Government Information: Regulations
Federal Regulations - Introduction
A regulation is a "general statement," issued by an executive agency, that has the force and effect of law. Congress often grants agencies the authority to, and sometimes requires that agencies, issue regulations. Regulations are the means by which Federal agencies implement and enforce the laws and legislation passed by Congress. Federal regulations are created through a process known as "rulemaking." Regulations effect our everyday life!
Regulations are published in the Federal Register as they are passed. So, some regulations found older issues of the Federal Register are not currently enforced. The regulations currently in effect at any given time are codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, published annually.
Locating Federal Regulations
- Code of Federal Regulations - 1996-present - GovInfo Access - (online)The CFR is the codification of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the departments and agencies of the Federal Government.
- Federal Register -1960-Present - (online)The Federal Register is the official daily publication for rules, proposed rules, and notices of Federal agencies and organizations. Older issues of the Federal Register are interesting historical sources.
- Federal Register - TutorialFrom the National Archives, learn how to understand and use the Federal Register.
Participating in the Federal Regulatory Process
- RegInfo.govRegInfo.gov is a United States Government website produced by the Office of Management and Budget and the General Services Administration. Reginfo.gov provides reliable, transparent information about regulations under development to enable the public to participate effectively in the regulatory process.
- Regulations.govRegulations.gov is another source for accessing U.S. government regulations. On this site, you can: search for a proposed rule, final rule or Federal Register notice; comment on a regulation; subscribe to RSS feeds of newly posted Federal Register notices; and more!
- Regulation Room"Regulation Room is designed and operated by the Cornell e-Rulemaking Initiative and hosted by the Legal Information Institute. The site is a pilot project that provides an online environment for people and groups to learn about, discuss, and react to selected regulations proposed by federal agencies. It expands the types of public input available to agencies in the rulemaking process, while serving as a teaching and research platform."
"The Reg Map"
The Reg Map is a chart that gives an overview of the "informal rulemaking" process. It was created by ICF Consulting with the cooperation of the U.S. General Services Administration's Regulatory Information Service Center. It's a helpful guide for understanding the regulatory process!
Regulations.gov
This RSS feed from Regulations.gov lists newly posted Federal Regulations for all agencies.