Rulemaking is the term used when a federal government agency creates, modifies, or deletes rules published in the Code of Federal Regulations (also known as the CFR). Rules are government agency statements that either:
- Implement, explain or prescribe law or policy
- Describe an agency's organization, procedure, or practice requirements
Regulatory Reform Successes
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is taking meaningful steps to reduce regulatory, paperwork and reporting burdens on the America’s workers and job creators.
The Department has been a leader in the federal government in producing regulatory cost savings. During fiscal years 2017-2019, the Department of Labor delivered more than $11.3 billion in regulatory cost savings for America’s job creators and workers
In fiscal year 2019, the Department of Labor accomplished 11 deregulatory actions totaling $7.96 billion in regulatory cost savings – the second most among all federal agencies.
In fiscal year 2018, the Department of Labor accomplished 12 deregulatory actions totaling $3.28 billion in regulatory cost savings – the second most among all federal agencies.
Regulatory Agenda
On November 20, 2019, the Department's fall 2019 regulatory agenda was published. The regulatory agenda is a listing of all the regulations the Department of Labor expects to have under active consideration for promulgation, proposal, or review during the next 6- to 12-months.
Regulations Currently Open for Comment
As part of the rulemaking process, the American public has the opportunity to comment on proposed rules and other regulatory actions. See the Department’s list of regulations currently open for comment.
Rulemaking and Regulations Resources
Below are further resources that can help you find and understand the Department’s rulemaking activities and regulations:
- Federal Register Documents – Public regulations and legal notices issued by DOL agencies; includes the text of all proposed rules, final rules, and notices published in the Federal Register.
- DOL Procedures for Compliance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act and Executive Order 13272 – The purpose of the procedures is to help agencies understand and meet the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act and Executive Order 13272, Proper Consideration of Small Entities in Agency Rulemaking.
- Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) – Listing of current regulations pertaining to DOL programs organized by CFR chapter and responsible DOL agency.
- Employment Law Guide – The Employment Law Guide helps job creators and workers understand the requirements of major Department of Labor laws.
Executive Orders and Office of Management and Budget Guidance
- Executive Order 13777 - Enforcing the Regulatory Reform Agenda
- Executive Order 13771 - Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs
- Executive Order 13579 of July 11, 2011
- Executive Order 13563 - Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review
- Executive Order 13272 - Proper Consideration of Small Entities in Agency Rulemaking
- Executive Order 12866 - Regulatory Planning and Review
- Office of Information and Regulatory Affair's Memorandum on Reducing Reporting and Paperwork Burdens, June 2012 (PDF)