Gas Pipeline Rate and Accounting Requests

FERC published a combined notice of filings received on April 16–17, 2026, covering three natural gas pipeline matters: an accounting request by Eastern Gas Transmission and Storage, Inc. (Docket AC26-55-000) regarding journal entries for cancelled projects, and two § 4(d) rate filings by Gillis Hub Pipeline, LLC (Docket RP26-764-000) and Centra Pipelines Minnesota Inc. (Docket RP26-765-000) with comment deadlines of May 7 and April 29 respectively.

FERC Combined Notice of Filings 1

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission published a combined notice of filings received between March 26 and April 20, 2026. The notice covers one exempt wholesale generator self-certification (Chicopee Energy BESS LLC) and six electric rate filings including compliance reports from Invenergy Nelson LLC and Invenergy Nelson Expansion LLC, an informational filing from the New York Independent System Operator, a tariff amendment from the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, and a supplement from four Virginia battery energy storage system applicants. Comment deadlines range from April 30 to May 11, 2026.

Notice of OFAC Sanctions Actions

OFAC designated three individuals and two Colombian entities on the SDN List under Executive Order 14098 (Sudan) on April 17, 2026. The individuals are Jose Oscar Garcia Batte, Omar Fernando Garcia Batte, and Jose Libardo Quijano Torres. The entities are FENIX HUMAN RESOURCES S.A.S. and GLOBAL QOWA AL BASHERIA S.A.S. All property and interests in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction of these persons are blocked, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them.

FAST Grant Renewal: FAA Requests Comments on OMB Information Collection Renewal

The FAA has published a notice in the Federal Register seeking public comment on its request to renew OMB approval for OMB Control Number 2120-0817, covering the Fueling Aviation's Sustainable Transition (FAST) Grant Program information collection. The collection requires FAST grant recipients to submit quarterly performance reports documenting technical progress, schedule, risks, and costs, reviewed by FAA subject matter experts. The estimated annual burden is 1,876 hours across respondents at 134 hours per grant recipient per year. Comments are due by June 22, 2026.

Bell 505 Tail Rotor Pitch Link Washer Installation Airworthiness Directive

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive for certain Bell Textron Canada Limited Model 505 helicopters prompted by a quality escape in the production installation of a washer on the tail rotor pitch link assembly. This proposed AD would require a one-time visual inspection for proper washer installation and corrective actions depending on inspection results. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in fracture of the pitch horn stud due to fatigue or when the rotor blade exceeds travel limits, leading to loss of directional control of the helicopter. Comments on this NPRM must be received by June 8, 2026.

FAA Proposes BCU Inspection for Bombardier BD-700 Aircraft

The FAA proposes a new Airworthiness Directive for Bombardier Inc. Model BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-1A11 airplanes prompted by an in-service tire burst event during landing. The proposed AD would require operators to inspect for affected Brake Control Units (BCU) with part number GW415-7125-7 and replace them with BCU part number GW415-7125-9, while prohibiting installation of affected parts. The unsafe condition involves residual current buildup in the brake control valve driver circuit that may cause uncommanded brake pressure during landing, potentially resulting in additional tire bursts, unexpected deceleration, degraded braking performance, directional difficulties, or brake overheating.

Boeing 737 Airworthiness Directive Inspection Required

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-02-13 for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes. The proposal adds airplanes with line numbers 1763 and subsequent to the applicability and requires inspections for an extended inspection area beyond what AD 2021-02-13 mandated, prompted by a report of cracking outside the required inspection area. The unsafe condition involves bear strap cracking at the forward galley door, which could result in uncontrolled decompression and loss of structural integrity. Written comments must be received by June 8, 2026.

FAA Proposes Airworthiness Directive for Sikorsky Helicopter Tail Rotor Blades

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2020-02-17 for certain Sikorsky Model S-70, S-70A, S-70C, S-70C(M), S-70C(M1), S-70M helicopters, and restricted category military surplus Models EH-60A, HH-60L, UH-60A, and UH-60L helicopters. The proposed AD would expand applicability beyond the original five helicopter models and require split pitch horn modifications, safety enhancement modification kits, and recurring inspections of tail rotor blade (TRB) disbond indicators. Operators must submit comments by June 8, 2026. The unsafe condition—disbonding between the TRB pitch horn and torque tube—could result in loss of tail rotor control.

