Federal Register #2026-22761

Department of Labor finalizes electronic filing rules for OALJ proceedings

The Department of Labor finalized procedural rules for electronic filings in proceedings before the Office of Administrative Law Judges (OALJ). - Government entities: U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Secretary; proceedings covered are before OALJ. - Requirements: Represented parties must use the Department’s eFile/eServe system for filings. Judges may permit exceptions for good cause or through a standing order; self-represented parties may use the system. - Other provisions: The rule addresses electronic service, advance notice of hearing and prehearing-conference formats, and filing deadlines calculated using the presiding judge’s time zone. - Procurement relevance: This is a regulatory action, not a procurement. No products, services, OEMs, or vendors are requested.

Description

This final rule requires electronic filing in proceedings before the Department of Labor’s Office of Administrative Law Judges and provides for an electronic filing and service system. It revises 29 CFR part 18 and includes exceptions for good cause and provisions for self-represented parties. The rule also requires advance notice to parties about how hearings and prehearing conferences will be conducted. It is effective December 9, 2026.

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