OMB (the Office of Management and Budget) should provide guidelines for agencies and regulations.gov on basic information for the public. Each agency should provide a home page link to rulemaking information (preferably using a standard word or phrase: test whether “rulemaking,” “regulations” or another word works best for the public). At a minimum this page should include:
- brief explanation of rulemaking, with links to details - perhaps a tutorial on regulations.gov - and agency-specific information
- proposed rules and other actions the agency has open for comments, linked to background information
- rulemaking the agency expects in the coming months (Unified Agenda information)
- tips on making effective comments
- sign up for notification regarding specific topics and for notification of rulemaking outcomes (publication of a final rule)
- link to regulations.gov, for agencies, and to agencies for regulations.gov
- links to other agencies or sub agencies that deal with related topics
OMB Guidance Practices Bulletin 2007 gave instructions to agencies regarding guidance documents (used to spell out policies or interpretations). Please review it: whether the substance is useful or not, the topics addressed, including what agencies must do with regard to transparency and public participation, specific attention to electronic participation, and for example the stated advantages to agencies of early involvement, would be useful for rulemaking as well!
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