Money Market Operations: ₹6,64,995 Crore, Weighted Average Rate 4.96%

RBI published daily money market operations data as of April 20, 2026. The overnight segment recorded a total volume of ₹6,64,995.81 crore at a weighted average rate of 4.96%, with individual segments ranging from Call Money (₹21,383.59 crore, WAR 5.11%) to Repo in Corporate Bond (₹7,120.50 crore, WAR 5.29%). Net liquidity absorbed from outstanding operations stood at ₹-4,06,675.11 crore. Cash balances with RBI as of April 20, 2026 were ₹8,04,012.61 crore against an average daily cash reserve requirement of ₹8,07,359.00 crore for the fortnight ending April 30, 2026.

ONRR 30-Day PRA Comment Period Bonding Surety Collection Ends May 21

ONRR has published a 30-day Federal Register notice seeking public comment on the renewal of an information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The collection covers paperwork requirements to post a surety or bond or demonstrate financial solvency for Federal and Indian oil and gas leases under 30 CFR part 1243. The comment period closes May 21, 2026. ONRR is specifically requesting comments on necessity, accuracy of burden estimates, and ways to minimize paperwork burden.

Rescission of State Official Notification Rules Withdrawal

The CFPB has withdrawn a previously published direct final rule that would have rescinded procedures requiring State officials to notify the Bureau when taking enforcement actions under the Consumer Financial Protection Act. The withdrawal was published in the Federal Register on July 21, 2025, with an effective date of July 21, 2025. This action means the existing state official notification procedures remain in effect and will not be eliminated as originally proposed.

Rescinds State Official Notification Procedures Under Consumer Financial Protection Act

The CFPB has issued a direct final rule rescinding its procedures requiring State officials to notify the CFPB when taking enforcement actions under the Consumer Financial Protection Act. The rule was issued on May 21, 2025 and becomes effective on July 21, 2025, removing the notification obligation that state attorneys general and other state officials previously had when enforcing consumer financial protection laws. The action simplifies the regulatory process by eliminating an administrative reporting step.

NCUA Proposes Tenth Round Deregulation for Credit Union Conversions and Mergers

NCUA announced its tenth round of deregulatory proposals under the Deregulation Project, targeting six specific amendments to 12 CFR Part 708A Subpart C governing credit union-to-bank conversions and mergers. The changes would remove the definition of 'clear and conspicuous' from 12 CFR 708a.301, eliminate a newspaper publishing requirement under 12 CFR 708a.303(b)(1), streamline due diligence reporting under 12 CFR 708a.304(d), and remove prescriptive formatting requirements under 12 CFR 708a.305(e)(2), plain language factors under 12 CFR 708a.305(f), and voting guidelines under 12 CFR 708a.312. The proposal aims to allow credit union boards greater flexibility to exercise fiduciary duties and business judgment rather than following rigid agency-defined processes. Comments are being accepted through June 8, 2026, at regulations.gov.

L.M. v. D.P. - Personal Safety Order Affirmed

The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia affirmed the Circuit Court of Jefferson County's October 20, 2023 order upholding a Personal Safety Order (PSO) granted to D.P. against L.M. The court found that L.M. committed eight acts of destruction by deliberately damaging D.P.'s stakes and tarp, plus scorch damage to her privacy fence, sufficient to support the PSO under W. Va. Code § 53-8-4(a). The PSO stems from a neighbor dispute involving property boundary disagreements, alleged staring while gardening, and fire-related threats. L.M. argued the property damage was justified because the posts were on his land, but the court rejected that justification.

State v. Crowe - Juvenile Transfer Sentencing Affirmed

The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia affirmed the Circuit Court of Hancock County's February 15, 2024 sentencing order convicting Connor Crowe of two counts of second-degree murder. Crowe, who was 13 years old at the time of the offenses, was transferred to adult criminal jurisdiction and sentenced to two consecutive terms of 40 years of imprisonment. The Court rejected Crowe's arguments that the circuit court failed to properly address the mitigating circumstances required under West Virginia Code § 61-11-23(c) for transferred juveniles and that his sentence was unconstitutionally disproportionate.

