Archives Asks: Can We Trash These Old Files Yet?
Published Date: 9/17/2026
Notice
Summary
The National Archives is sharing new plans from federal agencies about which old records they want to toss because they’re no longer needed. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until November 2, 2026, to speak up! This helps keep government files tidy without wasting money or space.
No Economic Impacts Identified for this Document
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20428, Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
NARA is updating its records system that tracks requests for workplace accommodations, now including pregnancy and childbirth needs. This change affects current and former employees and job applicants, making the process smoother with a new online tool. Comments on these updates are open until November 5, 2026, and the changes take effect November 16, 2026.
2026-16352, Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
We have submitted a request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval to continue to use two information collections. The first information collection is prepared by companies and organizations to request to digitize archival holdings with privately-owned equipment. The second information collection is used when veterans, dependents, and other authorized individuals request information from or copies of documents in military personnel, military medical, and dependent medical records. We invite you to comment on the proposed information collections. There have been no changes made to these collections.
2026-13879, Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
NARA is asking to bring back a form that helps veterans and certain applicants find special job opportunities without competing in the usual way. They want your thoughts by August 10, 2026, before the Office of Management and Budget decides. This process won’t cost applicants money but helps match people with jobs faster and easier.
2026-12241, Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
NARA wants to renew approval for a form that helps the FOIA Ombuds office get your okay before sharing info to solve Freedom of Information Act requests. This affects anyone asking for government records and means you might soon be able to submit consent forms online, making the process smoother. Comments on this plan are open until July 20, 2026, with no new costs involved.
2026-11897, Agency Information Collection Activities: Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
The National Archives wants to bring back a form that helps researchers study personal health records stored in archives. This affects a small group of researchers and asks for about 7 hours of their time per request. You’ve got until August 11, 2026, to share your thoughts before the form gets the green light again.
2026-10817, Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance
This new rule updates how federal financial help is given and managed across many government agencies. It affects anyone who gets federal grants or aid, making the process clearer, fairer, and easier to follow. Changes kick in soon and could impact how money flows and how quickly folks get support.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-19062, Rep. Wilson and U.S. Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys To Honor Parents Carrying Forward the Legacies of Black Children Lost to Violence
Rep. Wilson and the U.S. Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys are honoring parents who keep alive the memories of Black children lost to violence. They’re holding a public meeting on September 18, 2026, to discuss their work and next steps. This effort supports families and communities affected by violence, with no new costs announced.
Next: 2026-19064, Pesticide Registration Review; Case Closures for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availability
The EPA has officially closed the review cases for several pesticides because their last U.S. registrations were canceled. This means companies and farmers using these pesticides need to find alternatives, but no new costs or deadlines are introduced. The closures help keep our environment safe by ensuring outdated or unused pesticides are off the market.