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Federal Reserve System Seeks Public Comments on Acquisition of Shares in Dawson Bancshares Inc.
WASHINGTON, April 22 (TNSFR) -- The Federal Reserve System has issued a notice regarding an application under the Change in Bank Control Act, filed by several individuals seeking to acquire shares of Dawson Bancshares, Inc.
The petitioners, including Harry Phillips Smith 2020 Trust, Raines Smith Bettis, John L. Leach III, Robert L. Leach, and Adelaide S. Satterfield--residents of Albany, Georgia--are seeking to join the Smith Family Group, a group acting in concert, to retain voting shares of Dawson Bancshares, Inc., which holds controlling interest in Bank of Dawson, located in Dawson, Georgia.
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WASHINGTON, April 22 (TNSFR) -- The Federal Reserve System has issued a notice regarding an application under the Change in Bank Control Act, filed by several individuals seeking to acquire shares of Dawson Bancshares, Inc.
The petitioners, including Harry Phillips Smith 2020 Trust, Raines Smith Bettis, John L. Leach III, Robert L. Leach, and Adelaide S. Satterfield--residents of Albany, Georgia--are seeking to join the Smith Family Group, a group acting in concert, to retain voting shares of Dawson Bancshares, Inc., which holds controlling interest in Bank of Dawson, located in Dawson, Georgia.The acquisition is subject to review under 12 U.S.C. 1817(j) and 12 CFR 225.41, with the Federal Reserve evaluating the petition based on the standards outlined in the Change in Bank Control Act.
The Federal Reserve considers a range of factors when reviewing such applications, including the financial and managerial capabilities of the petitioners, as well as potential impacts on the public interest. The public portions of the applications, including related filings, are available for inspection at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and at the offices of the Board of Governors in Washington, D.C. Individuals interested in commenting on the proposed acquisition may do so by contacting the appropriate Federal Reserve Bank or by visiting the Board's Freedom of Information Office website.
The Federal Reserve encourages members of the public to submit their comments in writing regarding the application, particularly concerning the standards set forth in paragraph 7 of the Change in Bank Control Act. It is emphasized that all comments received are subject to public disclosure, and personal or confidential information should be excluded from submissions.
Comments can be submitted by May 7, 2025.
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Primary source of information - Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/04/22/2025-06874/change-in-bank-control-notices-acquisitions-of-shares-of-a-bank-or-bank-holding-company. The document was signed by Ann E. Misback, Secretary of the Board.
Federal Reserve System Proposes Modifications to Capital Plan Rule and Stress Capital Buffer Requirement
WASHINGTON, April 22 (TNSFR) --The Federal Reserve System has proposed modifications to its capital plan rule and stress capital buffer requirement, seeking public comment on adjustments that aim to reduce the volatility of these regulations for large financial institutions.
The proposed rule would change the way the Board calculates the stress capital buffer for certain large bank holding companies, savings and loan holding companies, U.S. intermediate holding companies of foreign banking organizations, and nonbank financial companies. Specifically, the rule proposes averaging the maximum common
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WASHINGTON, April 22 (TNSFR) --The Federal Reserve System has proposed modifications to its capital plan rule and stress capital buffer requirement, seeking public comment on adjustments that aim to reduce the volatility of these regulations for large financial institutions.
The proposed rule would change the way the Board calculates the stress capital buffer for certain large bank holding companies, savings and loan holding companies, U.S. intermediate holding companies of foreign banking organizations, and nonbank financial companies. Specifically, the rule proposes averaging the maximum commonequity tier 1 capital declines projected in the prior two years' supervisory stress tests.
This adjustment is intended to smooth out the volatility that has characterized the stress capital buffer requirement, making it more predictable for firms. Additionally, the proposal would push the annual effective date of the stress capital buffer requirement from October to January, providing firms with more time to comply. Another key feature of the proposal includes changes to the FR Y-14A/Q/M reports, requiring firms to submit more detailed net income data, which will enhance the accuracy of the stress capital buffer calculation. The proposed changes are not expected to significantly alter the overall capital requirements but aim to ease the regulatory burden on financial institutions by reducing the complexity of reporting.