WV Supreme Court Affirms Voter Registration Fraud Conviction

The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia affirmed Darrell R. Sharp II's conviction for illegal application for registration to vote under W. Va. Code § 3-2-32(b). Sharp, a convicted felon on parole, falsely affirmed on a March 6, 2023 DMV voter registration application that he was not on parole when he was in fact still on parole. The jury convicted him and the circuit court sentenced him to twelve months in jail and a $1,000 fine. On appeal, Sharp argued the circuit court erred in instructing the jury on the required mens rea element. The Court found the instructional error did not affect Sharp's substantial rights because the jury acquitted him on the separate felony charge of illegal voting, demonstrating they carefully evaluated the mental state requirement.

Cook Affirmed - Third-Degree Sexual Assault Conviction

The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals affirmed Thomas Woodrow Cook's conviction for third-degree sexual assault, rejecting his arguments that the evidence was insufficient and that the jury instruction on uncorroborated child testimony was improper. The court upheld the Circuit Court of Mingo County's February 8, 2024 sentencing order imposing one to five years imprisonment, a $10,000 fine, and thirty years of supervised release. Defense counsel argued the victim failed to specifically identify Cook during trial as her abuser, but the court found sufficient evidence supported the verdict.

State v. Steele — First-Degree Arson Conviction Affirmed on Appeal

The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals affirmed Harry Lee Steele's first-degree arson conviction and 20-year prison sentence, rejecting his challenges to the denial of his motion to suppress his confession and the sufficiency of the evidence at trial. The Court found that the partial video recording of the interview did not render the confession inadmissible, and that the circuit court properly denied the motion based on corroborating evidence including matching timestamps, signatures, and the recorded portion confirming the petitioner's affirmation of his written statement. The ruling upholds the admissibility standard for confessions even when law enforcement records only a portion of the interrogation.

State v. Butcher - Writ of Prohibition Granted Against Judge for Dismissing Indictment Based on Evidence Sufficiency

The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals issued a Memorandum Decision on April 21, 2026, granting a writ of prohibition against Judge Joshua Butcher of the Mingo County Circuit Court, preventing enforcement of his July 1, 2025 order that dismissed the indictment against defendant Aaron Chase Mahon for attempted first-degree murder. The Court held that the circuit court exceeded its legitimate powers by evaluating the sufficiency of evidence presented to the grand jury, which impermissibly invaded the grand jury's province. The decision expressly relies on prior holdings in Gwaltney I and Gwaltney II, establishing that circuit courts may not grant pretrial motions to dismiss indictments based on evidentiary sufficiency.

Blackhawk Mining LLC v. Woods - Occupational Asthma Workers' Compensation Appeal

The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia affirmed a decision holding Blackhawk Mining LLC's workers' compensation claim compensable for occupational asthma contracted through exposure to contaminants at a coal preparation plant. The court deferred to the Workers' Compensation Board of Review's credibility determinations and evidence weighing, finding the claimant showed by a preponderance of the evidence that he contracted occupational asthma in the course of and resulting from his employment. Employers in mining and related industries should note that occupational disease claims supported by expert medical opinions and evidence of workplace exposure may succeed even when the Occupational Pneumoconiosis Board disagrees on disease causation.

C.M. Appeal Fails, Parental Rights Terminated

The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals affirmed the Circuit Court of Kanawha County's termination of parental rights for C.M. regarding her two minor children, J.P.-1 and J.P.-2. The children were hospitalized with severe non-accidental injuries including brain trauma, broken clavicle, bruising, and malnutrition. The court rejected C.M.'s arguments that the circuit court erred in failing to determine battered parent status at adjudication and in finding aggravated circumstances. C.M. was sentenced to felony child neglect with twenty years extended supervised release and is required to register with the West Virginia Central Abuse Registry for ten years. The Supreme Court found the circuit court's findings were not clearly erroneous and that termination of parental rights was appropriate under West Virginia law.

California Climate Leadership During Earth Month

The CPUC published an Earth Month perspective piece by Executive Director Leuwam Tesfai highlighting California's climate leadership. Key achievements noted include over 20 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2000 while growing into the world's fourth-largest economy, over 31,000 megawatts of new large-scale clean energy resources added since 2020, and more than 15,000 megawatts of battery storage brought online. California also reached 100 percent clean electricity on part of most days throughout 2025. The piece is informational and celebratory in nature, carrying no regulatory obligations.

