Commerce Fixes a Small Typo in Its Legal Testimony Rules
Published Date: 10/26/2026
Rule
Summary
The Department of Commerce fixed a small mistake in its rules about when employees have to give testimony or documents in legal cases. This correction just clears up confusing instructions from a recent update and doesn’t change any actual rules. It affects current and former employees and takes effect right away on October 26, 2026, with no extra costs involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Limits on Employees’ Expert Testimony
Starting October 26, 2026, current Department of Commerce employees, with or without compensation, may not give expert or opinion testimony in legal proceedings about Department information, subjects, or activities unless they get prior written authorization from the General Counsel or appropriate agency counsel. If an employee is asked during testimony to provide such unapproved expert or opinion testimony, the employee must decline and ask to consult with the General Counsel or appropriate agency counsel; if the proceeding orders testimony without that opportunity, the employee must decline to comply.
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