United States: Human Rights

The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation has voted to approve a draft Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would fundamentally restructure the Section 106 Tribal consultation process under the National Historic Preservation Act. The proposed revisions would replace the existing step-by-step consultation framework with an agency-prepared report system, narrow key definitions affecting historic property eligibility, and shift significant control over timelines and outcomes to federal agencies.

President Trump's administration has shifted from emergency tariffs to Section 301 tariffs targeting forced labor practices, imposing 10-12.5% duties on imports from over 60 trading partners. This comprehensive analysis examines the legal framework, country-specific rates, product exemptions, and the strategic pivot from constitutionally challenged emergency measures to established trade policy enforcement mechanisms.

With many school leaders asking whether the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on transgender athletes affects existing policies and practices, New Jersey districts should be aware that state requirements governing...

Healthcare providers receiving federal assistance must ensure their medical diagnostic equipment meets new accessibility standards by July 8, 2026, under updated HHS regulations implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The requirements mandate that at least 10-20% of equipment like examination tables, weight scales, and imaging devices accommodate patients with mobility disabilities, with noncompliance risking federal funding loss and potential litigation.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has issued guidance warning colleges and universities about potential Fair Housing Act violations related to student housing practices. What constitutes unlawful segregation or discrimination in campus residential programs, and how might seemingly inclusive identity-focused housing initiatives face heightened federal scrutiny?

Same-sex couples face unique challenges in divorce proceedings due to the relatively recent legalization of same-sex marriage in 2014 and domestic partnerships in 2007. Understanding how courts handle property division for relationships that existed before these legal recognitions became available requires examining Committed Intimate Relationships and their impact on asset distribution and spousal support eligibility.

US sanctions targeting Hizballah and its Lebanese allies mark an unprecedented escalation, including designations of mid-level military officers as Washington pushes for disarmament.

The Sanctions Update is compiled by Steptoe’s International Trade and Regulatory Compliance team and Steptoe’s Strategic Risk team.

Bob Hall, the father of wheelchair racing and a two-time Boston Marathon winner, was the lead plaintiff in a groundbreaking lawsuit under the Americans with Disabilities Act that opened up the field of wheelchair racing.