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Tipoffs: Public Comments on Proposed Federal Rules Newsletter for 2026-02-18 ( 63 items )  
Advocacy for Clear Gluten Labeling Grows Amid Celiac Disease Awareness (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 -- A concerned individual has sent a public comment letter to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), advocating for clearer labeling of gluten content in food products. This appeal highlights the challenges faced by those suffering from celiac disease, a condition that affects the small intestine and is triggered by gluten-a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. In the letter, the advocate shares a personal journey spanning over two decades, marked by debilitating h more ST

Advocacy Groups Oppose HUD Proposal to Rescind Fair Housing Disparate Impact Standard (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- The Poverty & Race Research Action Council (PRRAC), along with the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law (LCCR) and the Washington Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs (WLC), have expressed their opposition in a public comment letter addressed to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In their letter, the civil rights groups argue that removing the Disparate Impact Rule would severely undermine efforts to address structural ine more ST

AGLP Voices Strong Opposition to Proposed Medicaid Rule on Gender-Affirming Care (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- AGLP: The Association of LGBTQ+ Psychiatrists has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services opposing the proposed prohibition on the use of funds for gender-affirming medical care for individuals under age 18. The organization asserts that the proposal undermines established medical standards, exacerbates health disparities and restricts access to necessary care for vulnerable youth. The association expressed strong concerns that th more ST

American Association for Justice Advocates for Proposed Amendments to Rule 41(a), Seek to Streamline Dismissal Processes (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- The American Association for Justice (AAJ) has submitted a public comment letter to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure advocating for proposed amendments to Rule 41(a) which governs the dismissal of actions or claims. AAJ believes that the amendments will enhance efficiency and predictability in the judicial process. AAJ emphasizes that the existing text of Rule 41(a), in effect since 1937, needs modernization due to  more ST

American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators Warns of Safety Risks In Alternative Compliance For Automated Vehicles (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation regarding the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's research on vehicles equipped with Automated Driving Systems (ADS). The organization emphasized the challenges presented by the alternative compliance methods that manufacturers may use, potentially compromising public safety. AAMVA highlighted the necessity for manufa more ST

American Board of Trial Advocates Urges Reconsideration Of Proposed Rule On Machine Generated Evidence (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- The American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) has submitted a public comment letter to the Judicial Conference of the U.S. Advisory Committee on Civil Rules outlining its concerns regarding the proposed Federal Rule of Evidence 707. The organization believes that the proposed rule requires further examination and should not be implemented as currently drafted. ABOTA asserts that the rule, which seeks to address issues surrounding the admissibility of machine-generated evi more ST

Ariz. Game & Fish Dept. Voices Concerns Over Proposed Regulation Changes (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- The Arizona Game and Fish Department has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service expressing feedback on the proposed rescission of regulations regarding public access, use and recreation for four National Wildlife Refuges. The agency outlines that the removal of specific federal regulations could inadvertently pose public safety risks, particularly concerning watercraft operations at Havasu National Wildlife Refuge. The Department appreciat more ST

Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association Urges NHTSA to Modernize Safety Standards (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- The Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association (AVIA) has submitted a public comment letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration expressing the need for the modernization of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards to better accommodate autonomous vehicle technologies. AVIA aims to facilitate a clearer regulatory framework that supports the broader deployment of AVs across the United States. In its letter, AVIA emphasized the importance of updating outdate more ST

Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz Backs Proposed Federal Rule Changes Expanding Subpoena Service Options and Clarifying Nationwide Authority (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz PLC submitted a public comment letter to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure urging amendments to Rules 45(b) and 45(c) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure to broaden permissible methods of serving subpoenas and to clarify nationwide subpoena authority. The letter emphasizes the challenges faced under the current rules, particularly the reliance on personal service that may not a more ST

Beasley Allen Law Firm Calls for Delay of Proposed Federal Rule of Evidence 707 on Machine-Generated Evidence (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 -- The Beasley Allen Law Firm has submitted a public comment letter to the Judicial Conference of the U.S. Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure regarding its proposed Federal Rule of Evidence 707 concerning machine-generated evidence. In the letter, the firm expresses concerns about the clarity and practicality of the proposed rule, suggesting it should be tabled for further consideration. The letter highlights the need for a comprehensive understanding of the techno more ST

