States Gain Freedom in Employment Service Staffing
Published Date: 7/1/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Department of Labor wants to give States more freedom in how they staff Wagner-Peyser Employment Services. Instead of forcing States to use State merit staff, they can now choose the most efficient way to get the job done. This change aims to save time and money while keeping services strong for job seekers everywhere.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
States Gain Staffing Flexibility for Employment Services
If you use Wagner-Peyser Employment Services, your State could stop requiring State merit staff and choose whatever staffing model it considers most efficient to provide those services. The Department of Labor says this change is meant to save time and money while keeping services strong for job seekers everywhere.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-16982, Wagner-Peyser Act Employment Service Staffing
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL or the Department) is removing the requirement that States use State merit staff to provide Wagner-Peyser Employment Service (ES) services. This final rule allows States to use the staffing model that provides the required services with the most efficient and cost-effective model for their State.
2026-10456, Department of Labor Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Annual Adjustments for 2026
Good news for businesses and workers: the Department of Labor won’t raise any fines or penalties in 2026 because the usual inflation data wasn’t available. This means all civil penalties stay the same starting May 27, 2026. So, no surprise cost hikes this year—just steady rules and steady fees!
2026-16902, Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; Linked Open Data on Credentials
The Department of Labor's (DOL) Employment and Training Administration (ETA) is soliciting comments concerning an initial request for the authority to conduct the information collection request (ICR) titled, "Linked Open Data on Credentials." This comment request is part of continuing Departmental efforts to reduce paperwork and respondent burden in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA).
2026-15673, Labor Certification Process for the Temporary Employment of Foreign Workers in Agriculture in the United States: Adverse Effect Wage Rate Updates for Non-Range Occupations
The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) of the Department of Labor (DOL) is issuing this notice to announce updates to the Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWR) for the employment of temporary or seasonal nonimmigrant foreign workers (H-2A workers) to perform agricultural labor or services in non-range occupations. AEWRs are the minimum wage rates that must be offered, advertised in recruitment, and paid by employers to H-2A workers and workers in corresponding employment to ensure that the wages and working conditions of workers in the United States similarly employed are not adversely affected.
2026-11542, Modernizing Federal Workforce Information Tools: Request for Information (RFI) on Online Career Tools and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) Program
The Department of Labor wants your ideas to upgrade two key job-help tools: the online career site CareerOneStop and the detailed job info system O*NET. These updates will make it easier for job seekers to find careers, training, and skills info that’s fresh and super useful. If you’ve got thoughts, send them by August 10, 2026—this could shape future job tools without costing you a dime now!
2026-10961, Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)
The Department of Labor wants your thoughts on updating the paperwork for the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), which helps older adults find community jobs. They’re aiming to make forms easier and less time-consuming for everyone involved. If you have ideas, send them in by August 3, 2026—this update could save time and keep the program running smoothly without extra costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-12273, Filing Thresholds for Forms LM-2, LM-3, and LM-4 Labor Organization Annual Reports
Labor unions that file annual reports on Forms LM-2, LM-3, and LM-4 will see updated rules about when they need to file based on their size and money. These changes make sure only unions with enough activity have to file the big, detailed reports, saving smaller ones time and effort. The new rules kick in soon and could help unions focus on what really matters without extra paperwork.
Next: 2025-12276, Rescission of Executive Order 11246 Implementing Regulations
The Department of Labor is wiping away the rules tied to an old executive order that stopped federal contractors from unfair hiring and pay practices. Since that order was canceled in January 2025, these rules no longer apply, changing how some federal contractors handle hiring and pay talks. This update affects contractors and could shift how they manage workplace fairness, with changes kicking in soon and possibly impacting compliance costs.