Public Comments on Proposed Federal Rules
Here's a look at public comments on proposed Federal Register rules
Featured Stories
NEA Urges Retention of Key Data Collection on Disproportionality
Carter Struck
WASHINGTON, Oct. 15 -- Daaiyah Bilal-Threats, senior director at the National Education Association Education Policy and Implementation Center, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing concern over proposed changes to the Annual State Application Under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) published on Aug. 22, 2025. The organization advocates for the continuation of the significant disproportionality data collection, which is crucial for identifying inequities in special education services.
In its letter, the NEA emphasizes the
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 15 -- Daaiyah Bilal-Threats, senior director at the National Education Association Education Policy and Implementation Center, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education expressing concern over proposed changes to the Annual State Application Under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) published on Aug. 22, 2025. The organization advocates for the continuation of the significant disproportionality data collection, which is crucial for identifying inequities in special education services.
In its letter, the NEA emphasizes theimportance of data transparency for educators and administrators who currently rely on accessible data to ensure equitable access to services for the 7.5 million students with disabilities across the country. The organization points out that while state requirements to collect data will persist, the proposed removal of the central repository undermines the ability of educators and stakeholders to access critical information.
The NEA highlights the necessity of consistent and publicly available data for identifying patterns of disproportionality that may reflect bias or inequity in educational practices. Without this important data, teachers, education support professionals, and specialized instructional support personnel will lack the resources needed to recognize when student groups face misidentification or inappropriate discipline. The absence of a central data collection system could lead to inconsistent monitoring and enforcement among states.
Furthermore, the letter outlines how disaggregated data plays an essential role in informing instruction and professional development. The ability to analyze data trends enables educators to adjust their instructional methods based on student needs, ensuring more effective teaching strategies and outcomes. The NEA asserts that the preservation of this data collection is vital for creating longitudinal datasets that inform educational practice and policy.
According to the NEA, transparency is paramount in fostering public trust and accountability in how states meet their obligations to students with disabilities. The organization asserts that without the data collection mandated under IDEA Section 618(d), there will be diminished visibility into how students with disabilities are served, potentially eroding confidence in accountability measures and limiting advocacy for necessary systemic improvements.
Given the longstanding racial and ethnic disparities in special education, the NEA is committed to challenging these issues and advancing equity for all students. The organization urges the Department of Education to maintain the Significant Disproportionality data collection requirements to empower educators and ensure every student receives the fair and appropriate education they are entitled to. Failure to uphold this critical data collection could have detrimental effects on students relying on the protections established by IDEA.
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Read full text of letter here: https://www.regulations.gov/comment/ED-2025-SCC-0481-0031
Meridian Community College President Opposes Federal Admissions Survey Due To Open Access Model
By Lin Andre Vitin
WASHINGTON, Oct. 15 -- Thomas M. Huebner Jr., president of Meridian Community College, Mississippi, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging the agency not to apply the proposed Admissions and Consumer Transparency Supplement (ACTS) survey to community colleges. The president stated that imposing the requirements on open-access institutions would divert limited resources away from students and toward data collection that serves no practical purpose.
The letter was submitted in response to the department's August 15, 2025 notice regarding the survey, which
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 15 -- Thomas M. Huebner Jr., president of Meridian Community College, Mississippi, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging the agency not to apply the proposed Admissions and Consumer Transparency Supplement (ACTS) survey to community colleges. The president stated that imposing the requirements on open-access institutions would divert limited resources away from students and toward data collection that serves no practical purpose.
The letter was submitted in response to the department's August 15, 2025 notice regarding the survey, whichthe president characterized as designed for institutions with selective admissions and complex financial aid structures--neither of which applies to the college. Meridian Community College serves nearly 3,000 students and maintains an open-enrollment policy.
The college president confirmed that the institution is not at risk of non-compliance with federal antidiscrimination law. The individual noted that the college's scholarships are merit-based and race- and gender-neutral. Furthermore, for programs with selective admissions, the processes are systematic and blind. The college does not engineer classes to meet demographic targets.
The letter detailed that the college does not collect high school GPAs or standardized test scores, nor does it use early decision or gather detailed financial information on students or their families for admissions or aid decisions. The college's president stated that asking the school to report data it doesn't use is unreasonable and counterproductive.
The educational leader pointed to the college's record of success, noting that its largest program, nursing, recently achieved a first-write pass rate of nearly 99%. The institution has also been recognized multiple times as a Great College to Work For and a Military Friendly School.
