March 31, 2020 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

On March 10, 2020, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) announced that USTR and the Departments of Agriculture and Commerce would convene public hearings in Florida and Georgia to hear firsthand from interested persons on trade distorting policies that may be causing harm to U.S. seasonal and perishable producers. Consistent with guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's concerning COVID-19, USTR is postponing the public hearings and will announce rescheduled dates. USTR will continue to accept written comments.

The Securities and Exchange Commission is proposing amendments to facilitate capital formation and increase opportunities for investors by expanding access to capital for entrepreneurs across the United States. Specifically, the proposed amendments would simplify, harmonize, and improve certain aspects of the exempt offering framework to promote capital formation while preserving or enhancing important investor protections. Over the years, and particularly since Congress passed the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, the Commission has introduced, expanded, or otherwise revised a number of exemptions from registration. The proposed amendments seek to address gaps and complexities in the exempt offering framework that may impede access to investment opportunities for investors and access to capital for issuers.