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Bot Army v1.01 - January, 2025

Legal Intelligence

"Precision Insights for Legal Updates"

Legal Intelligence Report

# Opening

Recent legal developments reflect a dynamic intersection of regulatory changes, voter data privacy, financial reforms, and industry-specific trends. Notably, the U.S. government has suspended visa applications in 75 countries, while significant judicial decisions and executive orders in places like New York are addressing consumer protection and discrimination in financial practices. Such developments suggest an evolving legal landscape steeped in both opportunity and challenge for businesses and individuals alike.

# Key Legal Developments

One landmark event was a federal judge's dismissal of the Department of Justice's (DOJ) attempt to obtain voter data from California, highlighting ongoing debates over voter privacy and states’ rights. The ruling reinforces state autonomy in managing voter information, suggesting a potential limitation on federal reach in this sphere. As voter data becomes increasingly scrutinized, states may be encouraged to bolster legislative measures to safeguard voter information against federal requests.

Additionally, New York City has initiated executive orders aimed at combating "junk fees" and regulating subscription practices, aligning with broader consumer protection initiatives across the country. These measures are part of a national trend toward transparency in pricing, targeting businesses that impose hidden fees on consumers. This regulatory focus could serve as a template for other cities and states, potentially reshaping the landscape of consumer rights and corporate accountability.

# Regulatory Changes and Compliance Updates

On the administrative front, significant emphasis has been placed on revisiting Regulation S-K, which governs disclosure requirements for public companies. This move signals an intent to enhance clarity and relevance in corporate reporting, reflecting stakeholder demands for more coherent financial data. Companies should prepare for potential updates that may increase transparency requirements, compelling them to reassess their reporting practices.

Furthermore, in a notable ruling from the Tennessee Department of Revenue, it was determined that Bitcoin teller machines are exempt from the state’s business tax. This decision emphasizes a growing leniency towards cryptocurrency-related businesses, likely aiming to foster innovation within the state. Businesses operating in the cryptocurrency space should remain vigilant about ongoing regulatory assessments, particularly as states adapt to digital currency market dynamics.

# Notable Case Outcomes and Implications

The dismissal of the DOJ’s voter data request serves as a critical clarion call for other states to protect voter information against federal encroachments. The implications of this ruling may catalyze similar challenges and defenses across the nation, potentially influencing the legal strategies employed by states under pressure from federal authorities. Meanwhile, New York's stringent regulations against junk fees may pave the way for other jurisdictions to adopt similar consumer protection laws.

# Industry-Specific Legal Trends

In the realm of finance, the proposed Credit Card Competition Act, backed by former President Trump, signals potential future changes in how credit card interest rates and fees are regulated, aiming to enhance competition among credit service providers. This aligns with a broader shift towards increased regulation in consumer finance, particularly concerning fair credit practices. Similarly, New York's CRA-style "Equitable Access" rules for mortgage bankers indicate a push towards more equitable lending practices, particularly aimed at historically marginalized communities.

# Action Steps

- **For Businesses:** Review policies and practices in line with the upcoming changes to Regulation S-K to ensure compliance and transparency in financial disclosures.

- **For Technology and Cryptocurrency Firms:** Stay updated on state-level rulings regarding cryptocurrency regulations and actively engage with policymakers to shape favorable rules.

- **For Financial Institutions:** Prepare to adjust models and practices in response to New York’s crackdown on junk fees and the potential implications of the proposed Credit Card Competition Act.

- **For Voter Advocacy Groups:** Mobilize to protect state-level voter data laws and advocate for stronger privacy measures in light of federal encroachment.

Key Developments

📝 Other
US suspends visa applications in 75 countries

The US State Department announced on Wednesday that it will suspend the ability for citizens of 75 countries to obtain immigrant visas beginning on January 21. The affected countries include Latin American countries like Brazil and Columbia, South Asian countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh, and mu

Jurisdiction: Unknown
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📝 Other
The Nobel Peace Prize Medal Has Been Sold Before for Millions

The Nobel Commitee has said the prize cannot be transferred, but it has been sold in a few auctions over the award’s history.

Jurisdiction: Unknown
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📝 Other
A federal judge dismisses the DOJ's effort to get voter data from California

The Trump administration has been dealt its first legal setback in its unprecedented effort to consolidate voter data traditionally held by states.

Jurisdiction: DOJ
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📝 Other
New York City Targets “Junk Fees” and Subscription Practices Through New Executive Orders

No description available

Jurisdiction: Unknown
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📝 Administrative
Revisiting Regulation S-K

On January 13, 2026, Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Atkins released a statement relating to a comprehensive review of Regulation S-K.  In the Chair’s statement, he notes that he has asked the Staff of the Division of Corporation Finance to “engage in a comprehensive review of Regulation S-

Jurisdiction: Unknown
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📝 Administrative
Tennessee Department of Revenue Rules Bitcoin Teller Machines Exempt from Tennessee Business Tax

In late December 2025, the Tennessee Department of Revenue (the Department) posted Revenue Ruling #25-10, which concluded that the Tennessee business tax does not apply to Bitcoin teller machines, citing Business Tax Regulation 1320-04-05-.02(3)....By: Baker Donelson

Jurisdiction: Unknown
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📝 Other
Creating and Preserving Non-Grantor Status in Spousal Trusts

A spousal lifetime access non-grantor trust (often referred to as a "SLANT") is an irrevocable trust structured to benefit the donor's spouse, while avoiding grantor trust treatment for income tax purposes. The structure is counterintuitive, as a spousal trust (often referred to as a "SLAT") typical

Jurisdiction: Unknown
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📝 Other
Trump Signals Credit Card Interest Rate Cap and Backs Credit Card Competition Act of 2026

No description available

Jurisdiction: Unknown
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📝 Other
We’d Been Waiting Forever: FDA Issues Congressionally Mandated Report on Use of PFAS in Cosmetics

Key Takeaways - FDA delivered its first assessment of PFAS in cosmetics. Issued on December 29, 2025, the statutory deadline under MoCRA, the report is the first federal assessment of PFAS in cosmetic products and establishes a federal baseline on the intentional use of “forever chemicals” in cosmet

Jurisdiction: FDA
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📝 Other
New York Finalizes CRA-Style “Equitable Access” Rules for Mortgage Bankers

No description available

Jurisdiction: Unknown
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Last updated: January 15, 2026 at 07:27:45 PM

Key Developments