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Read full text of letter here: https://www.regulations.gov/comment/ED-2025-SCC-0382-2316
Hot Air Balloon Pilot Warns DOT, Proposed Drone Right-of-Way Rule Endangers Safety
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 15 -- Keely Mahony, a hot balloon pilot, commercial ride operator and repairman, and owner of Black Hills Balloons, Custer, South Dakota, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation expressing concerns regarding a proposed rule that could affect balloon operations in the National Airspace System. The writer argues that the regulation limiting balloons' right of way over unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) lacks viable solutions and overlooks critical safety issues.
The proposed rule requires balloons to be equipped with technology that allows UAS
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 15 -- Keely Mahony, a hot balloon pilot, commercial ride operator and repairman, and owner of Black Hills Balloons, Custer, South Dakota, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation expressing concerns regarding a proposed rule that could affect balloon operations in the National Airspace System. The writer argues that the regulation limiting balloons' right of way over unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) lacks viable solutions and overlooks critical safety issues.
The proposed rule requires balloons to be equipped with technology that allows UASto autonomously detect and avoid them. However, the writer raises doubts, stating that no such tested or available device currently exists that meets the standards of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This requirement, they claim, creates an untenable "Catch-22" situation, endangering safety under current operating protocols for manned aircraft below 400 feet.
Concerns extend to the qualifications of UAS operators, as the proposed rule permits delivery companies to operate without adequate training or certification. The comment suggests that UAS operators may not possess proper situational awareness, which is vital for avoiding manned aircraft. The letter emphasizes that delegating safety responsibilities to unproven autonomous systems increases the risk of accidents involving balloons and other aircraft.
Additionally, the writer notes that the proposed UAS detection regulations are limited to certain airspace categories, failing to provide comprehensive monitoring for balloons in uncontrolled airspace. This oversight could permit UAS to operate without recognizing the presence of manned aircraft, further raising safety alarm bells.
The public comment letter highlights a significant consensus among various aviation stakeholders opposing the rule, including organizations like the Balloon Federation of America, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, and National Air Transportation Association. These groups collectively warn that the regulation, as currently structured, jeopardizes the safety of manned aircraft operating below 400 feet-a critical area for many aviation activities.
The letter advocates for the FAA to either withdraw the proposed regulation or engage in substantial revisions, urging that mandates for equipment be based on technology that is not only available but also rigorously tested and certified. The writer contends that ensuring the safety of manned aviation must remain a priority, with UAS operators held accountable for avoiding conflicts with traditional aircraft.
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The letter was signed by:
Keely Mahony
Black Hills Balloons/ Prairie Sky Repair
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Read full text of letter here: https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FAA-2025-1908-3123
Greenville Technical College Urges Rejection of New Federal Reporting Requirement
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 15 -- Greenville Technical College (GTC), South Carolina, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education in response to a proposed survey called the "Admissions and Consumer Transparency Supplement" (ACTS). The college, which has been serving 25,000 students annually since its establishment in 1962, expressed concerns over the survey's applicability to community colleges and its impact on educational resources.
In the letter, GTC noted that the proposed reporting framework is overly complex and designed for institutions with different admissions policies
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 15 -- Greenville Technical College (GTC), South Carolina, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education in response to a proposed survey called the "Admissions and Consumer Transparency Supplement" (ACTS). The college, which has been serving 25,000 students annually since its establishment in 1962, expressed concerns over the survey's applicability to community colleges and its impact on educational resources.
In the letter, GTC noted that the proposed reporting framework is overly complex and designed for institutions with different admissions policiesthan open-access colleges. The president of the college emphasized that community colleges do not collect significant amounts of the data that the ACTS would require, such as high school grades or standardized test scores for the majority of their students. Thus, the institution believes the imposition of the ACTS would divert critical resources away from student support.
GTC highlighted its commitment to transforming lives through accessible education, providing nearly 100 academic programs in various fields including health care, business, and culinary arts. The college boasts recognition for excellence in online education and prioritizes preparing its students for in-demand careers through strong industry partnerships.
The letter raised concerns that the Department of Education might misinterpret the risk of non-compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws among open-enrollment institutions, stating unequivocally that community colleges operate within legal frameworks that support equitable opportunities for all students. GTC urged the agency to reconsider the necessity of the ACTS, emphasizing the unique operational structure of community colleges which focus on accessibility and inclusivity rather than selective admissions practices.
In addition, the college pointed out the lack of clarity regarding the survey instrument itself, making it difficult to estimate the resources needed for compliance. The president expressed that much of the information called for by the proposed survey simply isn't gathered at community colleges, underlining the impracticality of the initiative.
GTC, alongside other community colleges, remains willing to adhere to relevant laws and regulations but maintains that the ACTS is not required to fulfill that obligation. The institution's position highlights a growing concern among educational organizations regarding the potential burden of federal reporting requirements on their operations and the resources needed to best serve students.
The public comment letter reflects a significant stance by Greenville Technical College, advocating for an educational environment that prioritizes student success without unnecessary federal oversight.
