Labor Dept. Trims Rules to Boost Fair Trade Training Access

2026-06270 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; Job Corps Health Questionnaire

The Department of Labor wants to keep using the Job Corps Health Questionnaire to learn about applicants’ medical needs. They’re asking for your thoughts on this paperwork by June 1, 2026, aiming to keep things simple and clear without extra hassle. This helps make sure Job Corps can support students’ health while keeping paperwork light and easy.

2026-06324 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; Student Experience Assessment (SEA) of Job Corps Centers

The Department of Labor wants to keep collecting feedback from Job Corps students to make their centers better. They’re asking for your thoughts on this plan by June 1, 2026, to keep paperwork light and easy. This helps ensure students’ voices are heard without wasting time or money.

2026-05683 — Agency Information Collection Activities for Application for Prevailing Wage Determination; Comment Request

The Department of Labor wants to keep using its forms for employers to request wage info for foreign workers, but they’re asking for your thoughts before extending the approval. No changes to the forms, so no new costs or hassles, just a chance to speak up by May 26, 2026. This helps keep paperwork easy and clear for businesses hiring workers from other countries.

2026-05700 — Revised Schedule of Remuneration for the Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Servicemembers (UCX) Program That Reflects the Military Pay Increase Effective

Starting January 1, 2026, military veterans filing for unemployment benefits under the UCX program will see updated pay rates that match the new military pay raise. This change helps states calculate benefits more accurately when official military discharge papers aren’t available. If you’re an ex-servicemember filing a first claim after this date, your benefits could reflect these higher pay rates!

2026-05204 — Agency Information Collection Activities for H-2B Foreign Labor Certification Program; Comment Request

The Department of Labor wants to update and renew the forms used in the H-2B Foreign Labor Certification Program, which helps employers hire temporary non-agricultural workers from other countries. They plan to get rid of one form that’s no longer needed to make things easier and reduce paperwork. Employers and the public can send their thoughts by May 18, 2026, so changes can be smooth and less costly.

2025-14510 — Temporary Suspension of H-2A Certification Fees

Starting September 2, 2025, the Department of Labor is pausing H-2A certification fees to switch from paper checks to electronic payments. Employers applying for H-2A temporary work visas won’t have to pay fees during this break, but any bills sent before the pause still need to be paid on time. This change makes paying easier and more modern, with updates coming later on when fees start again.

Previous: 2025-12316 — Application of the Fair Labor Standards Act to Domestic Service

If you hire home helpers like caregivers or housekeepers, this update matters! The government wants to bring back old rules that let some helpers skip overtime and minimum wage rules, making care more affordable. These changes could start soon, helping families and workers find a fair balance without extra costs.

Next: 2025-12347 — Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Calendar Year 2026 Home Health Prospective Payment System (HH PPS) Rate Update; Requirements for the HH Quality Reporting Program and the HH Value-Based Purchasing Expanded Model; Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program Updates; DMEPOS Accreditation Requirements; Provider Enrollment; and Other Medicare and Medicaid Policies

Starting in 2026, Medicare is updating how it pays for home health care and durable medical equipment, making sure payments match patient needs better. Home health agencies, equipment suppliers, and providers will see changes in payment rates, quality reporting, and enrollment rules that could affect their money and operations. These updates aim to improve care quality and keep the system fair and efficient.