Buchanan Marine Urges U.S. Coast Guard To Modify Proposed Anchorage Restrictions In Upper New York Bay (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 -- Buchanan Marine LP, Norfolk, Virginia, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Coast Guard regarding proposed restrictions on anchorage grounds. Buchanan Marine operates a fleet of 128 barges and five tugboats, emphasizing the necessity for uninterrupted access to its permitted moorings in Upper New York Bay. As detailed in the company's letter, Buchanan Marine manages an essential supply chain for construction aggregates, making 24/7 barge movements from quarri more ST

California Foundation for Independent Living Centers Urges HUD to Retain Disparate Impact Framework (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- The California Foundation for Independent Living Centers (CFILC) has issued a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development expressing concerns over the proposed rule regarding the implementation of the Fair Housing Act's disparate impact standard. In its letter, CFILC emphasized that access to safe, stable, affordable, and accessible housing is fundamentally linked to community integration, employment, health, and independence for individu more ST

Call For Enhanced Food Allergen Regulations Amid Rising Celiac Disease Cases (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- A recent public comment letter submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration highlights the urgent need for improved regulations surrounding food allergens, particularly in relation to Celiac Disease. The letter describes the challenges faced by families, detailing the life-altering impact of gluten intolerance on a young child recently diagnosed. The sender, emphasizing that gluten-free living is not merely a dietary choice but a necessity for those affected by Celi more ST

Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies Supports for Recertification of Prince William Sound Council (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 -- The Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Coast Guard expressing support for the recertification of the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council (PWSRCAC). The PWSRCAC, founded in the wake of the Exxon Valdez oil spill, has dedicated over three decades to ensuring the environmentally safe operation of the Alyeska terminal and its associated tankers. CACS highlighted the critical role that the PWSRCAC plays in  more ST

Center For Democracy & Technology Urges HUD to Maintain Discriminatory Effect Provisions (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 -- The Center for Democracy and Technology has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development regarding the proposed rule that seeks to amend regulations under the Fair Housing Act. This proposed rule aims to eliminate provisions concerning discriminatory effects within housing regulations. CDT's letter expresses strong opposition to HUD's plan to remove references to discriminatory effect and the burden-shifting framework tied to d more ST

Center on Budget & Policy Priorities Urges CMS to Withdraw Proposed Rule Limiting Care for Transgender Youth (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services opposing a proposed rule that would condition hospital participation in Medicare and Medicaid on limiting certain gender-affirming services for minors. The organization argued that the proposal exceeds statutory authority and would harm transgender youth by restricting access to medically necessary care.  more ST

Citizens' Council for Health Freedom Raises Concerns Over Proposed Health IT Regulation Changes (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 -- The Citizens' Council for Health Freedom submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology regarding proposed regulatory changes affecting health data and technology. The organization expressed support for the proposed rule while also highlighting concerns over reduced regulatory scrutiny. In their correspondence, CCHF noted that the proposed regulation marks a "decisi more ST

Civil Rights Organizations Call for Revision of Proposed Evidence Rule on AI-Generated Content (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- A coalition of civil liberties, civil rights and professional organizations has submitted a public comment letter to the Judicial Conference of the U.S. Advisory Committee on Rules urging to reevaluate its proposed Federal Rule of Evidence 707 concerning the admissibility of machine-generated evidence, including artificial intelligence (AI)-generated content. In their letter, the group emphasized the critical need for a rule that accurately assesses the reliability of AI- more ST

Coalition Advocates for Reform of Prior Conviction Impeachment Rules (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- The Coalition for Prior Conviction Impeachment Reform has submitted a public comment letter to the Judicial Conference of the U.S. Advisory Committee on the Rules of Evidence urging changes to Federal Rule of Evidence 609. The organization argues that current impeachment practices concerning prior convictions pose risks to the fairness of legal proceedings and advocates for amendments that prioritize truth-seeking and just determinations in the judicial process. In their  more ST

Coalition on Human Needs Urges HUD to Maintain Disparate Impact Standards (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- The Coalition on Human Needs submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development opposing proposed changes to the Disparate Impact Rule under the Fair Housing Act. The organization represents a broad alliance of national groups focused on advocating for the needs of low-income and vulnerable populations across the country. CHN emphasized the growing crisis of affordable housing and homelessness, stating that urgent action is essentia more ST

Colorado Consumer Health Initiative Urges Withdrawal of Proposed Medicaid Rules on Gender-Affirming Care (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- The Colorado Consumer Health Initiative has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services advocating for the withdrawal of proposed regulations that would prohibit federal funding for gender affirming procedures for minors. CCHI asserts that these proposed rules are discriminatory and lack scientific backing. The organization emphasizes that denying access to gender affirming care significantly harms transgender youth, noting the proven more ST

