Government Ethics Form Gets Minor Update for Snoops
Published Date: 3/6/2026
Notice
Summary
The Office of Government Ethics wants to update and extend the OGE Form 201, which people use to request ethics documents from the executive branch. This change affects anyone asking for these public financial reports and aims to keep the process smooth for the next three years. Comments on the update are open until April 6, 2026, with no new costs expected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Translated Online Forms Removed
The Office of Government Ethics proposes to remove the Arabic, Chinese, French, and Spanish online versions of OGE Form 201 because it lacks resources to update them. If you normally use one of those translated online applications, you may no longer be able to submit the form online in that language.
Records Retention Notice Added
The proposed PDF form adds language informing requesters that documents are generally retained for 6 to 7 years under Federal law, so older documents you request may not be available. If you need records older than 6 to 7 years, they may not exist.
Form Changed to Cut Responses
OGE proposes combining some questions (for example, sections 1a and 6, and sections 5 and 5a) and adding clarifying language so you answer fewer questions and understand why information is requested. The form will also mark the telephone number as "optional" and simplify numbering to improve the user experience.
Estimated Time Burden Per Request
OGE estimates 12,461 respondents will each take about 10 minutes to complete OGE Form 201, for an estimated total annual burden of 2,077 hours. This is the agency's estimate of how much time requesters will spend filling out the form each year.
No New Costs Expected
OGE states the proposed modifications and three-year extension of OGE Form 201 are expected to impose no new costs on requesters. The agency invites comments on the accuracy of its burden estimate by April 6, 2026.
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Key Dates
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