HHS Cuts Red Tape for Native American Aid Programs
Published Date: 3/27/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Department of Health and Human Services is making rules simpler for Native American programs by cutting out old, confusing regulations. This change helps Native communities get support faster and with less hassle. People can share their thoughts on these updates until April 27, 2026, and the new rules aim to save time and money for everyone involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Cuts red tape for Native programs
The rule would remove unnecessary and obsolete parts of 45 CFR part 1336 so Native communities, Tribal lead agencies, States, and Territories can get grant support with less hassle. The preamble says the change is intended to save time and money for everyone involved and to help communities get support faster.
Application rules moved into NOFOs
HHS proposes to remove regulatory language that specifies eligibility, application submission requirements, work plans, grant length, and ineligible activities, and instead rely on Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) or grant terms for those details. The agency says this will let grantees and applicants find application-specific information in NOFOs rather than the Code of Federal Regulations.
Removes Native Hawaiian loan fund rules
The proposal would remove sections 1336.60 through 1336.77 that governed the Native Hawaiian Revolving Loan Fund because the fund's appropriations ended in FY2021 and the demonstration project period has ended. The agency says those sections are outdated and serve no current purpose.
No new paperwork requirements
The proposed rule states it does not contain any information collection requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act and therefore will not create new paperwork burdens or change existing OMB-approved collections.
Agency: small entities not significantly affected
Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, HHS proposes to certify that repealing obsolete and unnecessary language would not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-06130 — Proposed Reallotment of Fiscal Year 2025 Funds for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
The government is planning to shuffle around leftover energy help money from 2025 to states, tribes, and territories that got new funds for 2026. This means about $3.18 million will be reallocated to make sure no funds go to waste. If you’re part of these groups, keep an eye out and get ready to comment by April 30, 2026!
2026-05997 — Reducing Bureaucracy and Burden for Human Services and Emergency Response Programs-Repatriation Program
The Department of Health and Human Services wants to simplify rules for helping U.S. citizens, including those with mental health needs, who come back from other countries. This change cuts out old, unnecessary steps to make the process faster and easier for everyone involved. People can share their thoughts on these updates by April 27, 2026, with no new costs expected.
2026-05954 — Submission for Office of Management and Budget Review; Administration for Children and Families Congressionally Directed Community Projects-Uniform Project Description
The Administration for Children and Families is updating and extending a form that helps track community projects funded by Congress. These changes make the application easier and faster to complete, cutting down on paperwork for groups receiving money. If you’re involved in these projects, get ready to use the new form starting soon, and don’t forget to share your thoughts by April 27, 2026!
2026-05938 — Proposed Information Collection Activity; Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Pilot Evaluation
The government wants to test new ways to help families get Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) by picking up to five states for a special pilot program. They’ll collect info from staff and participants to see what works best and share results with Congress by 2027. If you work with TANF or live in a pilot state, you might see some new surveys and interviews starting soon!
2026-05855 — Submission for OMB Review; Annual Report on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Programs and State Maintenance-of-Effort Programs-ACF-204 (Annual TANF and MOE Report)
The government is asking to keep collecting the Annual TANF and MOE Report for three more years to track how states help families in need. No big changes to the form, just updated instructions and workload estimates. States and territories will keep sharing info that helps Congress see how money is spent and how programs are working, with comments due by April 27, 2026.
2026-05484 — Notice for Public Comment on Administration for Native Americans' Program Policies and Procedures
The Administration for Native Americans (ANA) is asking for your thoughts on some updates to their funding rules for 2026. These changes mainly affect groups applying for grants that support Native American economic and tech projects. You’ve got until April 20, 2026, to share your feedback before the new rules take effect—so don’t miss out on shaping the future and funding!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-05977 — Perchloroethylene (PCE) and Carbon Tetrachloride (CTC); Regulation Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); Compliance Date Extensions
The EPA is giving businesses and federal agencies more time to follow safety rules for handling two chemicals, PCE and CTC. Non-federal owners and operators now have until mid-2027 or late 2027 to complete key safety steps like monitoring exposure and providing protective gear. This extension helps everyone get ready without rushing, potentially saving money and avoiding penalties.
Next: 2026-05997 — Reducing Bureaucracy and Burden for Human Services and Emergency Response Programs-Repatriation Program
The Department of Health and Human Services wants to simplify rules for helping U.S. citizens, including those with mental health needs, who come back from other countries. This change cuts out old, unnecessary steps to make the process faster and easier for everyone involved. People can share their thoughts on these updates by April 27, 2026, with no new costs expected.
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in