DHS Speeds Up Property Protection Rules to Start Today
Published Date: 11/5/2025
Rule
Summary
The Department of Homeland Security is moving up the start date for new rules that protect federal property from January 1, 2026, to November 5, 2025. These rules affect anyone near federal buildings by expanding protections and updating what’s not allowed, like impersonating security or trespassing. No changes to the rules themselves or costs—just an earlier date to keep federal spaces safer, faster!
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Off-Property Criminal Charges Permitted
The regulations permit charging criminal activity that occurs off federal property under 40 U.S.C. 1315 when appropriate. Conduct linked to federal-property offenses can now lead to charges even if some actions occur off federal grounds.
Rules Start Earlier: Nov. 5, 2025
The start date for the protection-of-federal-property rules is moved up from January 1, 2026, to November 5, 2025. That means the regulations in 6 CFR part 139 become enforceable on November 5, 2025.
Scope Expanded to All DHS Properties
The rule codifies that DHS can protect all federal buildings that fall within DHS jurisdiction rather than only General Services Administration (GSA) properties. That expands the locations covered by these regulations.
Newly Prohibited Conduct Listed
The rule modifies the list of prohibited conduct to include impersonating security personnel, trespassing into closed areas, wearing masks when committing crimes, and tampering with computer systems. These specific acts are now listed as prohibited under the regulations adopted in June 2025.
Definitions Updated for New Threats
The rule updates definitions to account for evolving technologies and products, including unmanned aircraft (drones) and new tobacco products. Those items are specifically referenced in the June 2025 rule's updated definitions.
Disorderly Conduct Definition Clarified
The rule clarifies and specifies in more detail what counts as 'disorderly conduct' on federal property. The clearer definition is part of the June 2025 regulatory changes now made effective November 5, 2025.
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
2026-20087, Clarification of Certain Mariner Training Requirements
The Coast Guard wants to simplify training rules for certain mariners, like Masters and Officers in charge of smaller vessels and engineers with big engines. They’re removing six outdated or duplicate requirements to make things clearer and easier while matching international standards. If you’re affected, get ready to share your thoughts by December 30, 2026—no extra costs, just smoother sailing ahead!
2026-20016, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment-Based Immigrant Visa, Fifth Preference (EB-5) Fee Rule
Starting November 30, 2026, USCIS is updating the fees for the EB-5 immigrant visa program, which helps investors and their families get green cards. These changes reflect new rules from the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 and include adjusted costs to keep the program fair and efficient. If you're applying or renewing your EB-5 visa after this date, be ready to pay the new fees!
2026-17390, Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Electronic Export Manifest for Rail Cargo
Starting October 26, 2026, all rail cargo leaving the U.S. must have its export info sent electronically through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). This new rule helps Customs keep cargo safe and makes trade smoother for rail exporters. Rail companies and exporters should get ready because enforcement begins a year later, on October 26, 2027.
2026-17324, Fee for Certain H-1B Petitions
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposes to establish a $103,265 fee, payable at the time of filing, for all H-1B cap-subject petitions, including those eligible for the advanced degree exemption, which would be imposed in addition to all other applicable fees or payments. This fee would serve as a dedicated revenue mechanism to help recover a portion of the federal government's costs of administering the lawful immigration system, including activities carried out by DHS, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the U.S. Department of State (DOS), and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).
2026-16313, Mandatory Electronic Filing (e-Filing)
This interim final rule (IFR) amends U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations to provide: USCIS may require mandatory electronic filing (e-filing) of certain benefit requests; the process USCIS will follow to require a benefit request to be e-filed; and how a waiver of the e-filing requirement for those individuals unable to file electronically may be requested. This rule is intended to increase digital intake and processing to move USCIS and requestors from a mostly paper process to an electronic process and further enhance the integrity of the immigration system and the security of the United States.
2026-14439, Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media
Starting September 15, 2026, students, exchange visitors, and foreign media reps will get a fixed time to stay in the U.S. instead of an open-ended status. This change helps the government keep better track of who’s following the rules and makes extending stays clearer. It affects F, J, and I visa holders and could mean more careful planning and paperwork, but no new fees are mentioned.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-19787, Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2026 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment and Coverage Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; and Medicare Prescription Drug Inflation Rebate Program
Starting January 1, 2026, Medicare and Medicaid are updating how doctors and clinics get paid, making sure payments match current medical practices and laws. New rules will also affect drug price rebates, savings programs, and services like diabetes prevention and ambulance rides. These changes impact healthcare providers and patients, aiming to keep care fair, affordable, and up-to-date.
Next: 2025-19794, Cyclobutrifluram; Pesticide Tolerances
The EPA just set safe limits for the pesticide cyclobutrifluram on cotton, lettuce, and soybeans to keep our food safe. Farmers, food makers, and pesticide companies need to know these new rules start November 5, 2025. If anyone wants to object, they have until January 5, 2026, so act fast!