FHFA Proposes New Duty-to-Serve Housing Rule

2026-14036, Suspended Counterparty Program

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) wants to update its Suspended Counterparty Program by removing the phrase “reputational harm” to focus only on real, measurable risks. This change affects companies that do business with FHFA and aims to make supervision clearer and more straightforward. Comments on this proposal are open until August 12, 2026, so speak up if you have thoughts!

2026-17585, Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records

In accordance with the requirements of the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, (Privacy Act), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA or Agency) is proposing to modify an existing system of records titled, "Employee Benefits Records, FHFA-10." This system of records contains documentation pertaining to current and former FHFA employees and their spouses, domestic partners, dependents, and beneficiaries who are enrolled in, apply for, or participate in any FHFA employee benefits program including health club memberships; health, life, and other insurance programs; retirement savings programs; and other FHFA- sponsored benefit programs. The purpose of the system is to collect, maintain, and use the records necessary to administer and manage FHFA's employee benefits programs. The system supports the full lifecycle of benefits-related activities, and ensures the accurate processing of claims, reimbursements, contributions, payroll deductions, and benefit payments. The system also facilitates the recording and tracking of key program functions, including eligibility determinations, enrollments, changes in coverage, and termination of benefits. The proposed modifications include: revising the system security classification, system location, system manager, legal authorities for maintenance of the system, categories of individuals covered by the system, categories of records maintained in the system, and record source categories; the revision, removal, and addition of routine uses; removal of the Disclosure to Consumer Reporting Agencies section; updating the policies and practices for storage of records, the policies and practices for retention and disposal of records, and the administrative, technical, and physical safeguards; and minor updates for clarity and consistency.

2026-17586, Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records

In accordance with the requirements of the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, (Privacy Act), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA or Agency) is proposing to modify an existing system of records titled, "Financial Management System, FHFA-2." This system of records contains documentation pertaining to prospective, present, and former FHFA employees, contractors, and vendors relating to government travel, vendor accounts, employee reimbursements, interagency transactions, aggregated employee pay records, vendor registration data, purchase- card accounts and transactions, and program payment agreements. The purpose of the system is to support the management and administration of FHFA's accounting and financial operations, travel and purchase-card programs, and acquisition and contract management services. FHFA collects and maintains these records to ensure the orderly processing of the Agency's financial transactions and payments, including travel arrangements, reimbursements, employee payroll, and purchase-card payments. The system organizes and enables the retrieval of these records, which ensures that all financial transactions and payments are processed timely, consistently and in compliance with federal requirements. The proposed modifications include: revising the system security classification, system location, system manager, and legal authorities for maintenance of the system; clarifying the purpose of the system, categories of individuals covered by the system, and categories of records maintained in the system; the revision, removal, and addition of routine uses; removal of the Disclosure to Consumer Reporting Agencies section; updating the policies and practices for storage of records, the policies and practices for retention and disposal of records, and the administrative, technical, and physical safeguards; and minor updates for clarity and consistency.

2026-17587, Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records

In accordance with the requirements of the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, (Privacy Act), the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA or Agency) is proposing to modify an existing system of records titled, "Payroll, Retirement, Time and Attendance, and Leave Records, FHFA-15." This system of records contains records pertaining to current and former employees, detailees, and other persons who work at FHFA under the Intergovernmental Personnel Act, as well as these individuals' spouses, domestic partners, dependents, emergency contacts, beneficiaries, or estate trustees. The proposed modifications include: revising the system security classification, system location, system manager, legal authorities for maintenance of the system, purpose of the system, and categories of records maintained in the system; the revision and addition of routine uses; updating the policies and practices for storage of records, policies and practices for the retention and disposal of records, and the administrative, technical, and physical safeguards; and other minor updates for clarity and consistency.

2026-17307, Interagency Rescission of the Interagency Statement on Special Purpose Credit Programs Under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and Regulation B

FDIC, NCUA, OCC, CFPB, HUD, DOJ, and FHFA (collectively, the agencies) are issuing this notice to inform the public of the rescission of the "Interagency Statement on Special Purpose Credit Programs Under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and Regulation B" (Interagency Statement), dated February 22, 2022. The agencies are rescinding the Interagency Statement to make clear that (1) creditors may not discriminate against borrowers based on prohibited characteristics and (2) creditors should not rely upon the Interagency Statement or other related issuances going forward.

2026-05160, Amendment Reinstating “Grandfather” Exceptions to Restrictions on Private Transfer Fee Covenants

The Federal Housing Finance Agency just brought back special 'grandfather' rules that let Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Federal Home Loan Banks deal with certain private transfer fees on homes—rules that were accidentally removed in 2024. These exceptions apply retroactively all the way back to July 16, 2012, so no one misses out. If you’re involved in mortgages or home sales, this means smoother transactions and clearer rules starting March 17, 2026.

Previous: 2026-12749, Safety Standard for Lithium-Ion Batteries Used in Micromobility Products and Electrical Systems of Micromobility Products Containing Such Batteries

The Consumer Product Safety Commission wants to make lithium-ion batteries in micromobility products (like e-scooters and e-bikes) safer to prevent fires and injuries. They’re proposing new rules that require these batteries to meet tougher safety standards and, for kids’ products, to pass special third-party testing. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until August 24, 2026, to speak up—these changes could mean safer rides and possibly some new costs for makers.

Next: 2026-12767, Establishing the Digital Opportunity Data Collection; Modernizing the FCC Form 477 Data Program; Delete, Delete, Delete

The FCC wants to make broadband data collection easier and less annoying for internet providers by cutting outdated rules and simplifying reports. This affects companies that share internet coverage info, aiming to speed up updates and keep data accurate without extra hassle. They’re asking for feedback now, with changes possibly rolling out soon to save time and money while improving how we track internet access.