2026-22123·DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Reducing Bureaucracy and Burden for Block Grants

Proposed RuleComment Period OpenComments open

Published: Oct 29, 2026
Comments close: Nov 30, 2026
Citation: 91 FR 68097
Agencies: DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Administration for Children and Families

Notice of proposed rulemaking.

Summary

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) within the Department of Health and Human Services is proposing to rewrite its rules that govern federal block‑grant programs. The changes would modernize the regulations by removing outdated provisions, cutting unnecessary paperwork, and clarifying how the grants must be administered. The goal is to make it easier for state and tribal governments that receive block‑grant funding to comply with the rules, while still ensuring the money is used in line with congressional intent. The proposal applies to all states and tribal entities that receive block‑grant awards from HHS programs such as the Child Care and Development Fund, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, and other similar initiatives. By simplifying reporting, audit, and monitoring requirements, the agency hopes to reduce the administrative costs and time that grantees spend on compliance. The notice was published in the Federal Register on October 29, 2026 (91 FR 68097). Interested parties have until November 30, 2026 to submit written comments. After the comment period, ACF will review the feedback, make any further adjustments, and then issue a final rule that, once published, will become the governing regulation for block‑grant administration.

AI-generated summary — verify against the Federal Register text.

Official abstract

ACF proposes to amend its block grant regulations to modernize requirements, reduce administrative burden on States and Tribal grantees, and improve the clarity and efficiency of program administration. The current regulations include outdated provisions and procedural requirements that no longer reflect statutory authority or agency practice. The proposed revisions are intended to streamline grantee obligations, eliminate unnecessary requirements, and align the regulations with current law and policy.