Proposes RNAV Routes T-583 and T-585 in Texas

The FAA proposes to establish United States Area Navigation (RNAV) Routes T-583 and T-585 in Texas. T-583 would extend between Laredo (LRD), TX VORTAC and Waco (ACT), TX VORTAC, bypassing Austin TRACON airspace on the west side; T-585 would extend between Corpus Christi (CRP), TX VORTAC and Waco VORTAC, bypassing on the east side. The routes are designed to support new air traffic procedures at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) by providing more direct and efficient routing while reducing low-altitude aircraft that routinely overfly the Austin terminal area. Comments must be received on or before June 8, 2026.

FDIC Requests Public Comments on OMB 3064-0127

The FDIC is requesting public comments on the renewal of OMB Control No. 3064-0127, a generic clearance for qualitative feedback surveys deployed under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The collection, which involves no change in substance or methodology, covers approximately 20 surveys annually with an average of 850 respondents per survey, generating an estimated 17,000 total annual burden hours. Comments must be submitted on or before June 22, 2026.

FDIC Modifies Privacy Act System of Records FDIC-012

The FDIC is modifying its existing system of records FDIC-012, Financial Information Management Records, to update numerous sections including Authority for Maintenance, Purpose(s), Category of Individuals, Category of Records, Record Source Categories, and Routine Uses. The notice proposes three new routine uses (Routine Uses 8, 9, and 16) and two substantially modified routine uses (Routine Uses 13 and 14), expanding disclosure recipients to include the Department of the Treasury, Department of Justice, and General Services Administration for specified purposes. The FDIC is accepting written comments on the modified system through May 26, 2026.

German Federal Court Decisions Database - 83,255 Searchable Results

The Bundesgerichtshof (German Federal Court) decision database now contains 83,255 searchable results dating from the year 2000 onward. Decisions are available in PDF format, displayed 10 per page with sorting options by Senate, Date, Case Number, and Entry Date. Commercial use of decisions from January 1, 2000 requires a document fee of 1.50 euros per document, payable to the Bundesgerichtshof in Karlsruhe.

Bundesgerichtshof Decisions Until 1999 Require Written Request

The Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) publishes administrative information on obtaining court decisions from 1999 and earlier. Decisions up to and including 1999 are not available online and must be requested in writing through the BGH Decision Distribution Service (Entscheidungsversand). Requesters pay a writing fee of €0.50 per page for the first 50 pages and €0.15 per page for any additional pages, with payment obligation arising upon submission of the request. Requests may be submitted by post, fax (0721 159-5705), or online contact form to the BGH in Karlsruhe.

BGH Cost Complaints Portal Pending Resolved Decisions

The Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) maintains a public database of Rechtsbeschwerden (legal complaints) in Kostensachen (cost matters). When a cost complaint is filed, the relevant legal norms and a brief description of the legal issue are recorded so that all BGH senates have an overview of related pending proceedings. The page also publishes an overview of cost complaints resolved in the last six months. Decisions are available free for non-commercial use; commercial use requires a paid request.

Gulf Fishery Council Standing SSC Virtual Meeting, May 5

NOAA publishes notice that the Gulf Fishery Management Council will hold a virtual meeting of its Standing Scientific and Statistical Committee on May 5, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EDT. The agenda includes review of February 2026 meeting minutes, a G-FISHER presentation on Gulf Fishery-Independent Survey of Habitat and Ecosystem Resources, and Fisheries Risk/Value Matrix discussions. The meeting is open to public comment and will be broadcast via webinar.

Two Webinar Public Hearings on Red Grouper Quota

The Gulf Fishery Management Council will hold two webinar public hearings on May 13 and 14, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. EDT, to solicit public comments on Reef Fish Amendment 63, which proposes a 3-year pilot program to set aside a portion of the Red Grouper commercial quota for participants in the Grouper/Tilefish Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) program. Written public comments must be received on or before 5 p.m. EDT on May 26, 2026. The hearings are open to all members of the public, and attendees may register through the Gulf Council website.

Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council Tilefish Monitoring Committee Meeting, May 19

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's Tilefish Monitoring Committee will hold a public webinar meeting on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. The committee will review recent stock assessment data, fishery performance, and recommendations from the Advisory Panel, Scientific and Statistical Committee, and staff. Agenda items include recommending commercial and recreational annual catch limits, annual catch targets, and total allowable landing limits for blueline tilefish for 2027-2029, and reviewing previously set limits for golden tilefish for 2027.