Committee on Criminal Law Calls for Amendments to Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- Edmond E. Chang, Chair of the Committee on Criminal Law of the Judicial Conference of the U.S., has submitted a series of recommendations to Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure aimed at refining the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. Drawing on his extensive professional credentials and his leadership role, the principal policy-making body for the federal court system, Chang is advocating for heightened protections regarding victim privacy. In a detailed letter more ST

CPAC Foundation Center For Regulatory Freedom Urges Improvements to Tip Reporting System (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- The CPAC Foundation Center for Regulatory Freedom has submitted a public comment letter to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency regarding the request for input on the "Emergency Revision of a Currently Approved Collection: Suspicious/Criminal Activity Tip Reporting" data collection system. The letter outlines concerns about current immigration enforcement dynamics and advocates for enhancements to the tip reporting mechanism, which it considers essential for effe more ST

Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund Opposes Changes to Fair Housing Act Standards (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- The Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development expressing opposition to proposed changes to the Fair Housing Act's disparate impact regulations. In the letter, DREDF argues that removing the existing discriminatory effects standard would undermine HUD's obligation to enforce fair housing laws effectively. Founded in 1979, DREDF is a prominent national organization that  more ST

Economic Impact of Cancelled Recreational Trips in Northwest Florida After Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- The public comment letter addressed to the U.S. Department of Justice highlights that approximately 1.88 million planned visitor trips to the affected areas were cancelled within a year of the incident, leading to a staggering loss of $1.30 billion in expected visitor spending. The analysis further forecasts total regional economic losses to be around $2.04 billion, with a significant impact on employment translating to a loss of over 20,000 job-years. The survey, which a more ST

Equitas Health Raises Concerns Over Proposed Medicaid Rule on Gender Affirming Care (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 -- Equitas Health, Columbus, Ohio, has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services expressing objections to a proposed rule that would prohibit federal funding for gender affirming care for children under Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The letter highlights the vital importance of these programs in providing access to life-saving health care for vulnerable populations. The proposed rule seeks to classify gender affirming m more ST

Gibson Consumer Legal Group Advocates for Amendments to Federal Rules (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- Gibson Consumer Legal Group LLC has submitted a public comment letter to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure expressing support for proposed changes to several Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The letter outlines how these amendments would enhance litigation efficiency and adaptability, particularly in complex cases involving multiple parties. The founder of Gibson Consumer Legal Group emphasized that the proposed ame more ST

Greater Boston Legal Services Opposes HUD's Move to Eliminate Disparate Impact Regulations (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development voicing opposition to the proposal to remove regulations addressing discriminatory effects under the Fair Housing Act. The organization argues that the elimination of these rules would undermine efforts to ensure fair housing opportunities and could lead to increased discrimination against marginalized groups. In their letter, GBLS asserts tha more ST

Greenberg Traurig Raises Concerns Over Proposed IRS Rules Affecting Foreign Government Investors (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- Greenberg Traurig LLP has submitted a public comment letter to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) expressing concerns regarding the proposed regulations which entail changes impacting foreign government investments. The firm highlights a "chilling effect" stemming from the previous proposal of a "Revenge Tax," which had threatened to eliminate tax benefits for specific foreign investors based on their countries of origin. In the letter, the organization underlines the int more ST

Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia Urges HUD to Preserve Disparate Impact Standards (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) opposing proposed changes to the Fair Housing Act's disparate impact standard. The proposed alterations threaten to undermine critical protections against discriminatory housing practices. In its letter, HOME described the current Disparate Impact Rule as an essential mechanism for addressing policies that, while ostensibly neutr more ST

Justice Department Opposes Proposed Federal Rule of Evidence 707, Warns of Unnecessary Costs and Litigation Complexity (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- The U.S. Department of Justice has conveyed its opposition to the proposed Federal Rule of Evidence 707 in a public comment letter addressed to the Judicial Conference of the U.S. Advisory Committee on Evidence Rules. The Department argues that the proposed rule is unnecessary and could lead to increased costs and complexity in litigation, challenging the effective handling of machine-generated evidence in courtrooms across the nation. According to the Department, the exi more ST

