Commerce Cleans House: Out with Old Lobbying Rules, In with Simplicity
Published Date: 4/16/2026
Rule
Summary
The Department of Commerce is cleaning up its rules about lobbying by removing outdated and repeated parts that no longer make sense. This change affects anyone involved in federal contracts, grants, or loans and starts on May 18, 2026. It won’t cost extra money but will make following the rules simpler and clearer for everyone.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Remove Redundant Compliance Rules
Commerce is removing two compliance provisions, 15 CFR 28.405 and 28.410, from its lobbying regulations. This change affects anyone involved in federal contracts, grants, or loans and takes effect on May 18, 2026; it is intended to eliminate redundancy and make the rules simpler without adding costs.
Eliminate Obsolete Reporting Requirements
Commerce is removing two reporting provisions, 15 CFR 28.600 and 28.605, from its lobbying rules, effective May 18, 2026. The removals are meant to eliminate reporting requirements that are no longer statutorily required, which should reduce paperwork burdens for those with federal contracts, grants, or loans and will not add new information-collection obligations.
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