DOL Seeks More Smiley-Face Feedback on Services

2026-05492 — Retirement Security Rule: Definition of an Investment Advice Fiduciary: Notice of Court Vacatur

The court has canceled the Department of Labor’s 2024 rule that changed who counts as a trusted investment advisor for retirement plans. Starting April 20, 2026, the old rules from 2020 will be back in charge, affecting financial advisors and retirement plan managers. This means advisors should review their practices to stay on the right side of the law and avoid costly mistakes.

2026-03962 — Employee or Independent Contractor Status Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, and Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act

The Department of Labor wants to update how we decide if someone is an employee or an independent contractor for three big laws: the Fair Labor Standards Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, and Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act. They’re bringing back a 2021 rule with some tweaks and applying it to all three laws. If you’re a worker or a business, this could change your rights and responsibilities, so get ready to share your thoughts by April 28, 2026!

2025-23626 — Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers Under Service Contracts; Rescission of Regulations

Starting December 22, 2025, the Department of Labor is canceling rules that protected workers from being replaced when service contracts change hands. This affects companies with federal service contracts and the workers they hire. The change means fewer job protections for these workers, following a presidential order to roll back previous rules.

2025-14281 — Pooled Employer Plans: Big Plans for Small Businesses

Small businesses get a big boost with new guidance on pooled employer plans (PEPs), which help them offer better, cheaper retirement savings options. The government is asking for feedback to create clear rules that make joining these plans easier and more affordable. Starting soon, these changes aim to save workers money and help small employers attract great employees.

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.

2026-06509 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Employee Benefit Plan Claims Procedure Under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act

The Department of Labor is asking for public feedback on how employee benefit plans handle claim denials and appeals under ERISA. This affects anyone with a retirement or health plan, ensuring they get clear, written reasons if their claim is denied and know how to appeal. Comments are open until May 4, 2026, with no new costs but a focus on keeping the process clear and fair.

Previous: 2026-05490 — 60-Day Notice of Intent To Seek Extension of Approval of Collection: Statutory Authority To Preserve Rail Service

The Surface Transportation Board wants to keep collecting info to help save rail service on tracks that might be abandoned. This affects shippers, communities, and railroads who rely on these lines. They’re asking for comments by May 19, 2026, and plan to keep the current process without changes—no extra costs or paperwork headaches expected!

Next: 2026-05495 — Large Diameter Graphite Electrodes From the People's Republic of China and India: Initiation of Less-Than-Fair-Value Investigations

The U.S. is starting investigations into whether large graphite electrodes from China and India are being sold unfairly cheap in America. This could lead to extra taxes on these imports to protect U.S. companies like Resonac Graphite America and Tokai Carbon GE. The process kicked off in March 2026, so businesses should watch for updates that might affect prices and trade.