NIDIS Executive Council Meeting May 7

NOAA's National Integrated Drought Information System Program Office will hold an organizational meeting of the NIDIS Executive Council on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. EST to 3:30 p.m. EST at the Hall of the States, Room 333, 444 North Capitol St. NW, Washington, DC 20001. The meeting is open to the public for in-person attendance on a first-come, first-served basis, with registration required via the provided UCAR link. Topics include NIDIS implementation updates, Executive Council member priorities for 2026, Next Generation Drought Planning and Monitoring resources, the NIDIS Strategic Plan Overview, and Federal Agency Water and Drought Priorities.

Monkfish Framework Adjustment 17, 2026-2028 Fishing Specifications

NMFS is proposing Framework Adjustment 17 to the Monkfish Fishery Management Plan, adjusting Northern Fishery Management Area (NFMA) Total Allowable Landings (TAL) down 3 percent and Southern Fishery Management Area (SFMA) TAL up less than 1 percent from 2023-2025 levels for fishing years 2026-2028. The proposed rule also streamlines the Annual Catch Limit (ACL) Overage Accountability Measure trigger by removing the requirement that Councils initiate the AM, transferring that responsibility solely to the Regional Administrator. Public comments are due May 26, 2026.

Gulf Fishery Management Council Shrimp Bycatch Methodology Workgroup Meeting May 11-12

The Gulf Fishery Management Council will hold a 2-day virtual meeting of its Workgroup on Shrimp Bycatch Methodology for Finfish Species on May 11-12, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. EDT each day. The meeting will include presentations on SEDAR 100 regarding shrimp trawl bycatch of gray triggerfish using SEAMAP data, 2025 observer data for bycatch rate estimation, gear selectivity and efficiency, and species-specific shrimp effort estimates, followed by recommendations to the Council's Scientific and Statistical Committee. The meeting will be held virtually with connection information available at www.gulfcouncil.org.

Tariff Adjustment Procedures for Steel and Aluminum Producers Under Section 232

The International Trade Administration has published procedures allowing certain steel and aluminum producers operating in Canada or Mexico to apply for reduced tariffs under Proclamations 9704 and 9705, as authorized by Proclamation 10984. Applications must document newly committed U.S. primary steel or primary aluminum production capacity that supports U.S. automobile or medium- and heavy-duty vehicle manufacturers. Tariff reductions may reach up to 50 percent of the otherwise applicable rate but cannot fall below 25 percent, and are limited to quantities of USMCA-qualifying imports smelted and cast (or melted and poured) in Canada or Mexico. Documentation must be submitted electronically to adjustment@trade.gov. Eligible steel and aluminum producers with new U.S. capacity commitments serving the automotive or commercial vehicle supply chain should assess whether tariff adjustments could reduce their cost of serving U.S. customers.

Guam Bottomfish ACL Proposed at 34,500 lb, Accountability Measures Revised

NMFS proposes to increase the Guam bottomfish annual catch limit from 31,000 lb to 34,500 lb (15,649 kg), an 11% increase, based on a 2024 stock assessment showing the stock is no longer overfished and is on track to rebuild by 2031. The proposed rule would replace the in-season accountability measure that closes the fishery if catch reaches the ACL with a post-season overage adjustment that reduces future ACL by the overage amount if the 3-year average catch exceeds the limit. The higher performance standard requiring an indefinite federal-waters closure for any ACL exceedance would be removed.

NMFS Proposes Revisions to Recreational Vessel Limits for Gag and Black Grouper

NMFS is seeking public comment on Regulatory Amendment 36 to the Snapper-Grouper Fishery Management Plan, which would revise recreational vessel limits for gag and black grouper in the South Atlantic. The proposed rule would replace separate species-specific limits with an aggregate vessel limit of two gag or black grouper in any combination. Additionally, the rule would revise transit storage requirements for commercial on-demand (ropeless) black sea bass pots to allow more practical vessel transit through gear-restricted areas. Comments must be submitted by May 26, 2026.

Microsoft Defender CVE-2026-33825 Local Privilege Escalation

CISA added CVE-2026-33825 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on April 22, 2026. The vulnerability is an insufficient granularity of access control flaw in Microsoft Defender versions 4.0.0.0 through versions before 4.18.26030.3011 that allows a local authorized attacker to elevate privileges. The CVSS 3.1 score is 7.8 (HIGH), exploitation is listed as active with total technical impact, and a vendor patch is available via Microsoft Update Guide.

