Workplace Advisory in the News
On July 21, 2026, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) voted to publish a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) proposing to rescind the regulations requiring the submission of annual EEO Data Reports (EEO-1 through EEO-6).The announcement has generated significant attention, particularly among employers that currently submit EEO reports. However, it is important to understand what the Commission approved—and where the proposal stands in the federal rulemaking process.
What Happened?
The EEOC voted to begin the federal rulemaking process by approving a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is exactly that: a proposal. It is not a final rule and does not immediately change existing reporting or compliance requirements.The proposal must still proceed through the federal rulemaking process before any changes become effective.
Where Does the Proposal Go From Here?
The federal rulemaking process includes several steps before a proposed rule can become final:
Publication in the Federal Register. The proposed rule is published so the public can review the Commission's proposal.
Public Comment Period. Interested parties, including employers, employees, professional organizations, trade associations, and members of the public, have an opportunity to submit comments on the proposal.
Review of Public Comments. The EEOC reviews the comments it receives and may revise the proposal before issuing a final rule.
Final Rule. If the EEOC adopts a final rule, it will publish the rule and establish an effective date.
This process is designed to provide transparency and allow public participation before federal regulations are amended or rescinded.
What Does This Mean Today?
At this stage, the proposal represents the beginning of the rulemaking process rather than the completion of it.Until a final rule is issued and becomes effective, the proposal does not itself change existing reporting or compliance requirements. As with many regulatory developments, it is helpful to distinguish between a proposed rule and a final rule. Headlines often focus on the proposal itself, while the rulemaking process continues over the weeks or months that follow.
Practical Takeaway
The EEOC's vote marks the first step in a regulatory process, not the final outcome. Organizations interested in the proposal may wish to monitor the rulemaking process, review the proposed rule once it is published, and follow future updates from the EEOC as the process moves forward.
About Cid Law, PLLC
Cid Law, PLLC provides employment counsel and workforce advisory services to employers. We help organizations navigate workplace challenges by translating legal and regulatory developments into practical business guidance so leaders can make informed decisions with confidence.