EEOC Issues Final Rule for Issuing Policy Guidance

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) today issued a final rule that establishes procedural regulations for the agency’s issuance of guidance.  The final rule provides clear procedures that will: make guidance documents readily available to the public, ensure that guidance is treated as non-binding and does not overstep legal authority, require a notice and public comment period for significant guidance, and establish a public petition process for the issuance, amendment, or repeal of guidance.

The EEOC is required to provide public notice of proposed regulations, provide interested parties an opportunity to comment, consider and respond to significant comments, and publish final regulations in the Federal Register https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2020-22542

The Commission believes that this final rule will improve agency guidance, which is a critical component of the agency’s outreach and education efforts, as they inform the public of the Commission’s current interpretations of the law on specific topics and promote voluntary compliance.

The EEOC advances opportunity in the workplace by enforcing federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. More information is available at www.eeoc.gov.  Stay connected with the latest EEOC news by subscribing to our email updates.