These changes come as part of a broader effort by the Federal Reserve to refine its supervisory stress testing framework, which is a critical tool in ensuring the resilience of the U.S. financial system. The stress capital buffer requirement is a key component of this framework, which has been in place since 2009 to ensure large firms maintain adequate capital to absorb losses during periods of financial stress. The new rules would provide firms more stability in their capital planning processes, especially as economic conditions fluctuate.
Comments can be submitted by June 23, 2025.
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Primary source of information - Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/04/22/2025-06863/modifications-to-the-capital-plan-rule-and-stress-capital-buffer-requirement
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Juan Climent, Deputy Associate Director (202) 872-7526, Hillel Kipnis, Assistant Director, (202) 452-2924, Andrew Willis, Manager, (202) 430-1667, Missaka Warusawitharana, Manager, (202) 452-3461, Christopher Appel, Lead Financial Institution Policy Analyst, (202) 973-6862, John Simone, Lead Financial Institution Policy Analyst, (202) 245-4256, and Mehdi Beyhaghi, Principal Economist, (202) 973-6909, Division of Supervision and Regulation; Asad Kudiya, Deputy Associate General Counsel, (202) 360-6887, Julie Anthony, Senior Special Counsel, (202) 658-9400, Jonah Kind, Senior Counsel, (202) 452-2045, Legal Division. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, 20th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20551.
FTC Finalizes Amendments to Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule
WASHINGTON, April 22 (TNSFR) -- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has finalized amendments to the Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA Rule) in an effort to strengthen protections for children's personal information online.
The rule revisions, which build on changes proposed in January 2024, aim to enhance compliance with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), passed in 1998. These changes reflect the FTC's review of public comments and its enforcement experience and are designed to better address the technological advances and evolving online practices that impact
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WASHINGTON, April 22 (TNSFR) -- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has finalized amendments to the Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA Rule) in an effort to strengthen protections for children's personal information online.
The rule revisions, which build on changes proposed in January 2024, aim to enhance compliance with the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), passed in 1998. These changes reflect the FTC's review of public comments and its enforcement experience and are designed to better address the technological advances and evolving online practices that impactchildren's privacy.
Among the most notable changes, the FTC has introduced a new definition for "mixed audience website or online service," which provides more clarity regarding websites that target children but are not primarily directed at them. This update helps clarify existing categories under the Rule, and ensures that operators understand when COPPA applies, especially with respect to collecting personal information from children under 13 years of age. The FTC also modified several other definitions, including those of "personal information" and "online contact information," to reflect current technologies such as mobile phone numbers and biometric identifiers.
In addition to these definitional changes, the amended Rule updates various operator obligations. These include revising the protocols for obtaining verifiable parental consent, improving the notice requirements, and enhancing data security measures. The FTC also adjusted the rules for "safe harbor" programs, providing clearer guidelines for self-regulatory organizations that wish to submit their privacy standards for FTC approval.
Comments can be submitted by May 7, 2025.
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Primary source of information - Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/04/22/2025-05904/childrens-online-privacy-protection-rule
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
James Trilling, Attorney, (202) 326-3497; Manmeet Dhindsa, Attorney, (202) 326-2877; Elizabeth Averill, Attorney, (202) 326-2993; Andy Hasty, Attorney, (202) 326-2861; or Genevieve Bonan, Attorney, (202) 326-3139, Division of Privacy and Identity Protection, Bureau of Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20580.
FRA Seeks Public Comment on Dallas Area Rapid Transit Waiver Petition
WASHINGTON, April 22 (TNSFR) -- The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has announced a petition filed by Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) for an amendment to an existing waiver from specific federal railroad safety regulations.
The request, dated April 4, 2025, involves DART seeking additional relief from two provisions: 49 CFR Sec. 222.21, which concerns the use of locomotive horns at public highway-rail grade crossings, and 49 CFR Sec. 229.129, which addresses the use of locomotive horns in general. The petition is filed under docket number FRA-2004-20000.
DART
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WASHINGTON, April 22 (TNSFR) -- The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has announced a petition filed by Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) for an amendment to an existing waiver from specific federal railroad safety regulations.
