SBA to Take Public Testimony on Proposed Small-Business Size Standards
The SBA will hear testimony September 17 on proposed size-standard changes that could affect federal contracts, loans and small-business program eligibility.
Federal Regulation
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Federal regulators propose more flexible bank-fintech oversight
Four federal banking agencies proposed risk-based vendor oversight, but banks would remain responsible for payment disputes, fraud controls and access to funds.
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EEOC Proposes Ending Longstanding Workforce Demographic Reports
The EEOC wants to rescind workforce demographic reports used by employers and researchers, but the proposal is not final and anti-discrimination rights remain.
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SBA Proposal Could Add 114,541 Eligible Small Businesses
The SBA’s proposed size-standard overhaul could expand federal loan and contracting eligibility for 114,541 firms, but current rules remain in effect.
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USPTO proposes disclosure of parties behind patent reexamination requests
The USPTO wants third-party ex parte reexamination requests to identify all real parties in interest to the agency, while preserving possible public confidentiality.
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FAA launches initiative to streamline commercial space licensing
The Federal Aviation Administration says it is pursuing faster, easier approvals for rocket launches, spacecraft reentries and launch and reentry sites.
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OIRA schedules review of USDA proposal to repeal roadless-area conservation rule
A federal review meeting is scheduled for August 6, 2026, on the Agriculture Department’s proposed repeal of the Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The proposal remains under review and is not final.
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Federal preservation rules face a proposed rewrite
The preservation council advanced a proposed rewrite of federal review rules, but nothing changes yet as the draft undergoes OIRA review before public comments.
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Montana’s federal oil and gas lease sale advances as cleanup-bond debate continues
A July 14 BLM decision advanced a 66-parcel lease sale spanning Montana and North Dakota. A separate proposed rule would lower minimum bonds and change public participation, with comments due Aug. 24.
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Education Department Removes Title VI Disparate-Impact Rules
A new Education Department rule narrows when unequal school outcomes can support federal Title VI enforcement, while intentional discrimination remains prohibited.
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Education Department Removes Title VI Disparate-Impact Rules
A July 23 federal rule removes Title VI disparate-impact provisions for federally funded education programs while keeping protections against intentional discrimination.
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Labor, HHS, Treasury propose ‘excepted fertility benefits’—comments due July 13, 2026
United States Fresh Federal Documents and Draft Reports – Labor, HHS and Treasury propose ‘excepted fertility benefits,’ with a $120,000 cap. Comments due July 13, 2026.