OSHA Asks If More Paperwork Is Good Idea

2026-22903, Unemployment Insurance Program National Minimum Weekly Work Search Requirements

If you get unemployment benefits, soon you’ll need to show you’re actively job hunting by doing at least five work search activities each week. States will have to track and verify these efforts before paying benefits, making sure everyone is seriously looking for work. This change aims to make job searching rules fair and consistent nationwide, with comments open until January 11, 2027.

2026-22680, Prohibiting Illegal Discrimination in Registered Apprenticeship Programs

Starting January 5, 2027, apprenticeship programs must follow simpler, clearer rules to stop illegal discrimination. The Department of Labor is dropping tough affirmative action demands but making sure all sponsors still play fair under federal and state laws. This change helps programs focus on fairness without extra red tape, making it easier and fairer for everyone involved.

2026-22306, Improving Transparency Into Pharmacy Benefit Manager Fee Disclosure

Starting July 1, 2027, big self-insured health plans must get clear info on fees from pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and related brokers. This rule helps plan leaders see if PBM fees are fair, aiming to cut surprise costs and boost transparency. It’s a win for employers trying to manage rising drug expenses and keep healthcare affordable.

2026-20447, Transparency in Coverage

Starting soon, health plans and insurers must share clearer, easier-to-understand price info for medical services and drugs. This helps you see what in-network and out-of-network costs really look like, with more details and better updates. These changes affect most group and individual health plans and kick in with new reporting rules to make healthcare pricing more transparent and fair.

2026-18978, Federal-State Unemployment Compensation (UC) Program; Data Availability

Starting November 16, 2026, Federal officials will get easier access to important unemployment data from States to help catch fraud and keep the system honest. States must update their laws by September 16, 2027, to share this info smoothly. This change helps protect taxpayer money and makes sure unemployment benefits go to the right people.

2026-17622, Federal Independent Dispute Resolution Operations; Correction

This document corrects typographical errors and omissions in the final rule that appeared in the June 4, 2026, Federal Register titled "Federal Independent Dispute Resolution Operations" (referred to hereafter as the "IDR final rule"). The effective date of the IDR final rule was August 3, 2026.

Previous: 2025-21108, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Welding, Cutting, and Brazing Standard (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart Q)

The Department of Labor is asking for public feedback on the paperwork rules for welding, cutting, and brazing safety. This affects employers and workers who do these jobs, making sure they spot dangers and stay safe. Comments are open until December 26, 2025, with no new costs expected—just a chance to improve how safety info is collected.

Next: 2025-21110, Correction; Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program Budget and Narrative

Hey, veterans and program fans! The government fixed a date mix-up in the Homeless Veterans' Reintegration Program paperwork. Instead of saying the 60-day notice came out in November 2024, it actually dropped in June 2025—no money changes, just a date fix to keep things clear and on track.