Global Scans · Legal · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Substantive regulatory change is likely to happen in the next decade as a result of the recent U.S. Presidential election, Brexit and efforts to reduce the impacts of climate change, increase trade and reduce bureaucracy while legislating for new forms of technological advancement such as robots, driverless cars and drones.

• [New] The AA faces daunting challenges ahead, including the risk of escalating conflict, renewed Rohingya crises, and worsening humanitarian conditions driven by poverty, displacement, and weak rule of law. / Myanmar The Borderlens
• [New] Some eight years after the Office for Tax Simplification first recommended the modernization and digitization of Stamp Duty, the UK government has announced that it will introduce legislation which will enable HM Treasury the power to make changes to Stamp Duty and SDRT legislation. JD Supra
• [New] In the US appointees are in place which could increase the likelihood of a clear US legal framework for digital assets. IQPC Exhibitions
• [New] The LDS' hotline for reporting sexual abuse could cause victims to remain in danger because leaders could share accusations with church attorneys instead of law enforcement. RNS
• [New] A major update to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration rules regarding safety and health regulations for the construction industry will soon mandate that employers provide personal protective equipment (PPE) that properly fits workers based on their unique body type. Fisher Phillips
• [New] There is no law requiring US airlines to compensate passengers for disruptions caused by uncontrollable events, such as weather. Business Insider
• [New] Legal limit of 0.08% BAC is still used in most states, although Utah has a legal limit of 0.05% which is being actively considered as an example of other states thinking about updating their legal limit by 2026. Multakanortheast
• [New] The Government of Alberta has yet to issue strengthened regulations, but in its Emissions Reduction and Energy Development Plan, it committed to assess potential pathways to achieve a provincial 75 to 80% methane emissions reduction target from the conventional oil and gas sector by 2030. Pembina Institute
• [New] Methane slip must be reported under the EU MRV regulation, and starting in 2026, it will fall within the scope of EU ETS. DNV
• [New] Europe's Markets in Crypto-Assets regulation will be fully activated in 2025, bringing EU-wide licensing, capital, and conduct rules for crypto-asset service providers and significant stablecoins. CryptoSlate
• [New] Activist groups say they will legally challenge the NSW government's proposed amendments to laws restricting protests. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] To stay competitive in 2026, the US will have to offer better financing, clearer regulation, and deeper public-private ties. Middle East Institute
• [New] Fourteen countries, including Britain, Canada and Germany, have condemned the Israeli security cabinet's approval of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, saying they violate international law and risk fuelling instability. The Guardian
• [New] Legal risk has receded, stablecoins operate under a clear federal framework, bank custody is restored, spot markets are integrated into regulated exchanges, and digital assets are now part of long-term U.S. monetary and strategic planning. Blockforce Capital
• [New] Lawmakers are planning a wide range of AI regulations, especially heading into the 2026 election year. WITF
• [New] NSW parliament will fast-track tougher laws on gun ownership and protest activity. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] In December, President Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to challenge state AI laws, arguing that a patchwork of state rules threatens U.S. competitiveness. Intelligize
• [New] The federal and NSW governments have announced new laws to stamp out hate preachers, beefed up criminal consequences for people who make racist threats, tougher action on antisemitism, and stricter rules against guns. The Sydney Morning Herald
• [New] The United States has asked the European Union to exempt U.S. oil and gas from EU methane regulations until 2035, raising trade and climate tensions between Washington and Brussels. Rinnovabili
• [New] Under regulations adopted during the Biden administration, oil and gas companies were expected to begin cutting methane releases in 2025. Rinnovabili
• [New] A patchwork of state laws could lead to burdensome compliance regimes and harm innovation necessary for global AI leadership. DLA Piper
• [New] Arresting and deporting dangerous criminals while creating a credible legal path to immigration could win favour with the American people. Reason.com
• [New] The potential of having to comply with 50 different legal AI frameworks (one for each U.S. state) could create significant issues. investing.com

Last updated: 30 December 2025