Justice In Aging Opposes Proposed Changes to Fair Housing Act Regulations (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- Justice in Aging has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development opposing changes to the Fair Housing Act's disparate impact regulations. The organization argues that the proposed rule seeks to undermine existing fair housing protections and could disproportionately harm older adults, particularly those facing intersecting forms of discrimination. In its letter, Justice in Aging contends that the current regulations effectivel more ST

Lawyers For Civil Rights Urges HUD to Withdraw Disparate Impact Standard Rule (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- Lawyers for Civil Rights (LCR) has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development expressing opposition to a proposed rule intended to alter the implementation of the Fair Housing Act. The organization argues that the proposed changes represent a regression in efforts to combat housing discrimination and threaten the rights of vulnerable communities. The proposed rule, published on January 14, 2026, aims to repeal existing regula more ST

Linebaugh Dority & Associates Supports Civil Rule Changes, Urges Caution On Evidence Amendment (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- Linebaugh Dority and Associates LLP has issued a public comment letter to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts expressing support for proposed amendments to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The firm argues that specific changes will significantly enhance the efficiency of the litigation process, particularly in light of successful practices already adopted in Texas. Among the amendments highlighted in the letter are proposed changes to FRCP 41(a), 45(b), and  more ST

Managing Attorneys & Clerks Association Urges Revisions to Proposed Federal Subpoena Service Amendments (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 -- The Managing Attorneys and Clerks Association Inc. (MACA) submitted a public comment letter to the Judicial Conference of the U.S. regarding proposed amendments to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 45. These amendments relate specifically to the service of subpoenas, an essential component of legal practice that impacts court proceedings and the rights of parties involved. MACA, representing approximately 120 law firms and legal offices primarily within the New York City ar more ST

Marsh Law Firm Criticizes Proposed Federal Rule of Evidence 707 for Lack of Clarity and Potential Overreach (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 -- Marsh Law Firm PLLC has submitted a public comment letter to the Judicial Conference of the U.S. Advisory Committee on Evidence. The firm expresses concerns that the proposed rule 707 is overly broad, poorly defined and could lead to excessive litigation about evidence that courts currently admit without complication. The rule intends to regulate "machine-generated evidence," a term the letter claims lacks a clear definition, which could invite litigation over a wide rang more ST

Maryland Legal Aid Opposes HUD's Proposed Changes to Fair Housing Act Regulations (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- Maryland Legal Aid has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development opposing the proposed rule to remove disparate impact liability from the Fair Housing Act's regulations. The organization emphasizes that protecting access to affordable housing is essential for the low-income population they serve. The organization argues that disparate impact serves as a crucial civil rights tool necessary to combat housing discrimination. Th more ST

N.H. Rep. Domb Urges HHS To Reject Rules Limiting Gender-Affirming Care For Youth (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 -- New Hampshire State Rep. Mindy Domb has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services opposing proposed federal actions that would limit access to gender-affirming medical care for transgender youth, arguing that the measures would interfere with clinical decision-making by families and physicians and restrict coverage under federal health programs. The letter highlights concerns that decisions regarding medical care should lie with more ST

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Supports Proposed Amendments to Rule 17 (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 -- The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers has issued a public comment letter to the Judicial Conference of the U.S. supporting proposed amendments to Rule 17 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. The organization has expressed its approval of the changes, which are designed to clarify existing ambiguities within the rule, while also voicing recommendations for further improvements. Founded in 1958, NACDL represents over 40,000 criminal defense attorneys a more ST

National Center for Youth Law Urges CMS to Withdraw Proposed Medicaid Rule Limiting Coverage for Transgender Youth Care (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- The National Center for Youth Law has submitted a public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services expressing opposition to a proposed rule that seeks to restrict federal Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program funding for transition-related healthcare for individuals under 18. The organization argues that the proposed rule is discriminatory and harmful to an already marginalized population. In the letter, NCYL outlines the significant risk more ST

National Organization of Veterans' Advocates Urges Changes to VA Claims Form (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 -- The National Organization of Veterans' Advocates Inc. has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs highlighting concerns regarding the information collection activity related to the intent to file a claim for compensation, pension or survivors pension. The organization represents over 900 members who assist military veterans in navigating the complexities of claims for their earned benefits. In the letter, NOVA emphasizes the importance more ST

New York City Bar Association Expresses Concerns Over Proposed Amendments to Federal Rule 17 (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 -- The New York City Bar Association has raised concerns in a public comment letter to the Judicial Conference of the U.S. Advisory Committee on Criminal Rules regarding the proposed amendments to Rule 17 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. The association emphasized that the current rule, unchanged since 1944, does not reflect the complexities of modern federal criminal practice. The letter points out that ambiguous interpretations of Rule 17 have resulted in incons more ST

