Justice Names Panels That Grade Its Top Officials

2026-21923, Implementation of HAVANA Act of 2021

The Department of Justice is officially rolling out the HAVANA Act, which helps current and former DOJ employees and their families get payments if they suffered brain injuries on the job. This final rule, effective November 27, 2026, makes small tweaks to the process but keeps the main promise alive—support for those affected. No public comments changed the plan, so it’s full steam ahead with this important help!

2026-21920, Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022-Criteria for National Instant Criminal Background Check System (“NICS”) Background Checks of Firearm Handlers

Starting November 27, 2026, licensed gun sellers (FFLs) can voluntarily use the FBI’s background check system (NICS) to screen current or future employees who handle firearms. This new rule helps stop illegal gun sales and keeps communities safer without adding costs. It’s a smart step to make sure people working with guns are checked properly before they get the job.

2026-19693, Implementing the Safe Explosives Act

The Safe Explosives Act final rule affects businesses and people who handle explosives, making reporting and transport rules clearer and simpler. Starting October 26, 2026, license holders must report key personnel changes but no longer need to verify who accepts deliveries for them. These updates cut red tape without adding new costs, keeping everyone safer and smoother in the explosive world.

2026-19694, Annual Notices on Explosive Materials Storage Facilities to Local Fire Authority

If you store explosives, you now have to tell your local fire department every year and when you stop storing them. This new rule helps keep firefighters and the public safer by making sure they always know where explosives are stored. It starts on October 26, 2026, and you must keep your notices for five years—no extra fees, just more safety!

2026-16981, Application for Relief From Disabilities Imposed by Federal Laws With Respect to the Acquisition, Receipt, Transfer, Shipment, Transportation, or Possession of Firearms

The Department of Justice ("the Department") is implementing criteria to guide determinations for granting relief from disabilities imposed by federal laws with respect to the acquisition, receipt, transfer, shipment, transportation, or possession of firearms. The criteria are designed to ensure that the fundamental right of the people to keep and bear arms is not unduly infringed, that those people granted relief are not likely to act in a manner dangerous to public safety, and that granting such relief would not be contrary to the public interest.

2026-15458, Civil Money Penalty for Actions in Contempt of an Immigration Judge's Proper Exercise of Authority

This notice of proposed rulemaking ("NPRM") would implement a provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act ("INA" or "the Act") that authorizes Immigration Judges, under regulations prescribed by the Attorney General, to sanction by civil money penalty any action (or inaction) in contempt of the proper exercise of their authority by certain individuals. The rule would: define the scope of the contempt authority; provide procedures for contempt findings, penalty determinations, and penalty payment; establish an appellate process; and implement oversight of the use of contempt authority. The rule would also make conforming changes to the grounds for practitioner discipline.

Previous: 2026-22811, Policy Statement on Jurisdiction and Preemption Under the ICC Termination Act

The Surface Transportation Board just cleared up who’s in charge of railroads and when federal rules beat state laws, thanks to the ICC Termination Act. This new policy helps rail companies, shippers, and states understand the rules better, cutting down confusion and speeding up dispute fixes. It’s official as of November 9, 2026, making rail travel smoother and more predictable nationwide.

Next: 2026-22814, Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of a Renewed Approval of Information Collection(s): Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Programs (ICR 2105-0529)

The Department of Transportation wants to keep collecting info about drug and alcohol tests in transportation jobs to keep everyone safe. They’re asking for public feedback by January 8, 2027, before renewing this paperwork. This affects transportation workers and companies, but no big changes or costs are expected—just a smooth continuation of safety checks.