Texas AG Paxton Sues California Kratom Retailers Over 96% 7-OH Levels

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Pure Leaf Kratom, LLC and Outcast Distribution, LLC (both California-based online retailers) for deceptively marketing and selling synthetic and adulterated Kratom products containing up to 96% 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), which is nearly fifty times the 2% legal limit under the Texas Kratom Consumer Health and Safety Protection Act (2023). Laboratory testing confirmed multiple products shipped to Texans contained 7-OH levels ranging from 86% to 96% of total alkaloid content, despite the defendants' website claims that they do not ship products exceeding 2% 7-OH to Texas. The lawsuit follows a prior Temporary Injunction against North Texas retailer Smokey's Paradise in Midlothian, Texas.

Illinois SB3880 Adds Specialized Case Management for Substance Use Disorder Services

Illinois SB3880 passed the Senate 55-0 on April 15, 2026, with Senate Amendment 001 adopted. The bill replaces all references to "case management" with "specialized case management" and adds a definition of the term. Healthcare providers offering substance use disorder services should monitor this bill as it advances through the House Rules Committee.

Indiana Governor Appoints Jennifer Dorfmeyer as DCS Director

Indiana Governor Mike Braun announced the appointment of Jennifer Dorfmeyer as the new director of the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS), effective immediately. Adam Krupp, the outgoing director, will transition to the role of special advisor to the Governor on child welfare issues. The announcement highlights Dorfmeyer's appointment as a leadership transition at a critical state agency serving vulnerable children and families.

Gov. Mike Braun Highlights Indiana Small Businesses and 400+ High-Wage Jobs

Governor Mike Braun traveled to nine Indiana communities—Summitville, Greenfield, Rushville, Liberty, Connersville, Terre Haute, Delphi, Huntington, and Aurora—to highlight small businesses, economic development initiatives, and workforce investments across the state. In Huntington, the Governor attended the groundbreaking for Hanjung America's new manufacturing facility, projected to create more than 440 Hoosier jobs at an average wage exceeding $28 per hour. Additional stops included Delphi Body Works, Amplify Hancock County, and multiple community roundtables with local leaders.

Mike Braun Signs SEA 285, Bans Street Camping Statewide

Governor Mike Braun ceremonially signed SEA 285 into law on April 21, 2026, establishing a statewide prohibition on unauthorized camping, sleeping, or long-term shelter on public land. The law requires law enforcement to assess mental health detention before criminal enforcement and provides a 48-hour warning period before charges may be filed against individuals remaining within 300 feet of a warned location. Local law enforcement agencies and Continuum of Care funding recipients must submit annual reports on efforts to reduce unsheltered homelessness.

HEA1200 Revokes CDLs from Illegal Immigrants, Penalizes Employing Companies

Indiana Governor Mike Braun signed HEA1200 into law on April 20, 2026, enabling the state to revoke Commercial Drivers' Licenses (CDLs) from illegal aliens and establishing new penalties for companies that employ illegal immigrants holding CDLs. The law builds on prior enforcement actions including Operation Midway Blitz, a 287(g) operation that resulted in 223 arrests on Indiana highways near the Illinois state line, including 146 truck drivers. The state has already removed hundreds of illegally licensed drivers following an audit conducted with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Poland EPPO Investigates Clean Air Programme Fraud

EPPO in Katowice conducted evidence-gathering searches in national and provincial public institutions across Poland on 21 April 2026, as part of an investigation into possible illegal activities affecting the Clean Air programme. The investigation was initiated following media reports pointing at potential design flaws that would have enabled dishonest contractors to fraudulently obtain funds and cause harm to programme beneficiaries. The investigation is supported by the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBA) and the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), and focuses on potential abuse of power or dereliction of duty by public officials.

Wildfire Press Conference Scheduled for Clay County

Commissioner Wilton Simpson and Florida Forest Service are hosting a wildfire press conference in Clay County. This media advisory announces the scheduled event but does not contain regulatory requirements or compliance obligations.

Understanding Online Threats: Malware and Ransomware

The Central Bank of Barbados published an educational article on its BiMPay Blog explaining malware and ransomware threats to users of the newly launched BiMPay instant payment system. The article, authored by Anthony Harris, President of ISSA Barbados Chapter, describes how these attacks occur, their consequences, and recommended protective measures. The bank advises disconnecting infected devices, running antivirus scans, and maintaining offline backups as key prevention measures.

Hochul Proposes Auto Insurance Reform and $30M Farmer Relief in FY27 Budget

Governor Kathy Hochul announced FY27 Budget proposals on April 21, 2026, including auto insurance reforms to combat fraud and $30 million in direct tariff relief for New York farmers. The auto insurance measures target staged crash fraud (1,729 incidents in 2023, 80% increase in suspected fraud reports over five years), propose limiting damages for drivers engaged in unlawful behavior at time of accident, and tighten New York's serious injury threshold. The farmer relief program targets specialty crop growers, livestock producers, and dairy farmers to offset increased costs caused by federal tariffs.