The request, dated April 4, 2025, involves DART seeking additional relief from two provisions: 49 CFR Sec. 222.21, which concerns the use of locomotive horns at public highway-rail grade crossings, and 49 CFR Sec. 229.129, which addresses the use of locomotive horns in general. The petition is filed under docket number FRA-2004-20000.
DARTcurrently operates a system where light rail vehicles are equipped with a gong and horn combination, which it asserts provides an "alternative measure of equivalent safety" to the traditional locomotive horn. DART's petition emphasizes that its rail crossings are equipped with gates, bells, and lights, further enhancing safety at these intersections.
The transit agency argues that the requested amendment would improve operational consistency, efficiency, and safety across its fleet, as it would enable the use of the same audible warning device at all crossings within its light rail system.
In the petition, DART highlights that the current regulations require the use of a locomotive horn, which is not consistent with the system it operates. The waiver would allow DART to maintain operational uniformity and meet safety requirements without relying on the traditional locomotive horn, which it claims would be redundant given the other safety mechanisms in place.
Comments can be submitted by May 22, 2025.
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Primary source of information - Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/04/22/2025-06849/notice-of-petition-for-amendment-to-waiver-of-compliance
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
John Mardente, Railroad Safety Specialist, FRA Engineering & Technology Division, telephone: 202-493-1335, email: john.mardente@dot.gov.
EPA Finalizes SIP Revisions for Connecticut to Address 2015 Ozone Standards
WASHINGTON, April 22 (TNSFR) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency EPA has finalized its approval of State Implementation Plan revisions submitted by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to satisfy requirements under the 2015 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
These revisions address the reclassification of the Greater Connecticut area to moderate nonattainment and confirm the adequacy of the state's existing regulatory framework for managing emissions from stationary sources. The action affirms Connecticut's certification that its Nonattainment New
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WASHINGTON, April 22 (TNSFR) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency EPA has finalized its approval of State Implementation Plan revisions submitted by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to satisfy requirements under the 2015 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
These revisions address the reclassification of the Greater Connecticut area to moderate nonattainment and confirm the adequacy of the state's existing regulatory framework for managing emissions from stationary sources. The action affirms Connecticut's certification that its Nonattainment NewSource Review (NNSR) permitting program complies with the Clean Air Act requirements.
The state's certification demonstrates that existing regulations, specifically sections 22a-174-1 and 22a-174-3a of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, remain as stringent as the federal NNSR program and fully apply to the reclassified nonattainment zone.
Connecticut's submission also updates the emission statement program to meet the obligations under Clean Air Act section 182(a)(3)(B), requiring annual reporting from stationary sources emitting nitrogen oxides or volatile organic compounds. The state originally implemented its emissions reporting obligations through section 22a-174-4, which was replaced by section 22a-174-4a in a revised submission on November 17, 2022.
This newer regulation, titled "Source monitoring, record keeping and reporting," was approved by EPA in July 2024. These revisions ensure the state remains in compliance with federal ozone standards by continuing to monitor and report industrial emissions critical to air quality planning. While three comments were received on the proposed rule, EPA concluded none raised substantive concerns that would impact the final approval of the SIP revisions.
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Primary source of information - Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/04/22/2025-06610/air-plan-approval-connecticut-state-implementation-plan-revisions-required-by-the-2015-ozone-naaqs
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
John Creilson, Air Quality Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA New England Regional Office, 5 Post Office Square, Suite 100 (mail code 5-MI), Boston, MA 02109-3912, telephone number (617) 918-1688, email creilson.john@epa.gov.
EPA Finalizes 2024 CSAPR Emissions Allowance Allocations
WASHINGTON, April 22 (TNSFR) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has finalized the 2024 emissions allowance allocations under the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), announcing the completion of calculations for both new and existing electricity generating units across multiple trading programs.
This final data includes allowances from the New Unit Set-Asides (NUSAs) for nitrogen oxides (NOx) annual, NOx ozone season, and sulfur dioxide (SO2) control periods. No objections were received during the public review of the preliminary data released in February 2025, and the final allocations
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WASHINGTON, April 22 (TNSFR) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has finalized the 2024 emissions allowance allocations under the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), announcing the completion of calculations for both new and existing electricity generating units across multiple trading programs.
