New regs for Tuesday: Food sales, security, drug testing

Tuesday’s edition of the Federal Register contains new rules for grocery stores and other stores that sell food, security measures at key power grid facilities, and drug testing requirements for airline workers.

Here’s what is happening:

Food sales: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is moving forward a rule that prohibits grocery stores from offering so-called “rain checks” for advertised food products that are out of stock.  

The FTC was considering getting rid of this decades-old rule that dates back to the 1970s, but said Monday it has determined the rule is necessary and should stay.

The FTC also said it is expanding the rule’s coverage beyond typical grocery stores to include retail stores like Wal-Mart, warehouse stores like Sam’s Club and drug stores like CVS that sell food products.

These stores would not be allowed to advertise food sales, unless they have the items in stock.

The changes go into effect on Dec. 10.

Power grid: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is moving forward with new requirements for companies to increase the presence of security guards at key bulk-power system facilities.

The rules are intended to prevent attacks on the nation’s electric power grid.

The rule goes into effect in 60 days.

Stolen cars: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says vehicle thefts are on the rise.

The NHTSA released numbers Monday that show the rate of vehicle thefts increased by 14 percent in 2012, the most recent year for which data is available. 

The vehicle theft rate in 2012 was 1.13 thefts per 1,000 vehicles. In 2011, the vehicle theft rate was 0.99.

Drug tests: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will randomly drug test 25 percent of safety-sensitive airline employees in 2015.

The FAA will also randomly test 10 percent of the same group of employees for alcohol in 2015, the agency said Monday.

The random drug tests are intended to ensure the safety of air travel.

Military lending: The Department of Defense (DOD) is delaying changes to its rules under the Military Lending Act.

The DOD announced it was considering new protections for military borrowers in September, but said Monday it is extending the comment period.

The public will have 30 days to comment.