Governor Hochul Announces Additional $30 Million for Drive Clean Rebate EV Program

Governor Kathy Hochul announced $30 million in additional funding for New York State's Drive Clean Rebate Program during Earth Week 2026, administered by NYSERDA. The program provides point-of-sale rebates of $500 to $2,000 off the MSRP of battery-powered EVs and plug-in hybrids at participating dealerships. Since its 2017 launch, the program has issued over 228,000 rebates contributing to approximately 324,000 EVs on the road statewide, with over 60 eligible EV models currently covered.

Hochul Announces I-90 and South Mall Arterial Pavement Renewal in Capital Region

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that NYSDOT is beginning pavement renewal projects on Interstate 90 and the South Mall Arterial in Albany County. The $11 million I-90 project will resurface approximately 23 lane miles between the Interstate 87 interchange and Corporate Woods Boulevard, serving approximately 100,000 motorists daily. Work will also resurface a key segment of the South Mall Arterial between Eagle Street and Grand Street. Both projects are scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, with most paving operations occurring during overnight hours to minimize disruptions.

Hochul Awards $21 Million for 72 CrossMod Starter Homes

Governor Hochul announced the first round of awards for the MOVE-IN NY program, allocating more than $21 million to create 72 prefabricated CrossMod starter homes in Onondaga and Erie Counties. The Greater Syracuse Land Bank received $15,730,000 for 52 homes while the Town of Tonawanda received $6,050,000 for 20 homes. The factory-built homes, meeting HUD Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards Code, will be sited this summer and sold below construction cost to low and moderate income homebuyers.

Hochul FY27 Budget: $30M Farm Tariff Relief, Auto Reform

Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $30 million tariff relief fund in her FY27 Budget for New York farmers to offset increased costs from federal tariffs affecting equipment, fertilizer, and supplies. The Governor made the announcement on April 21, 2026 at Wagner Farm in Poestenskill, joined by the New York Farm Bureau, Northeast Dairy Producers, and farmers from Upstate. The relief targets family farms, specialty crop producers, livestock producers, and dairy farmers in the state's $8.5 billion agricultural industry. The budget also proposes auto-insurance reforms targeting fraudulent claims, with New Yorkers paying an average of $4,000 per vehicle.

KQB368 Phase 1 Study for Advanced Solid Cancers

A Phase 1 clinical trial (NCT07542704) evaluating KQB368 as an oral monotherapy for adults with advanced solid malignancies including colorectal, non-small cell lung, and uterine cancers. The study will assess safe dosing, tumor response, and pharmacokinetics in 21-day cycles. The trial is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with no new regulatory requirements imposed.

Sitagliptin in Recurrent/Progressive Grade 4 Glioma, Phase 1

NIH has registered a Phase 1 clinical trial (NCT07541781) evaluating sitagliptin in combination with bevacizumab for the treatment of recurrent or progressive grade 4 malignant glioma. The trial is enrolling adult patients with glioblastoma or recurrent glioma and is expected to run through April 2026. The study aims to assess efficacy and determine the maximum appropriate dose of sitagliptin when combined with standard-of-care bevacizumab.

DI-SOUND Study: Digital Heart Sound Classification in Pediatric Patients

NIH registered an observational clinical trial (NCT07542509) titled 'DI-SOUND Study' to develop a digital classifier using commercially available digital stethoscopes to categorize pediatric heart sounds as physiological or pathological. The proof-of-concept study aims to address limitations in current neonatal screening for congenital cardiovascular diseases, including sensitivity failures and false positives. The trial is registered as observational with no prospective assignment.

Group Digital Gaming Study for Dementia

The NIH registered a new clinical trial (NCT07541144) titled 'Group Digital Gaming: Experiences of Older Adults Living With Dementia in an Activity for Cognitive Impairment.' The study uses a pretest/posttest mixed-methods design to examine the effects of a group digital gaming intervention on cognitive function, mood, and behaviors in individuals with early to moderate dementia, employing Obie Technology.

