DOL Seeks Input on Veteran Job Plans to Cut Paperwork Hassle

2026-15717, Ventilation Plan Approval Criteria

In response to a public request, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is reopening the rulemaking record and is scheduling a virtual public hearing on the Agency's proposed rule published on July 1, 2025, titled, "Ventilation Plan Approval Criteria."

2026-15670, Roof Control Plan Approval Criteria

In response to a public request, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is reopening the rulemaking record and is scheduling a virtual public hearing on the Agency's proposed rule published on July 1, 2025, titled, "Roof Control Plan Approval Criteria."

2026-15325, Black Lung Benefits Act: Authorization of Self-Insurers

The Department is proposing revisions to regulations under the Black Lung Benefits Act (BLBA or the Act) governing authorization of self-insurers. These rules will determine the process for coal mine operators to apply for authorization to self-insure, the requirements operators must meet to qualify to self-insure, the amount of security self-insured operators must provide, and the types of security accepted for operators to self-insure.

2026-14917, Electronic Disclosure by Group Health Plans Under ERISA

Group health plans can soon share important info online instead of paper, making it easier and cheaper for everyone. If this rule passes, plan administrators must notify members about electronic disclosures but still offer paper copies if requested. This change affects anyone in group health plans under ERISA and aims to save time and money starting after the rule is finalized.

2026-11140, Federal Independent Dispute Resolution Operations

Starting soon, health plans and insurers must share clearer info when they pay or deny surprise medical bills. They’ll use special codes to explain these decisions, especially when dealing with folks they don’t have contracts with. This helps patients and providers understand bills better and speeds up fixing disputes, with no extra costs for most people.

2026-11093, Amending the Medical Evaluation Requirements in the Respiratory Protection Standard for Certain Types of Respirators

OSHA wants to make it easier for workers using certain respirators by removing some medical check-ups for filtering facepiece and loose-fitting powered air-purifying respirators. This change affects workers who wear these masks and could save time and money on medical evaluations. The public can share their thoughts until July 6, 2026, before the rule is finalized.

Previous: 2026-04137, Price Index Adjustments for Contribution and Expenditure Limitations and Lobbyist Bundling Disclosure Threshold

Starting January 1, 2026, political parties and lobbyists will see their spending and reporting limits go up a bit to keep up with inflation. This means national and state party committees can spend more during elections, and lobbyists must report bigger bundles of contributions. These changes help keep campaign rules fair and current with the cost of living.

Next: 2026-04139, Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings

The Center for Scientific Review is holding several closed virtual meetings in early April 2026 to review important grant applications. These meetings protect private info and trade secrets while deciding who gets funding for health research. Scientists and grant applicants should note these dates as they impact which projects get support and when decisions happen.