No Penalty Hikes in 2026 Because Inflation Data Went Missing

2025-11848 — Rescission of Coordinated Enforcement Regulations

The Department of Labor is scrapping old rules that slowed down teamwork between its groups that protect migrant farmworkers. This change lets the Department work faster and smarter without extra red tape. Migrant farmworkers and the agencies that help them will see smoother, quicker enforcement soon—no extra costs or delays expected.

2025-12315 — Recission of Final Rule: Improving Protections for Workers in Temporary Agricultural Employment in the United States

The Department of Labor is rolling back a new rule that made it harder and more expensive for farmers to hire temporary foreign workers under the H-2A program. This change means fewer strict rules and less paperwork for employers, helping them keep their farms running smoothly without extra costs or delays. The rollback starts soon, making it easier for farmers and workers to get back to business as usual.

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.

2026-03962 — 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!

2025-12316 — 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.

2026-10385 — Proposed Revision of Information Collection; Claim Adjudication Process for the Alleged Presence of Pneumoconiosis

The Department of Labor wants to keep collecting info from coal miners about lung disease claims but is asking for your thoughts on how to make the paperwork easier and less time-consuming. This affects coal miners filing claims for pneumoconiosis (a lung disease) and the folks who handle these claims. You’ve got until July 27, 2026, to share your ideas—no extra costs, just smoother forms!

Previous: C1-2026-08931 — Conforming Change for Approving a Making Application

The Department of Justice fixed a small but important detail in the rules about approving applications to make certain firearms. This change clears up the legal references to make sure everything’s official and correct. It affects anyone applying to make these firearms, with no new fees or delays—just smoother paperwork!

Next: 2026-10463 — Safety Zone; Humboldt Bay, Humboldt Bay, CA

On June 3, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone around a PG&E terminal in Humboldt Bay to keep people and boats safe from hazardous materials during maintenance. No one can enter this zone without special permission, so boaters and locals should plan ahead. This quick action helps protect everyone and the environment without any extra costs.