# 2026-22680: Apprenticeship Rules Drop Affirmative Action Mandates, Keep Antidiscrimination Requirements

2026-22680, Prohibiting Illegal Discrimination in Registered Apprenticeship Programs, is a Federal Register rule from Labor Department published 2026-11-06, effective 2027-01-05; deemed significant under Executive Order 12866; PRIA reads it as touching household money (as of 2026-11-06).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-22680
- As of: 2026-11-06
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Document number: 2026-22680
- Title: Prohibiting Illegal Discrimination in Registered Apprenticeship Programs
- Type: Rule
- Agencies: Labor Department
- Citation: 91 FR 70164
- Published: 2026-11-06
- Effective: 2027-01-05
- Comments close: not stated
- Significant: yes (OIRA_API)
- Touches household money: yes
- Regulation identifier numbers: 1205-AC21
- Last updated: 2026-11-06

## In one line

Apprenticeship Rules Drop Affirmative Action Mandates, Keep Antidiscrimination Requirements

## Summary

Starting January 5, 2027, apprenticeship programs must follow simpler, clearer rules to stop illegal discrimination. The Department of Labor is dropping tough affirmative action demands but making sure all sponsors still play fair under federal and state laws. This change helps programs focus on fairness without extra red tape, making it easier and fairer for everyone involved.

## Abstract

The Department of Labor (DOL or the Department) is issuing this final rule to remove the onerous and legally questionable affirmative action requirements that were previously imposed by the Department on Registered Apprenticeship program sponsors. This final rule also streamlines and simplifies nondiscrimination obligations for all program sponsors, while clarifying that sponsors are accountable for compliance with Federal and State nondiscrimination protections. It also makes conforming, technical changes to the Department's regulation that addresses Labor Standards for the Registration of Apprenticeship Programs.

## Effects PRIA read

- No More Mandatory Affirmative Action: benefit, high. If you run a Registered Apprenticeship program, starting January 5, 2027 you will no longer be required to carry out the part 30 affirmative action obligations that applied to programs enrolling five or more apprentices. This change removes requirements such as conducting utilization analyses and s…
- Fewer EEO Administrative Duties for Sponsors: benefit, medium. Starting January 5, 2027, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors are relieved of several administrative EEO duties previously required by part 30. The final rule removes mandates such as designating an individual to manage EEO policy, conducting anti-harassment training, posting an equal opportunity pl…
- Must Follow Federal and State Anti-Discrimination Laws: benefit, low. Beginning January 5, 2027, all Registered Apprenticeship program sponsors must comply with all applicable Federal and State laws and regulations prohibiting illegal discrimination. The final rule also clarifies the appropriate forums and processes for apprentices to raise and seek remediation of di…
- Estimated $1B Compliance Savings Over 10 Years: benefit, high. The Department estimates that, over a 10-year period, Registered Apprenticeship stakeholders will save more than $1 billion in costs related to compliance with the prior part 30 regulation because the final rule removes burdensome requirements. The change is effective January 5, 2027 and is intende…

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## Sources
- [2026-22680 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/11/06/2026-22680/prohibiting-illegal-discrimination-in-registered-apprenticeship-programs)
- [2026-22680 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-11-06/pdf/2026-22680.pdf)

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Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-22680 (as of 2026-11-06).