SPSIPB vs ESPB Block for Breast Surgery Pain

NIH registered ClinicalTrials.gov Study NCT07541040, a prospective randomized assessor-blinded trial comparing serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block (SPSIPB) and erector spinae plane block (ESPB) for postoperative analgesia in unilateral breast surgery. 54 patients will be randomized to receive either intervention before general anesthesia. Primary outcome is postoperative pain scores within 24 hours; secondary outcome is opioid consumption.

Phase 3 Nerandomilast Trial for Fibrosing ILD Progression

NIH registered Phase 3 clinical trial NCT07540988 (FIBRONEER-ACT) to evaluate nerandomilast tablets versus placebo in adults with non-IPF fibrosing interstitial lung disease at risk for progressive pulmonary fibrosis. The randomized, double-blind study has an estimated duration of approximately 2 years and 4 months. Primary efficacy endpoints include forced vital capacity (FVC) and diffusing capacity (DLCO), with high-resolution CT imaging for disease monitoring.

tPBM 10Hz vs 40Hz for Somatic Symptoms in Treatment-Resistant Depression

The NIH National Library of Medicine has registered a new clinical trial (NCT07543328) evaluating transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) at 10Hz versus 40Hz frequencies in patients with treatment-resistant depression. The study will assess differential efficacy across depressive symptoms and the somatic symptom-dominant subtype, while collecting paired-pulse neurophysiological parameters including SICI, ICF, and LICI to explore cortical excitability mechanisms.

CTZ Paste for Emergency Dental Treatment in Public Health Settings: A Randomized Trial

The NIH has registered a randomized, pragmatic, controlled, non-inferiority clinical trial (NCT07542639) evaluating the clinical and radiographic non-inferiority of CTZ paste compared to conventional pulpectomy with zinc oxide-eugenol (ZOE) in primary molars with pulp necrosis. The single-center trial will follow participants at 3, 6, and 12 months, measuring pain resolution and absence of clinical signs of infection as primary outcomes.

Conscious Sedation vs General Anesthesia in PFA for Paroxysmal A-Fib

A clinical trial comparing conscious sedation and general anesthesia in patients undergoing pulsed-field ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation has been registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. The randomized controlled study will assign participants at a 1:1 ratio and monitor for composite safety endpoints including persistent hypotension or hypoxemia exceeding 60 seconds intraoperatively. Follow-up assessments are scheduled at 12-24 hours, 30 days, and 90 days post-procedure.

Fear of Cancer Recurrence, Tailored Support for Survivors

A clinical trial (NCT07542821) registered on ClinicalTrials.gov aims to develop and evaluate tailored support interventions for fear of cancer recurrence among breast, head and neck, colon-rectal, or prostate cancer survivors. Participants will be stratified by fear-of-recurrence severity: those with lower concern levels will receive standard health education from oncology nurses, while those with medium or higher concerns will be randomized to receive either ConquerFear psychological cognitive training or a healthy lifestyle intervention combining individualized exercise and nutrition guidance. The study uses a stepped-care model to match intervention intensity to patient need.

Timmerman Power Plant Fully Operational, 380 MW Online in Texas

Governor Greg Abbott and the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) announced that the second unit of the 380-megawatt Timmerman Power Plant in Maxwell is fully operational as of April 21, 2026, one month ahead of schedule. The natural gas-fired peaker plant provides dispatchable power capable of supporting over 100,000 homes during peak demand, marking the first Texas Energy Fund project to reach full operational status.

UT Dell Campus for Advanced Research Announced

Governor Greg Abbott announced the establishment of the UT Dell Campus for Advanced Research, a new medical education and research facility to be located in Austin, Texas. The campus, developed through a partnership between The University of Texas and Dell Technologies with clinical collaboration from UT MD Anderson, is intended to advance medical research and expand healthcare workforce capacity in Central Texas. The announcement is ceremonial in nature and does not create immediate compliance obligations for regulated entities, though it signals Texas's continued investment in healthcare innovation and medical education infrastructure.

Washington SB6355 Electric Transmission System Enacted

Washington SB6355 concerning the electric transmission system passed the Senate 30-19 and the House 66-27 after adoption of House amendments on March 11, 2026. Governor signed the bill into law on March 30, 2026, and it is effective as of June 11, 2026. The legislation was chaptered as Chapter 249, 2026 Laws, having cleared both chambers with amendment adoption by the House.

