Commerce Streamlines Lobbying Rules by Cutting Old Provisions

You might care about this because the Department of Commerce is making its rules about lobbying simpler. They are updating a set of regulations known as 15 CFR Part 28. These rules deal with how federal funds are used for lobbying related to government contracts, grants, and loans. The Department is getting rid of two sections that repeat what is already in the law. These are sections 28.405 and 28.410. They are also removing two reporting requirements that are no longer needed or required by law. These are sections 28.600 and 28.605, which are part of Subpart F. The main goal is to remove unnecessary parts of the rules. This will make things clearer and help the Department work more efficiently. It will also make sure the rules match the current legal requirements. This change is effective on May 18, 2026. What makes this update interesting is that it shows how government agencies are trying to keep their rulebooks tidy. The Commerce Department is actively looking for ways to cut down on unnecessary paperwork and rules. By removing old or repeated rules, they are trying to make things less confusing for everyone who has to follow them. This also helps government operations run more smoothly. The Department had asked for public feedback on these changes. They received no comments, which suggests that the proposed updates were generally well-received or seen as non-controversial. The government also considers this a deregulatory action. This means it is part of an effort to reduce the burden of regulations. These steps help ensure that rules are current and serve their intended purpose without creating extra obstacles. People who work with federal contracts, grants, or loans will find this document most relevant. This includes businesses and organizations that receive money from the federal government. Compliance officers at these organizations should pay attention to these updates. Lawyers who specialize in government contracts and administrative law will also find this information important. Anyone interested in government transparency and efficiency might also want to look at this. This rule change affects how lobbying activities are reported or certified when they are connected to federal awards. If you are involved in any way with federal funding and lobbying, these updates could affect your paperwork and understanding of the rules.