ERISA Claims Get DOL Scrutiny: Fair Appeals for All?

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.

2026-06517 — Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards

Marfork Coal Company wants to change some safety rules at their Glen Alum Tunnel mine. They say their new plan will keep miners just as safe but might be easier or better to follow. If you have thoughts, speak up by May 4, 2026—this could affect how safety rules are applied and might save time or money.

Previous: 2026-06508 — Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Application From Joint Commission (JC) for Continued CMS-Approval of Its Home Health Agency (HHA) Accreditation Program

The Joint Commission wants to keep being approved to check home health agencies that work with Medicare and Medicaid. This means these agencies can keep getting help from these programs if they meet the rules. People have until May 4, 2026, to share their thoughts on this plan, but no money changes are expected right now.

Next: 2026-06510 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Prohibited Transaction Class Exemption 1992-6: Sale of Individual Life Insurance or Annuity Contracts by an Employee Benefit Plan

The Department of Labor is asking for public feedback on a rule that lets employee benefit plans sell life insurance or annuity contracts to plan members, their families, employers, or related trusts. Before selling to anyone but the insured participant, the plan must offer the contract to the participant first. Comments are open until May 4, 2026, and this helps keep the process clear and fair without adding extra costs.