NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF STATE LEGISLATURES
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State-federal legislation news and updates from NCSL.
Sept. 22, 2026
Happening this week: The Department of Education proposed a rule that would require state education grant recipients to comply with all executive orders. The Food and Drug Administration seeks to close a loophole that allows companies to self-certify that certain food substances meet the agency’s “generally recognized as safe” rule.
WASHINGTON WATCH: WHAT STATES NEED TO KNOW
Proposed Rule Would Require State Education Grantees to Comply With Executive Orders
A draft Education Department rule would require recipients of state-administered formula grants, such as the Title I program, to comply with executive orders just as they do with congressional statutes and agency regulations. The draft rule is a rewrite of the department’s General Administrative Regulations, which govern its competitive and formula grant programs. The rule would also permit the secretary to terminate discretionary grants “for convenience,” or without providing justification for the termination. The proposed rule is viewed as the department’s interpretation of financial assistance regulations proposed by the Office of Management and Budget in May. Comments for the rule are due Sept. 23.
► Federal Register: Education Department General Administrative Regulations
► Regulations.gov: | Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance
STATE-FED AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
FDA Proposes Rule Narrowing GRAS Loophole | The Food and Drug Administration has issued a proposed rule intended to reform the agency’s “generally recognized as safe,” or GRAS, rule, which exempts certain food substances from pre-market approval. The rule would narrow a decades-old loophole companies have used to self-certify the safety of certain chemicals and substances and bypass federal notification processes. The proposed rule would require companies to provide reasoning to the FDA when they make new self-certifying GRAS determinations. However, the change wouldn’t stop companies from adding chemicals or substances during the review process, and the FDA would not be required to review or approve them. Congressional action would be needed to require the agency to review and approve the chemicals or substances. The proposed rule is intended to help improve food ingredient transparency. The FDA also plans to release a new framework for how companies should submit for review the food chemicals they already use.
► FDA: Substances Generally Recognized as Safe (Proposed Rule)
Congress Funds Government Through Dec. 11, Delays OMB Uniform Regulation | President Donald Trump signed a continuing resolution that extends government funding at current levels through Dec. 11. The extension averts a potential government shutdown, as neither congressional chamber has passed an appropriations bill for fiscal year 2027, which begins Oct. 1. The resolution:
- Prevents the Office of Management and Budget from finalizing its proposed rule on Uniform Grant Guidance until at least Dec. 11, which seeks to significantly overhaul the federal grants and assistance process.
- Temporarily extends authorizations of surface transportation programs and the National Flood Insurance Plan.
Congress will resume its work on appropriations after the mid-term elections, as the House is currently in recess with the Senate expected to follow by early October.
► Senate: Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027
📅 Upcoming NCSL Events
Virtual Events
Sept. 24 | What States Need to Know About the Head Start Proposed Rule
Sept. 24 | Town Hall: Childcare at a Crossroads
Oct. 20-21 | NCSL Base Camp 2026
In-Person Meetings
Oct. 14 | Roundtable on Evaluating Economic Development Incentives
Professional Development for Legislative Staff
Sept. 29 | NLPES Professional Development Seminar
Sept. 30 | NALIT Professional Development Seminar
Oct. 4 | ASLCS Professional Development Seminar
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About Capitol to Capitol
Capitol to Capitol was established in 1994 to provide up-to-date information on important federal legislation. NCSL is committed to enhancing the role of states and state legislatures in the federal system.