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Read full text of letter here: https://www.regulations.gov/comment/ED-2025-SCC-0382-2829
ETS Raises Concerns Over DHS Proposed Rule for International Students
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 15 -- The Educational Testing Service (ETS), Princeton, New Jersey, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regarding a proposed regulatory change that would eliminate the current "duration of status" framework for F-1 academic students and J-1 exchange visitors. This proposed rule aims to establish a fixed period of admission for these students, which could potentially hinder international student mobility and diminish the United States' appeal as a top destination for education and research collaboration.
ETS, a global leader in educational
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 15 -- The Educational Testing Service (ETS), Princeton, New Jersey, has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regarding a proposed regulatory change that would eliminate the current "duration of status" framework for F-1 academic students and J-1 exchange visitors. This proposed rule aims to establish a fixed period of admission for these students, which could potentially hinder international student mobility and diminish the United States' appeal as a top destination for education and research collaboration.
ETS, a global leader in educationalmeasurement and talent development, highlighted several key concerns associated with the new regulations. Primarily, the organization warned that the proposed changes could create unnecessary layers of administrative complexity and procedural uncertainty for both students and educational institutions. The document outlined that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) currently employs the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to monitor international students and ensure compliance. The introduction of a fixed admission timeline could disrupt students' academic journeys, particularly those in advanced degree programs where the duration often exceeds four years.
Additionally, ETS observed that the introduction of strict timelines could undermine the competitiveness of U.S. higher education, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The organization expressed concern that potential enrollment declines could negatively impact institutional revenue and diminish cross-border academic collaboration. This change might hinder the U.S.'s ability to cultivate a robust talent pipeline essential for maintaining economic growth and leadership in innovation.
The proposed rule also raises issues regarding academic flexibility and program integrity. ETS indicated that the new regulations do not account for legitimate academic situations such as curriculum modifications and research extensions, which are integral to the academic lifecycle. The rigidity of the proposed timelines could lead students to make premature decisions about their education, prioritizing immigration concerns over academic merit.
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Read full text of letter here: https://www.regulations.gov/comment/ICEB-2025-0001-19968
College Of DuPage Opposes Proposed Reporting Requirements For Community Colleges
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 15 -- The College of DuPage, a community college in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding concerns over a proposed new survey known as the "Admissions and Consumer Transparency Supplement" (ACTS). The letter highlights potential implications for community colleges, particularly in relation to compliance with federal antidiscrimination law.
In its notice posted in the Federal Register on August 15, 2025, the Department of Education sought input on whether open-enrollment institutions like community colleges face
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 15 -- The College of DuPage, a community college in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education regarding concerns over a proposed new survey known as the "Admissions and Consumer Transparency Supplement" (ACTS). The letter highlights potential implications for community colleges, particularly in relation to compliance with federal antidiscrimination law.
In its notice posted in the Federal Register on August 15, 2025, the Department of Education sought input on whether open-enrollment institutions like community colleges facerisks in adhering to legal requirements. The College of DuPage, which serves nearly 30,000 students by offering over 250 degree and certificate programs, expressed strong objections to the proposed reporting mandates tied to financial aid and scholarship processes.
According to the institution, community colleges traditionally do not employ selective admissions strategies based on demographics. The College of DuPage maintains that it is unwaveringly committed to principles of access, affordability, and equity. The organization emphasized that its approach to awarding financial aid and scholarships is grounded in objective criteria-such as academic achievement, financial need, and donor requirements-without regard to race or any legally protected characteristics.
The institution voiced concerns that the intricate and costly reporting framework associated with the ACTS would be ill-suited for open-access colleges. The College of DuPage stated that the potential pressures of implementing such burdensome requirements would divert valuable institutional resources, ultimately serving no significant purpose in the realm of compliance or operational effectiveness.
The letter outlined several key points: first, community colleges operate with an open-enrollment philosophy and do not engage in selective admissions; second, these institutions already comply with regulations that govern the equitable allocation of financial aid without considering race or other protected categories; and finally, the proposed measures are seen as unnecessary and redundant due to existing regulatory frameworks.
Consequently, the College of DuPage has urged the Department of Education to consider exempting community colleges from the proposed ACTS reporting requirements. The institution believes that such an exemption would help preserve resources and continue to focus on its mission of providing accessible education to a diverse student population.
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Read full text of letter here: https://www.regulations.gov/comment/ED-2025-SCC-0382-2838
Bot Auto Calls for Research-Based Evaluation Framework for Autonomous Freight Transportation
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 15 -- Bot Auto, Houston, Texas, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation, advocating for innovative research methodologies to enhance safety evaluation in autonomous freight transportation. The company emphasizes the necessity of establishing robust, evidence-based methods for validating the safety of automated trucking systems, which it views as crucial for gaining public trust.
