WHAT IS FEDERAL COMMENTING?
Federal regulation is one of the basic tools the government uses to carry out public policy. Agencies issue regulations (also known as "rules") through the rulemaking process when Congress provides the authority to do so. Federal agencies are required to provide an opportunity for public comment when proposing a new rule or regulation. This public comment process is "federal commenting." A comment can be as brief as a sentence, address specific aspects, or respond to all aspects of a proposed regulation. Anyone can comment.
What is a rule? Rules are government statements that either carry out or explain law or policy, or, describe an agency’s organization or procedures.
Why does an agency decide they need a rule? There are many reasons why an agency decides to begin the rulemaking process. In this case, the FHFA’ rulemaking process is part of, and in response to, the White House’s publication of “A Blueprint for a Renters’ Bill of Rights” on January 25, 2023. You can read the full Blueprint here.
How does an agency start the rulemaking and commenting process? There are different ways to start the rulemaking process. One of the ways an Agency can start the rulemaking process is by issuing a Request for Input (RFI). An RFI asks for input from the general public on how to implement laws, whether a new rule or policy is needed, or if there is a need to change an existing rule or policy. You can read the government’s full Request for Input on Tenant Protections here.
Why should I submit a comment? The public plays an extremely important role by commenting on proposed rules and other documents that solicit public input. Comments help agencies decide if they want to move forward and what action to take if they move forward. These comments can help shape the Agencies’ decisions. Government agencies are required to consider public comments. Your comments help create the administrative record that a federal agency or decision-maker has to consider when finalizing a rule or regulation. If the agency has failed to adequately consider the comments it received, a judge may invalidate the rule.
In addition to comments from tenants and tenant advocates, the government will also receive comments - and must consider comments - from landlords and business interests that do not want additional regulations. Landlords and business interests will come out in full force to try to stop FHFA from protecting renters. Tenants and tenant advocates must make their voices heard, so your participation in the public comment period is critical to securing strong renter protections at a federal level.
What is a rule? Rules are government statements that either carry out or explain law or policy, or, describe an agency’s organization or procedures.
Why does an agency decide they need a rule? There are many reasons why an agency decides to begin the rulemaking process. In this case, the FHFA’ rulemaking process is part of, and in response to, the White House’s publication of “A Blueprint for a Renters’ Bill of Rights” on January 25, 2023. You can read the full Blueprint here.
How does an agency start the rulemaking and commenting process? There are different ways to start the rulemaking process. One of the ways an Agency can start the rulemaking process is by issuing a Request for Input (RFI). An RFI asks for input from the general public on how to implement laws, whether a new rule or policy is needed, or if there is a need to change an existing rule or policy. You can read the government’s full Request for Input on Tenant Protections here.
Why should I submit a comment? The public plays an extremely important role by commenting on proposed rules and other documents that solicit public input. Comments help agencies decide if they want to move forward and what action to take if they move forward. These comments can help shape the Agencies’ decisions. Government agencies are required to consider public comments. Your comments help create the administrative record that a federal agency or decision-maker has to consider when finalizing a rule or regulation. If the agency has failed to adequately consider the comments it received, a judge may invalidate the rule.
In addition to comments from tenants and tenant advocates, the government will also receive comments - and must consider comments - from landlords and business interests that do not want additional regulations. Landlords and business interests will come out in full force to try to stop FHFA from protecting renters. Tenants and tenant advocates must make their voices heard, so your participation in the public comment period is critical to securing strong renter protections at a federal level.
Comments must be submitted by 11:59pm July 31, 2023.