New York Council of Defense Lawyers Urges Amendments to Federal Rules of Evidence (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- The New York Council of Defense Lawyers (NYCDL) has submitted a public comment letter to the Judicial Conference of the U.S. Advisory Committee on Appellate Rules calling for amendments that would tighten limits on the use of prior convictions and clarify the admissibility of statements reflecting a declarant's state of mind. As a professional association of over 300 defense attorneys, the NYCDL highlights its principal role in protecting individual rights as guaranteed b more ST

O'Rourke Investigative Associates Opposes Proposed Changes to Federal Subpoena Service Rules (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 -- O'Rourke Investigative Associates Inc. has submitted a public comment letter to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure expressing concerns over proposed amendments to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 45. The organization argues that the amendments, which would permit non-personal methods of subpoena service, pose various economic and legal risks. The amendments indicate a shift away from the traditional, personal delivery  more ST

Pa. Environmental Protection Dept. Voices Concerns Over Proposed Use of Non-Permissible Equipment in Mines (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration regarding petitions that seek to modify existing safety standards governing the use of non-permissible diagnostic equipment in coal mines. The DEP highlighted the potential dangers posed by allowing such equipment to be used in hazardous areas, particularly where dangerous mixtures of methane and air may be pres more ST

Prince William Sound Advisory Council Seeks Recertification (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 -- The Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council has submitted a public comment letter to the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard Arctic District advocating for its recertification. The council, established in response to the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1990, has played a pivotal role in promoting environmentally safe operations at the Alyeska terminal and its associated tankers. In its communication, the council outlined its essential mission of ensuring safe oi more ST

Proof Technology Opposes Proposed Rule 45 Amendment On Subpoena Service (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- Proof Technology has submitted a public comment letter to the Judicial Conference of the U.S. Advisory Committee on Civil Rules opposing the proposed amendment to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 45(b)(1). The organization argues that the proposed changes would create unnecessary confusion and legal disputes. In its letter, Proof highlights the importance of ensuring reliable delivery of legal documents, noting that indirect delivery methods or those routed through interme more ST

Proposed Amendments to Federal Rules Aim to Streamline Litigation Process (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 -- The Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure at the Administrative Office of the United States Courts has received a public comment letter in support of proposed amendments to Rules 41(a) and 45(c) from a prominent Detroit law firm. Carla D. Aikens, a principal attorney, highlighted concerns about procedural ambiguities that often burden individuals litigating against powerful entities in federal courts. In her comment, Aikens emphasized that the proposed amendment to more ST

Proposed Gender-Affirming Care Rule Sparks Widespread Opposition From Experts (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- A public comment letter issued has drawn significant attention as it underscores strong opposition to a proposed rule that seeks to restrict gender-affirming care for transgender youth. The letter, addressed to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), criticizes the rule's grounding in fundamentally flawed scientific claims and a pre-determined agenda. In the letter, the economist highlights that the supporting sources used to substantiate the proposed rule more ST

Proposed HHS Policy on Gender-Affirming Care Faces Backlash Over Legality and Safety Concerns (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- A public comment letter submitted to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has raised serious concerns about a proposed rule related to gender-affirming care for minors. Critics argue that the policy, outlined under the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), lacks legal backing and places vulnerable children at risk for unnecessary harm. The letter highlights significant issues with the proposed regulation, which aims to redefine and limit access more ST

Proposed Rule on Gender Dysphoria Treatments Sparks Controversy Over Medical Care Access (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- A public comment letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has raised serious concerns about a recently proposed rule that would restrict access to treatments for children with gender dysphoria. The proposed rule, titled "Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Hospital Condition of Participation: Prohibiting Sex-Rejecting Procedures for Children," asserts that certain medical procedures related to gender identity treatment do not fall under the practice of medi more ST

Public Health Advocates Coalition Urge Education Department to Designate Public Health Degrees as Professional Credentials (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- A coalition of over 2,400 public health stakeholders, including students, graduates, faculty, and community health professionals, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Education. This collective effort aims to formally request that public health degrees, such as the Master of Public Health (MPH) and Doctor of Public Health (DrPH), be classified as "professional degrees" under the proposed definitions outlined in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBB more ST

