Learn how agencies publish proposed rules, where to find them, and how public comments can affect the final rule.
Learn how agencies propose new rules, where to find them, and how citizens can comment before rules become final.
Government works best when people can see how power is used and where decisions are made.
What proposed rules are
A proposed rule is an agency’s draft version of a regulation. Agencies publish proposed rules so the public can see what is being considered before the rule becomes final. Proposed rules usually explain the legal authority, the problem the agency is trying to address, the proposed regulatory text, deadlines, and instructions for submitting comments.
Where to find proposed rules
Most proposed federal rules are published in the Federal Register and listed on Regulations.gov. Individual agencies may also maintain rulemaking pages for major actions. If you know the agency, start with its rulemaking page. If you know the topic but not the agency, search Regulations.gov or the Federal Register.
How public comments work
A useful public comment identifies the docket, explains what part of the proposal you support or oppose, gives reasons, and includes facts, examples, costs, data, legal concerns, or lived experience that the agency should consider. Agencies must review relevant comments before issuing a final rule.
The rulemaking path
Congress passes a statute. The agency studies the issue and drafts a proposed rule. The proposal appears in the Federal Register. The public comments. The agency reviews the record, may revise the rule, and then publishes a final rule. Courts can later review whether the rule fits the law and the required process.
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