Interim Final and Direct Final Rules: The Fast Track | Rulemaking 101

🆕 Updated version of this episode: https://youtu.be/LIpoeXO8yHY 🌐 Federal rules open for comment, updated daily: https://fedregintel.com 🦋 Daily updates on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/fedregintel.com 𝕏 Follow on X: https://x.com/FedRegIntel Some federal rules skip the usual wait for comments and take effect right away, or on a set date unless people object. This episode uses a real HHS rule on health insurance agents and brokers, a USDA rule on local food buying, and a CPSC withdrawal to show how these fast-track rules work and how you can still weigh in. ⏱ CHAPTERS 0:00 Introduction 0:28 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B): The Good Cause Exception 1:18 HHS Interim Final Rule: Agent and Broker Moratorium 2:28 5 U.S.C. 553(d)(3): Skipping the 30-Day Wait 3:16 USDA Direct Final Rule: Effective Unless You Object 4:24 CPSC Withdraws a Direct Final Rule 5:27 Join the community & take part 🗳 HAVE YOUR SAY: these are open for public comment. Agencies must consider relevant public comments, so your input counts. • Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Temporary Moratoria on Certain Agent and Broker Registration To Participate in the Exchanges (Interim final rule with comment period), comments due November 21, 2026 Comment: https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/CMS-2026-3202-0002 • Simplified Geographic Preference Procurement in Child Nutrition Programs (Direct final rule), comments due October 9, 2026 Comment: https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/FNA-2026-0364-0001 📘 THE BOOK: How to Comment on Federal Rules, by J.D. Scruggs A plain-English, step-by-step guide to finding rules open for comment and writing a comment agencies have to consider. Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HP8V1ZFG 📄 PRIMARY SOURCES 1. 5 U.S. Code § 553 - Rule making (U.S. Code, 5 U.S.C. 553) https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/5/553 2. Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act; Temporary Moratoria on Certain Agent and Broker Registration To Participate in the Exchanges (Interim final rule with comment period, 91 FR 60317) https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/23/2026-19493/patient-protection-and-affordable-care-act-temporary-moratoria-on-certain-agent-and-broker 3. Simplified Geographic Preference Procurement in Child Nutrition Programs (Direct final rule, 91 FR 57245) https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/09/2026-18337/simplified-geographic-preference-procurement-in-child-nutrition-programs 4. Revocation of Obsolete Rules Regarding Infant Bouncer Seats and Stationary Activity Centers (Withdrawal of direct final rule, 91 FR 58817) https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/17/2026-19065/revocation-of-obsolete-rules-regarding-infant-bouncer-seats-and-stationary-activity-centers 💬 JOIN THE COMMUNITY Have you ever spotted a rule that took effect before you got the chance to comment on it? Tell us in the comments, and keep it respectful: people from every point of view are welcome here. 🔔 Subscribe for a Federal Register briefing every weekday plus Rulemaking 101 explainers, and share this with anyone it could help. This video uses an AI-generated presenter and synthetic narration. It is an informational summary, not legal advice. Always check the official document on federalregister.gov before relying on it.