Federal Register

Definition

The Federal Register is a daily publication of the U.S. government that provides a comprehensive record of government agency activities, including proposed rules, final rules, notices, and executive orders. It serves as an essential resource for understanding the regulatory landscape, as it allows the public to stay informed about changes in federal regulations and to participate in the rulemaking process.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Federal Register was first published on March 14, 1936, as a means to promote transparency and accountability in government.
2. It contains significant documents including notices of proposed rulemaking and comments from the public, which can influence final regulations.
3. Each issue of the Federal Register is assigned a unique number and consists of four sections: Presidential Documents, Rules and Regulations, Proposed Rules, and Notices.
4. The Federal Register is accessible online and has become an essential tool for legal research, allowing researchers to track regulatory developments efficiently.
5. Agencies are required to publish their proposed rules in the Federal Register at least 30 days before they take effect, giving stakeholders time to respond.

Review Questions

• How does the Federal Register facilitate public participation in the rulemaking process?
  • The Federal Register facilitates public participation by publishing Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRMs), which inform citizens about proposed changes to regulations. This publication allows individuals and organizations to review proposals and submit comments or feedback. By requiring agencies to consider public input before finalizing rules, the Federal Register ensures that the regulatory process is transparent and democratic.
• Discuss the relationship between the Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
  • The Federal Register and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) are closely related in that the Federal Register serves as the primary source for all new rules and amendments that are eventually codified in the CFR. Once a rule is finalized after public comment and review in the Federal Register, it is then organized by subject matter into the CFR. This ensures that federal regulations are systematically arranged for easy access and reference by the public.
• Evaluate how changes in the publication frequency or format of the Federal Register could impact regulatory transparency and public engagement.
  • Changes in the publication frequency or format of the Federal Register could significantly impact regulatory transparency and public engagement by either enhancing or hindering access to vital government information. For instance, if publications were less frequent, stakeholders might miss important updates or proposed regulations, leading to decreased public involvement. Conversely, an improved digital format could streamline access to information, allowing for better tracking of regulations and encouraging more robust public commentary. Such changes would ultimately influence how effectively citizens can engage with their government on regulatory issues.

Related terms

Administrative Procedure Act:

A federal statute that governs the way administrative agencies of the federal government may propose and establish regulations, providing a framework for public participation in the rulemaking process.

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM): A public notice issued by an agency when it intends to create, amend, or repeal a regulation, providing interested parties an opportunity to comment before the final rule is established.

Code of Federal Regulations (CFR): The codification of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the executive departments and agencies of the federal government, organized by subject matter.