SB6346 Establishes Tax on Millionaires, Washington

Washington SB6346 establishes a new tax on residents with annual income exceeding $1 million, enacted under Chapter 238, 2026 Laws and signed by the Governor on March 30, 2026. The bill passed the Senate 27-21 on final passage and the House 51-46 after House amendments, with an effective date of June 11, 2026. Affected high-income individuals should consult tax professionals regarding new reporting and payment obligations under this graduated revenue measure.

Concerning the Electric Transmission System

Washington State Senate Bill 6355 concerning the electric transmission system was enacted on March 30, 2026, when the Governor signed the bill into law as Chapter 249 of the 2026 Washington State Laws. The bill passed the Senate 30-19 on third reading and passed the House 66-27 as amended, with multiple committee amendments and floor amendments adopted throughout the legislative process. Energy companies operating electric transmission infrastructure in Washington should review the enacted provisions ahead of the June 11, 2026 effective date.

SB391 Veto Override Preempts Kansas Local Housing Voucher Discrimination Ordinances

Kansas Senate Bill 391, enacted April 10, 2026 after a successful veto override (Senate 31-8, House 85-38), bars all Kansas cities and counties from adopting or enforcing any ordinance requiring landlords to lease to tenants receiving housing choice vouchers or any other housing assistance, or restricting landlords from considering a prospective tenant's income source. The bill preempts any conflicting local housing discrimination protections, nullifying existing or proposed municipal voucher non-discrimination ordinances statewide.

Kansas SB430 Authorizes PT Capillary Blood Tests

Kansas SB430 was passed by both chambers and enrolled for presentation to the Governor on April 10, 2026. The legislation amends state law to permit licensed physical therapists to perform certain capillary blood tests, expanding the scope of practice for physical therapists in Kansas. Both chambers approved the bill with strong majorities (Senate 40-0, House 101-18), and both adopted the Conference Committee Report on the same day before enrollment.

Warsh Testifies at Senate Hearing on Fed Chair Nomination

Kevin Warsh, nominated by President Trump to succeed Jerome Powell as Federal Reserve chairman, testified before the Senate Banking Committee on April 21, 2026. His nomination currently lacks the votes to advance after Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) said he would block the nomination until the Justice Department drops a criminal investigation into Powell and cost overruns related to Fed headquarters renovations. Warsh pledged to order a review of the data the central bank uses for monetary policy and stated that Fed independence 'has to be earned.'

CFPB Finalizes Rule to Revise ECOA Fair Lending Enforcement, Removes Disparate Impact

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a final rule on April 21, 2026 to remove disparate impact from enforcement of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, clarifying the prohibition on discouraging prospective applicants and establishing new limits on special-purpose credit programs offered by for-profit lenders. The rule prohibits for-profit lenders from using race, sex, or national origin as qualification criteria for special-purpose credit programs and adds new restrictions on using common characteristics for determining eligibility. The American Bankers Association supported the changes in a letter to the CFPB, stating the framework would advance ECOA purposes and discourage arbitrary government enforcement.

Waller Proposes Consolidating Fed HR, IT Across Reserve Banks

Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller proposed consolidating core internal functions such as HR and IT across the 12 Reserve Banks rather than each operating independently. Speaking at the Brookings Institution, Waller outlined two scenarios: maintaining the current 12-bank footprint while centralizing leadership, or physically relocating operations to lower-cost cities. The proposal aims to reduce operating costs through integration and standardization.

House Advances ABA-Backed Bill to Ease Section 1071 Reporting Burden

The House Financial Services Committee voted 26-22 to advance H.R. 941, the Small Lender Act sponsored by Chairman French Hill (R-Ark.), which would exempt certain lenders from small-business lending data reporting under Section 1071 of the Dodd-Frank Act. The bill would exempt lenders that originated fewer than 2,500 small-business loans in each of the two preceding calendar years, as well as lenders with less than $10 billion in assets. The ABA supported the legislation, stating that the CFPB's Section 1071 rule 'dramatically overstepped its statutory authority.'

Pending Home Sales Index Hits 73.7, Up 1.5%

The ABA Office of the Chief Economist reported that the Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI) reached 73.7 in March 2026, a 1.5% increase from a revised 72.6 in February, exceeding market expectations of a 0.5% gain. Regional data showed strength in the Northeast (58.8, +4.4% MoM) and South (91.6, +3.9% MoM), while the Midwest (73.9, -1.3% MoM) and West (56.9, -2.6% MoM) declined. The ABA noted that increased inventory and pent-up demand are driving activity despite higher mortgage rates, though subdued turnover is expected to keep mortgage origination volumes muted for banks in the near term.