📺FCC Deregulates Cable Television Rates for Small Operators
In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) eliminates unnecessary cable rate regulation forms and rules; deregulates cable equipment not used exclusively to receive the basic cable service tier; deregulates small cable systems serving 15,000 or fewer subscribers that are owned by small cable companies serving 400,000 or fewer subscribers; declines to extend rate regulation to commercial establishments; and modifies rules to account for the sunset of CPST regulation and clarifies their application. This action is necessary because many of the FCC's rules governing cable rate regulation have been rendered obsolete or unworkable due to the sunset of cable programming service tier (CPST) rate regulation and the passage of time. In addition, in this document, the FCC closes several moot proceedings and dockets which are either resolved by this document or have become obsolete or irrelevant due to regulatory updates, technology advances, marketplace changes, or have been addressed in other FCC orders. The actions taken in this document by the FCC will have the effect of streamlining the cable television rate regulations, unleashing prosperity through deregulation, and reducing the administrative burdens on the cable industry, franchising authorities, and the FCC, while continuing to fulfill the statutory obligation to subscribers to ensure reasonable rates for cable service and equipment.
Learn More📈Increase in Annual Limit for Prioritized Patent Examination Requests
The Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA) includes provisions for prioritized examination of patent applications. Those provisions have been implemented by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in previous rulemakings. The AIA provides that the USPTO may not accept more than 10,000 requests for prioritization in any fiscal year (October 1 to September 30) until regulations setting another limit are prescribed. In 2019 and 2021, the USPTO published interim rules that expanded the limit on the number of requests to 12,000 and 15,000, respectively. The current final rule further expands the availability of prioritized examination by increasing the limit on the number of prioritized examination requests that may be accepted in a fiscal year to 20,000.
Learn More💰Proposed Regulatory Amendments for Small Business Investment Companies
The U.S. Small Business Administration ("SBA" or "Agency") is proposing to modify or remove from the Code of Federal Regulations ("CFR") regulations that are obsolete, inefficient, or otherwise unnecessarily impede the licensing of small business investment companies ("SBICs"). Many of the regulations SBA is proposing to remove apply to the repealed Section 301(d) of the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, as amended, and certain other types of SBICs that SBA no longer licenses, such as Participating Securities SBICs and Early Stage SBICs. The removal of these regulations will assist the public by simplifying SBA's regulations in the CFR. In addition, SBA is proposing to amend its regulations applicable to subsequent fund applicants in order to streamline the licensing process for such applicants. SBA also seeks to remove certain barriers to investments in critical mineral extraction and processing and designated critical technologies. In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(4), a summary of this rule may be found https://www.regulations.gov.
Learn More📄FCC Seeks Comments on Information Collection to Aid Small Businesses
The Federal Communications Commission published a document in the Federal Register on June 24, 2025, concerning an information collection request being submitted for review and approval to the Office of Management and Budget. The document inadvertently omitted the preamble captions.
Learn More📞FCC Notice on Information Collection for Small Businesses
As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or the Commission) invites the general public and other Federal Agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection. Pursuant to the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2002, the FCC seeks specific comment on how it might further reduce the information collection burden for small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees. The Commission may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the PRA that does not display a valid OMB control number.
Learn More📡FCC Rule Change on Broadband Data Collection Certifications
In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) eliminates the professional engineer certification requirement for the biannual Broadband Data Collection filings and instead allows the biannual filings to be certified by a qualified engineer that has relevant minimum experience and education.
Learn More🚍FTA Regulatory Updates
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is revising its regulations on the agency's organization, functions, and procedures to update outdated information and increase clarity.
Learn More📊Recompete Pilot Program Data Collection
The Department of Commerce seeks public comments on a new information collection for the Recompete Pilot Program, which aims to evaluate the effectiveness of economic development initiatives. This includes surveying employment outcomes and the impact on local economies by engaging with awardees to ensure data-driven decision-making in federal funding allocation.
Learn More🚤Temporary Safety Zone Regulations for Lake Erie Fireworks
The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for navigable waters within a 450 feet radius of the Solstice Steps in Lakewood, OH on Lake Erie on July 4, 2025 for the Lakewood Independence Day fireworks. The safety zone is needed to protect personnel and vessels from potential hazards created by the firework show. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port, Sector Eastern Great Lakes or a designated representative.
Learn More📡FCC Requests Comments on Information Collection for Businesses
As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or the Commission) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection. Comments are requested concerning: whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and ways to further reduce the information collection burden on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees. The FCC may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the PRA that does not display a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number.
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