In its submission, Bot Auto acknowledges the limitations of current field testing methods, which cannot provide the scale or consistency required to assess rare but
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 15 -- Bot Auto, Houston, Texas, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation, advocating for innovative research methodologies to enhance safety evaluation in autonomous freight transportation. The company emphasizes the necessity of establishing robust, evidence-based methods for validating the safety of automated trucking systems, which it views as crucial for gaining public trust.
In its submission, Bot Auto acknowledges the limitations of current field testing methods, which cannot provide the scale or consistency required to assess rare butcritical safety scenarios. The organization proposes the integration of Naturalistic Driving Environments (NDE) and Naturalistic and Adversarial Driving Environments (NADE) as advanced research methodologies. These frameworks would allow for testing under both typical and extreme conditions, significantly improving the understanding of automated systems' behavior in diverse driving situations.
Bot Auto has partnered with the University of Michigan to leverage TeraSim, a closed-loop simulation platform designed for safety research in autonomous vehicles. By using this platform, Bot Auto believes it can simulate real-world driving conditions to test perception, planning, and control of autonomous trucks. The company argues that simulation can not only complement road testing but also serve as a foundational element for developing a transparent and reproducible safety evaluation protocol at the national level.
The letter highlights the importance of standardized metrics for evaluating automated truck safety, noting that current reporting practices often rely on incomplete measures such as disengagement counts. Bot Auto argues for the implementation of a comprehensive national rulebook that outlines required safety metrics and rigorous evaluation standards. Such measures would enhance accountability and ensure that safety evaluations are consistent across various operators in the autonomous freight sector.
Moreover, Bot Auto stresses the need for the development of interoperable data standards to facilitate transparency among regulators, industry stakeholders, and the public. By ensuring that safety data is shared in machine-readable formats, the organization contends that clearer insights into the safety performance of automated vehicles can be achieved.
Bot Auto's commitment to advancing a research-driven approach reflects its vision of creating a safer, more efficient autonomous freight transportation system. The organization anticipates further collaboration with regulatory bodies, academia, and industry partners to establish essential frameworks that support the safe deployment of automated trucking nationwide.
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Read full text of letter here: https://www.regulations.gov/comment/DOT-OST-2025-1029-0009
AIMA Calls for Delayed Implementation of Anti-Money Laundering Requirements
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 15 -- The Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA) has submitted a public comment letter to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) expressing support for a proposed two-year delay in the implementation of Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) requirements. This proposal aims to address the concerns of registered investment advisers (RIAs) and exempt reporting advisers (ERAs) regarding the legal uncertainties surrounding these new regulations.
AIMA's letter highlights that the current timeline for implementing these requirements
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 15 -- The Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA) has submitted a public comment letter to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) expressing support for a proposed two-year delay in the implementation of Anti-Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) requirements. This proposal aims to address the concerns of registered investment advisers (RIAs) and exempt reporting advisers (ERAs) regarding the legal uncertainties surrounding these new regulations.
AIMA's letter highlights that the current timeline for implementing these requirementscreates challenges for its members, who would need to adjust their operational frameworks without the clarity of finalized regulations. The organization's members consist of a diverse array of firms managing substantial assets, and they contend that the proposed delay would provide much-needed certainty for compliance.
The letter draws attention to the potential complications that could arise from the existing two-track consultation process, where firms may be burdened with having to comply with disparate regulatory timelines. According to AIMA, having both the AML/CFT and customer identification program rules take effect concurrently would alleviate unnecessary operational strain, ultimately enhancing compliance efforts across the industry.
While FinCEN plans a broader review of the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) rules, AIMA emphasizes that it is crucial for all regulations impacting investment advisers to be aligned in timing to prevent further compliance ambiguity. The association argues that this would enable RIAs and ERAs to implement necessary changes based on comprehensive guidance instead of sporadic adaptations.
In the letter, AIMA also appreciates ongoing communication with FinCEN and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), describing their engagement as constructive. Their request for a delay aligns with the overarching goal of upholding high standards of anti-money laundering and countering terrorist financing measures as recognized globally.
AIMA underscores its commitment to ensuring the alternative investment industry adheres to best practices while navigating the complexities of regulatory compliance. The association believes that aligning the effective dates for the AML/CFT requirements with a finalized customer identification program would promote stability and effectiveness within the financial system.
With the proposed implementation date for the AML requirements approaching, AIMA's reaction to the proposed delay highlights the need for the agency to facilitate a coherent and synchronized regulatory environment. The fulfillment of the request could play a pivotal role in shaping compliance strategies for investment advisers nationwide.
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Read full text of letter here: https://www.regulations.gov/comment/FINCEN-2025-0072-0012