AEMO On Air Podcast Series on Energy Topics

AEMO has launched AEMO On Air, a podcast series covering various topics related to the Australian energy market, grid operations, and the energy transition. The podcast is presented by the Australian Energy Market Operator and appears intended to share information with industry participants and the public. No compliance obligations or regulatory changes are associated with this announcement.

Batteries Drive 67.3 GW NEM Connection Pipeline

AEMO's March 2026 Connections Scorecard reports 67.3 GW of projects progressing through the NEM connection process, a 33 percent increase from 50.5 GW in Q1 2025. Batteries comprise 49 percent of total pipeline capacity at 33.2 GW (up from 20.5 GW), while grid-scale solar rose to 20.7 GW and wind to 9.75 GW. Five projects reached full output in the quarter including Hunter Power Station (660 MW), Clarke Creek Wind Farm (440 MW), and Swanbank BESS (250 MW/500 MWh). This new capacity is expected to meet 28 percent electricity demand growth by 2035 and offset retirement of 11 GW of coal-fired stations including Eraring, Bayswater, Vales Point, Yallourn, and Callide B.

SECURE Data Act: Republicans Propose Federal Privacy Law Preempting State Laws

House Committee on Energy and Commerce Republicans introduced the discussion draft SECURE Data Act on April 22, 2026, proposing a federal comprehensive privacy standard that would preempt state laws including the CCPA and CPRA. The bill omits a private right of action and requirements for data protection impact assessments, data protection officers, or universal opt-out mechanisms. Key new provisions include an FTC-managed data broker registration, a Department of Commerce safe harbor program, and classification of children's data alongside health and geolocation as sensitive data. The bill was introduced jointly with a companion GLBA reform measure.

SECURE Data Act Would Establish Federal Privacy Law

On April 22, 2026, U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee Vice Chairman John Joyce, R-Pa., introduced the SECURE Data Act (HR 8413), the first major attempt in the 119th Congress to establish comprehensive federal consumer privacy rules. The bill would preempt state consumer privacy laws, data broker registries, and possibly some sectoral state laws through a strong preemption regime. If enacted, the bill would grant consumers rights to access, correct and delete personal data, obtain portable copies, and opt out of sales, targeted advertising and profiling. The bill would treat personal data of teens under age 16 as sensitive data requiring parental opt-in consent, expanding COPPA by three years. Enforcement would fall to the FTC and state attorneys general, with no private right of action.

AI for HR in Canada and the US: New 2026 Employer Obligations

Ontario employers with 25 or more employees must disclose AI use in job postings effective January 1, 2026, under the Working for Workers Four Act, 2024 — the only Canadian province with AI-specific disclosure requirements for hiring. In the United States, California, Illinois, New York City, and Texas explicitly regulate employer use of AI for hiring, promotion, and performance management, with additional access rights and bias-audit requirements in certain jurisdictions. Class-action litigation challenging AI tools in employment under anti-discrimination and background-check legislation continues to rise.

South Korea Revises Pseudonymization Guidelines for AI

On 31 March 2026, the Personal Information Protection Commission released revised Pseudonymized Information Processing Guidelines, shifting toward a risk-based, contextual approach to pseudonymization rather than fixed technical thresholds. The guidelines explicitly allow AI development and service improvement to qualify as "scientific research" when involving hypothesis-setting, data analysis, validation and iterative refinement, with concrete examples including fraud detection systems, medical imaging analysis, chatbots and intelligent CCTV. This builds on prior 2024 and 2025 regulatory guidance clarifying conditions under which personal data may be used for AI development. A July 2025 South Korean Supreme Court decision reinforced this approach by holding that pseudonymization does not constitute "processing" for the purpose of a data subject's right to request suspension of processing.

Supreme Court Hears AT&T, Verizon Privacy Fine Cases

The United States Supreme Court heard oral arguments on April 22, 2026, in consolidated cases where AT&T and Verizon are challenging FCC forfeiture orders fining them USD 57 million and USD 48 million, respectively, for alleged failures to protect consumers' personal location data under the Telecommunications Act. AT&T and Verizon argue the fines violated their Seventh Amendment right to a jury trial, claiming they were misled into paying before seeking judicial review. DOJ argued the companies could have petitioned for declaratory judgment and that the FCC's scheme is consistent with the Seventh Amendment. Justices appeared inclined to rule for the government based on oral argument questioning, with a decision expected in June or early July.