This final data includes allowances from the New Unit Set-Asides (NUSAs) for nitrogen oxides (NOx) annual, NOx ozone season, and sulfur dioxide (SO2) control periods. No objections were received during the public review of the preliminary data released in February 2025, and the final allocationshave now been posted to the agency's website.
The CSAPR program regulates interstate air pollution by requiring power plants in upwind states to reduce emissions that significantly contribute to nonattainment or interfere with maintenance of air quality standards in downwind states.
In each CSAPR trading program administered by the EPA, a designated portion of each participating state's annual emissions budget is held in reserve for new units via NUSAs. Following initial distribution to eligible new units, any remaining allowances are allocated to existing units. These procedures are specified in the federal regulations under 40 CFR Parts 97.411 through 97.812.
This year's finalized allocations are detailed in six spreadsheets, each listing emissions allowances for specific unit categories and trading programs. These include: "CSAPR_NUSA_2024_NOx_Annual_Final_Data_New_Units," "CSAPR_NUSA_2024_NOx_OS_Final_Data_New_Units," "CSAPR_NUSA_2024_SO2_Final_Data_New_Units," and the corresponding datasets for existing units. While these allocations are now final, EPA clarified that they do not serve as a determination of whether a unit is subject to the CSAPR program, and the agency reserves the authority to correct allocations if a unit is later found not to be affected as defined at the start of the control period.
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Primary source of information - Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/04/22/2025-06871/final-allocations-of-cross-state-air-pollution-rule-allowances-from-new-unit-set-asides-for-2024
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Questions concerning this action should be addressed to Morgan Riedel at (202) 564-1144 or riedel.morgan@epa.gov.
DEA Issues Decision and Order to Revoke Registration of Arizona Nurse Burtman
WASHINGTON, April 22 (TNSFR) -- The U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration has issued a final Decision and Order revoking the Certificate of Registration of Svetlana Burtman, N.P., a nurse practitioner based in Tucson, Arizona, and denying her pending registration application for a clinic in Green Valley. The decision follows a formal administrative hearing prompted by a December 2023 Order to Show Cause and Immediate Suspension of Registration, which alleged that Burtman's continued DEA registration posed an imminent danger to public health and safety due to violations of the
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WASHINGTON, April 22 (TNSFR) -- The U.S. Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration has issued a final Decision and Order revoking the Certificate of Registration of Svetlana Burtman, N.P., a nurse practitioner based in Tucson, Arizona, and denying her pending registration application for a clinic in Green Valley. The decision follows a formal administrative hearing prompted by a December 2023 Order to Show Cause and Immediate Suspension of Registration, which alleged that Burtman's continued DEA registration posed an imminent danger to public health and safety due to violations of theControlled Substances Act.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) found that Burtman dispensed controlled substances from an unregistered location--her Green Valley clinic--over a two-year period, in direct violation of 21 CFR 1301.12(a). Despite being informed on July 19, 2023, that dispensing or administering controlled substances at an unregistered location was illegal, Burtman delayed applying for registration and continued her practices for several more weeks.
According to DEA records, she administered testosterone to patients at least seventy-one times at Green Valley after that date. Burtman admitted during the hearing that she misunderstood the definition of "dispense," though the DEA concluded that the legal meaning was unambiguous for a provider operating from fixed practice locations.
In addition to the violations related to unregistered dispensing, the DEA determined that Burtman failed to maintain complete and accurate records of controlled substances received at her registered Tucson clinic, as required by 21 U.S.C. 827 and corresponding regulations.
During a DEA inspection, her office was unable to produce inventory and dispensing records that were readily retrievable, despite the DEA's advance notice and Burtman's written consent to the inspection. Further investigation revealed missing logs, incomplete transaction histories, and inconsistencies in the recordkeeping process--deficiencies the DEA emphasized are central to the integrity of the CSA's regulatory system.
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Primary source of information - Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/04/22/2025-06882/svetlana-burtman-np-decision-and-order. The document was signed by Heather Achbach, Federal Register Liaison Officer, Drug Enforcement Administration.
