Labor Dept. Abruptly Rescinds Transgender Anti-Discrimination Guidance

2026-07959 — Joint Employer Status Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, and Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act

The Department of Labor is proposing clear rules to decide when two companies share responsibility for workers’ rights under key laws like minimum wage, family leave, and farmworker protections. This change helps workers and employers understand who’s in charge and makes enforcement fair and consistent across the country. If finalized, these rules could affect many businesses and workers starting soon, with potential impacts on compliance costs and legal clarity.

2026-05492 — Retirement Security Rule: Definition of an Investment Advice Fiduciary: Notice of Court Vacatur

The court has canceled the Department of Labor’s 2024 rule that changed who counts as a trusted investment advisor for retirement plans. Starting April 20, 2026, the old rules from 2020 will be back in charge, affecting financial advisors and retirement plan managers. This means advisors should review their practices to stay on the right side of the law and avoid costly mistakes.

2026-03962 — Employee or Independent Contractor Status Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, and Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act

The Department of Labor wants to update how we decide if someone is an employee or an independent contractor for three big laws: the Fair Labor Standards Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, and Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act. They’re bringing back a 2021 rule with some tweaks and applying it to all three laws. If you’re a worker or a business, this could change your rights and responsibilities, so get ready to share your thoughts by April 28, 2026!

2025-23626 — Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers Under Service Contracts; Rescission of Regulations

Starting December 22, 2025, the Department of Labor is canceling rules that protected workers from being replaced when service contracts change hands. This affects companies with federal service contracts and the workers they hire. The change means fewer job protections for these workers, following a presidential order to roll back previous rules.

2025-14281 — Pooled Employer Plans: Big Plans for Small Businesses

Small businesses get a big boost with new guidance on pooled employer plans (PEPs), which help them offer better, cheaper retirement savings options. The government is asking for feedback to create clear rules that make joining these plans easier and more affordable. Starting soon, these changes aim to save workers money and help small employers attract great employees.

2025-12316 — Application of the Fair Labor Standards Act to Domestic Service

If you hire home helpers like caregivers or housekeepers, this update matters! The government wants to bring back old rules that let some helpers skip overtime and minimum wage rules, making care more affordable. These changes could start soon, helping families and workers find a fair balance without extra costs.

Previous: 2026-00148 — Formations of, Acquisitions by, and Mergers of Bank Holding Companies

Some companies want to become bank holding companies or buy banks, and the Federal Reserve is checking their applications. If you have thoughts, you can send comments by February 9, 2026. This affects banks in Florida, Puerto Rico, Alabama, and Georgia, and could change who controls these banks soon.

Next: 2026-00151 — Ferrovanadium From the Republic of South Africa and the People's Republic of China: Final Results of the Expedited Fourth Sunset Reviews of the Antidumping Duty Orders

The U.S. Department of Commerce decided to keep the special taxes on ferrovanadium from South Africa and China because dropping them could lead to unfairly low prices again. This means U.S. producers get protection starting January 8, 2026, helping them compete fairly. If you’re in the ferrovanadium business, these rules affect how much you pay and sell.