Public Interest Law Center Opposes Changes to Fair Housing Regulations (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- The Public Interest Law Center has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development expressing opposition to proposed changes regarding the enforcement of the Fair Housing Act's disparate impact standard. This notice of proposed rulemaking aims to eliminate HUD's existing discriminatory effects regulations, which the organization argues have been pivotal in combating discrimination across various protected classes for nearly six dec more ST

Real Estate Board of New York Urges IRS To Clarify Section 892 Rules On Sovereign Investor Control (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 -- The Real Estate Board of New York has submitted a public comment letter to the Internal Revenue Service regarding proposed regulations that relate to the taxation of income earned by foreign governments from their investments in the U.S. The board highlighted potential issues that could impact both current and future investments in U.S. real estate. The letter expressed concern over new proposed rules that could disrupt long-established market practices. Under Section 892 more ST

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Strongly Opposes Proposed Gender-Affirming Care Ban for Minors (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has expressed its opposition to a proposed rule by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that would prohibit hospitals receiving Medicare and Medicaid funding from providing gender-affirming care to individuals under 18. The foundation detailed its concerns about the implications this rule could have on minors experiencing gender dysphoria. The foundation, dedicated to health equity and transforming health in the United  more ST

Stritmatter Law Supports Proposed Civil Procedure Rule Changes (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- The Stritmatter Law has submitted a public comment letter to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure expressing support for proposed amendments to Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The amendments aim to enhance procedural clarity and efficiency within the civil justice system. The law firm, which focuses solely on representing plaintiffs, argues that the revisions hold substantial benefits for litigation practices. The pro more ST

Support for Recertification of Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 -- The Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council (PWSRCAC) received a supportive public comment letter directed to the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) regarding its recertification process. The letter was submitted in response to the federal agency's solicitation for comments documented in Docket USCG-2025-1064. The letter expresses strong support for the PWSRCAC, which plays a vital role in monitoring activities related to terminal facilities and crude oil tankers wi more ST

Texas General Land Office Advocates for HUD's Proposed Updating of Fair Housing Act Rules (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 -- The Texas General Land Office, Austin, has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development expressing its support for the proposed rule regarding the updates on Fair Housing Act. This letter addresses issues presented by the current regulatory framework and emphasizes the need for streamlined guidelines that facilitate disaster recovery efforts in Texas. The GLO believes that the existing 2023 Rule introduces unnecessary complexit more ST

Tulane Law School Professor Urges HUD to Withdraw Proposed Fair Housing Rule (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- Tulane Law School professor Stacy Seicshnaydre has submitted a public comment letter to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development expressing concern over a proposed rule regarding the Fair Housing Act's disparate impact standard. The organization emphasizes that the 2013/2023 rule aligns with longstanding legal precedents surrounding fair housing and correctly interprets the effects framework under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). The comment criticizes HUD's ration more ST

University of California Urges Evidence Rule To Address Reliability Of Computer-Generated Conclusions (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- The University of California Berkeley campus School of Law submitted a public comment letter to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure urging revisions to Proposed Federal Rule of Evidence 707 to ensure that computer-generated conclusions offered at trial are subject to meaningful reliability review. In her letter, Professor Roth emphasizes the need for the proposed rule to provide a thorough framework for assessing the a more ST

University of Utah Professor Cassell Urges Caution On Proposed Criminal Subpoena Rule Changes (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- Paul G. Cassell, professor of criminal law at the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law, delivered testimony on Jan. 22, 2026, to the Judicial Conference of the U.S. Advisory Committee on Criminal Rules warning that proposed amendments to Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 17 could weaken privacy protections for crime victims. The key issues highlighted by the professor revolve around the perceived inadequacies of the proposed amendments in protecting crime victi more ST

Volare Opposes Proposed Amendments to Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 17 (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 17 -- Volare has issued a public comment letter expressing opposition to the proposed amendments to Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 17. The letter was addressed to the Judicial Conference of the U.S. Advisory Committee on Criminal Rules following a public hearing held on January 22. The proposed revisions to Rule 17 could reduce protections for victims by altering the process surrounding subpoenas for personal and confidential information. In its letter, Volare highlighted t more ST

Waters Law Firm Backs Proposed Civil Procedure Rule Amendments (10)
WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- Waters Law Firm has issued a public comment letter to the Administrative Office of U.S. Courts Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure urging the approval of proposed amendments to several Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The firm highlights the need for modernizing the rules to enhance clarity and uniformity across federal jurisdictions. In the letter, the firm emphasizes the importance of these amendments for legal practitioners, particularly those involved in adm more ST