FTC Lets Some September Merger Deals Skip the Wait

2026-21510, Petition for Rulemaking of Jason Plotzker

Jason Plotzker asked the Federal Trade Commission to create rules that stop penny auction and pay-per-bid auction companies from using tricky or misleading price ads. This affects anyone who shops or sells through these auctions, aiming to make pricing clearer and fairer. People have until November 20, 2026, to share their thoughts, and no money changes hands yet—this is just the start of the conversation.

2026-20971, Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Extension

The Federal Trade Commission wants to keep collecting info about how companies use 'negative option' plans—where you’re signed up unless you say no—for three more years. They’re asking the public to share thoughts by December 14, 2026. This affects businesses using these plans and helps protect consumers without adding new costs.

2026-20970, Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Extension

The Federal Trade Commission wants to keep its Contact Lens Rule paperwork going for three more years, helping contact lens prescribers and sellers keep things clear and fair. They’re asking for your thoughts by December 14, 2026. This extension means no big changes or extra costs, just continuing the current process to protect millions of contact lens users.

2026-20143, Rule on Impersonation of Government and Businesses

The FTC is planning new rules to stop scams where fake websites or social media accounts pretend to be the government or real businesses to trick people out of money. This affects online platforms like search engines and social media sites, which may have to change how they handle these impersonation scams. The FTC wants your thoughts by November 30, 2026, before making any final decisions.

2026-20078, Petition for Rulemaking of Malik Tony Singleton

Malik Tony Singleton asked the Federal Trade Commission to create new rules that protect consumers from tricky business practices, especially around automated decisions and keeping records. This could affect anyone who buys stuff or uses services that rely on computers to make choices. People have until October 30, 2026, to share their thoughts, and these changes might make companies more honest and clear, possibly saving consumers money and hassle.

2026-19597, Rules of Practice

The FTC is updating its rules to make things clearer and smoother for everyone involved. These changes affect how staff handle information requests, assign judges, and manage public records, with some new deadlines and procedures starting September 24, 2026. No big money changes here—just smarter, faster government work for businesses and the public.

Previous: 2026-21629, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Annual Business Survey

The Census Bureau is updating its Annual Business Survey to make it easier and better for businesses to share info about their research and development. This change affects U.S. businesses and aims to reduce paperwork while improving data quality. Comments on the update are open until December 21, 2026, so businesses and the public can weigh in before it’s finalized.

Next: 2026-21636, Safety Zone; Brownsville Ship Channel, Brownsville, TX

From October 22 to 24, 2026, the Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone in the Brownsville Ship Channel to keep everyone safe during the towing of the old USS VICKSBURG ship. No boats or people can enter this zone unless the Coast Guard says it’s okay. This rule mainly affects boaters and workers in the area and helps prevent accidents without costing anyone extra money.