Worldwide: Consumer Protection

The FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection has launched a new program allowing businesses and stakeholders to identify ambiguities, conflicts, and problems with FTC rules. The Bureau may issue public guidance in response to submissions, though participation carries both opportunities and potential risks for companies.

The Federal Trade Commission's Bureau of Consumer Protection has launched a new program allowing businesses and stakeholders to formally identify ambiguities, conflicts, and problems within FTC consumer protection rules. This mechanism provides an unprecedented opportunity for regulated entities to challenge regulatory provisions that may be unclear, outdated, or inconsistent with other legal requirements.

The Federal Trade Commission has reached a proposed $12 million settlement with Humboldt Merchant Services based on allegations that it processed payments for merchants that were shell companies or engaged in fraud. This enforcement action highlights the FTC's scrutiny of payment processors and their obligations to identify and prevent fraudulent merchant activity.

A periodic digest of the headlines, statutory and regulatory changes and court cases involving campaign finance, lobbying compliance, election law and government ethics issues at the federal, state and local level.

The future of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB or Bureau) has rarely been more uncertain. Since its creation, the CFPB has been at the center of intense political and policy debate...

On August 31, California Business and Consumer Services Agency (BCSA) Secretary Rohit Chopra announced that examining businesses’ use of emerging technologies...

As students return to classrooms across New Jersey, drivers face increased traffic congestion and heightened accident risks around schools and bus stops. Understanding state traffic laws regarding school bus stops, school zone speed limits, and pedestrian safety becomes critical during this busy season. This comprehensive guide explains the legal requirements and safety measures every motorist should follow to protect children and navigate back-to-school traffic responsibly.

The IRS and Treasury Department have proposed sweeping new regulations that could strip tax-exempt status from private schools using race-based criteria in admissions, scholarships, or programs—even when designed to promote diversity or remedy historical discrimination. These proposed rules would affect an estimated 18,000 educational institutions nationwide and create significant compliance challenges for schools, their donors, and holders of tax-exempt bonds financing educational facilities.

The U.S. Treasury Department and IRS have proposed sweeping regulations that would eliminate tax-exempt status for private schools engaging in any form of racial discrimination, including race-conscious admissions and scholarship programs previously permitted under safe harbor provisions. These proposed rules would affect approximately 18,000 private educational institutions and 750,000 students...

Alcohol beverage companies face a complex regulatory environment as states enact new legislation, federal agencies propose changes to ingredient and formulation requirements, and hemp-derived THC products generate ongoing legal scrutiny. Recent developments include FDA proposals affecting GRAS notifications and color additives, state-level actions on distribution and sales restrictions, and evolving trademark disputes that may impact product development and compliance strategies.

Federal legislation has pushed back the scheduled ban on hemp-derived THC products from November 12 to December 11, 2026, providing a temporary reprieve for an industry employing 350,000 people nationwide. However, this one-month extension offers no permanent resolution, and stakeholders face mounting pressure as multiple state-level restrictions continue to take effect independently of federal timelines.

A New Jersey District Court decision demonstrates how carefully drafted sale orders and proper notice procedures in bankruptcy asset sales can effectively shield buyers from legacy product liability claims. The case examines the critical interplay between asset purchase agreements, court-approved sale orders, and constitutional notice requirements in determining whether pre-closing liabilities follow purchased assets or remain with the seller.