Rules of Practice for Hearings

2026-17299, Special Local Regulation; Choptank River, Cambridge, MD

The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary special local regulation (SLR) for certain waters of the Choptank River, near Cambridge, MD. This action is necessary to provide for the safety of life on these navigable waters during a power boat racing event on August 29, 2026 and August 30, 2026. This regulation prohibits persons and vessels from entering the regulated area unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port (COTP) Sector Maryland-National Capital Region or their designated representative.

2026-17333, Montana Regulatory Program

We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSM), are denying an amendment to the Montana regulatory program under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA). Montana submitted this proposed amendment to OSM on its own initiative in response to a State law passed by the Montana Legislature (Senate Bill (SB) 392). The proposed amendment would have added a provision requiring equal application of court costs to the prevailing party in contested case proceedings by a court or administrative agency that issues a decision. The proposal would have also amended the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to refer to the proposed equal application of court costs rule. Finally, SB 392 includes contingencies that apply to the proposed amendment but are not codified into the MCA: codification instructions, a severability clause, an effective date clause, and an applicability statement.

2026-17353, Final Waiver and Extension of the Project Period With Funding-Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as Amended, Title VI, Part B, Native Hawaiian Education

The Secretary waives the requirements in the Education Department General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR) that generally prohibit project period extensions involving the obligation of additional Federal funds. The final waiver and extension would allow 21 projects under Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.362A to receive funding for up to one additional 12-month period, not to exceed September 30, 2027.

2026-17354, Establishment of Four Customs-Enforcement Areas

This document sets forth the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) declaration establishing four Customs- Enforcement Areas (CEA) in the near shore waters of South Florida, Central/Southern California, Puerto Rico, and the Gulf Coast of Texas. This action will further CBP efforts to interdict hovering vessels utilized for smuggling illegal cargoes into or out of the United States specifically within the CEAs. Additionally, this action authorizes customs officers and agents to enforce applicable U.S. laws, including the authorization to board vessels, examine vessels, merchandise and persons on board, bring the same into port, and pursue, seize, and arrest individuals, within the CEAs.

2026-17338, Reduction in Force Appeals; Correction

The Office of Personnel Management fixed some typos and confusing references in their recent rule about appeals for job cuts. These small corrections don’t change the rule itself but make it clearer before it starts on September 2, 2026. If you’re a federal employee dealing with job reductions, these fixes help ensure the process is easier to understand—no extra costs or delays involved!

2026-17334, Improving Performance, Accountability and Responsiveness in the Civil Service, and Recruitment and Relocation Incentive Waivers; Correcting Amendments

The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is correcting technical and conforming errors arising from two recent final rules: "Improving Performance, Accountability and Responsiveness in the Civil Service," published February 6, 2026 and effective March 9, 2026, and "Recruitment and Relocation Incentive Waivers," published December 15, 2025 and effective February 13, 2026. The corrections make no substantive change to the regulations.

Previous: 2025-00401, Civil Penalties Adjustment for 2025

Starting January 13, 2025, the National Endowment for the Arts is raising the maximum fines for breaking certain rules to keep up with inflation. This means anyone who violates the Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act or lobbying restrictions could face higher penalties. These changes help keep penalties fair and effective by adjusting them every year based on rising costs.

Next: 2025-00509, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area; Motor Vehicles

Starting February 12, 2025, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area is updating its rules about where and how you can drive motor vehicles on roads and off-road trails. These changes affect visitors who love exploring by car, ATV, or other motorized rides, aiming to protect the park’s natural beauty while keeping adventures fun and safe. If you’re planning a trip, get ready for clearer rules and remember to share your thoughts by the deadline!